Jul. 25, 2013 – The Chinese government released the “Administrative Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (Order No.637 of State Council, hereinafter referred to as ‘Regulations’)” on July 22, which updates the current visa system and introduces several changes to the application of the residence permit.

The Regulations will take effect on September 1, 2013, with the previous administrative regulations on the entry and exit of foreigners is scheduled to be abolished concurrently. Detailed inaation can be found below.

Changes to the Application of Residence Permits

Types of residence permits
The Regulations have categorized residence permits into the following five types:

·       Working residence permits

·       Study residence permits

·       Journalist residence permits

·       Family reunion residence permits

·       Personal affair residence permits

Processing time of residence permits
Currently, foreigners holding a D visa, Z visa, X visa and J-1 visa must obtain a residence permit within 30 days upon entry. The processing period for applications of the permit is 5 business days upon the receipt of the application. However, the processing period has been extended to 15 calendar days under the Regulations.

Biometric inaation
Foreigners who apply for residence permits should submit their passports (or other travel documents) along with photos and other supporting documents to the local exit and entry administration authority above the county level, and shall provide fingerprints and other human biometric inaation at the same time.