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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The issuance of a new Z visa or residence visa does not automatically void a previously issued valid 10-year business (M), tourist (L) or study (F) visa.
What does the change mean? Foreign travelers can continue to enter China with existing 10-year business, tourist or study visas, depending on the purpose of their visit, even if a new Z visa or residence permit was issued.
Background: The Public Security Bureau and border security officials in China have verbally confirmed that a new Z visa or residence visa will no longer invalidate an existing 10-year L, M or F visa and a foreign national holding both visas may enter China with either visa, depending on the purpose of that trip.
Previously, Chinese officials treated a new visa as automatically canceling an existing visa even without a void stamp.
BAL Analysis: The policy represents a change in practice that provides more flexibility to foreign employees; however, employees are still bound by the terms of the visa and should enter using the visa that is appropriate for the purpose of each trip.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact china@bal.com.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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