Hello all, I was just reading this and thought I’d put in my own experience. Both my friend and I are from Canada, and are currently working in Shenzhen, China.
We were set up with a three month internship, but that has been cut down to two because that’s the longest visa we could get. Also, we could only get a two entry visa, instead of multiple entry. We thought we could maybe apply for more here, or in Hong Kong, but it seems like more trouble now, which is too bad, because Hong Kong is so close, and really nice to visit.
China is not allowing any work visas right now (we were told), so instead, they gave us tourist visas. I don’t really understand if they expect us not to work while we are here or what.
To actually apply, we went to a travel agent who told us what we need:
Confirmed flights,
Entry and exit dates and locations and methods, including when we leave (for the double entry)
Where we are staying (hotel or apartment)
Why we are here
Citizenship card of a sponsor (photocopy)
Invitation and purpose of visit from sponsor
pre-filled out application
Passport, etc.
I think that’s it.
At the embassy and online there is nothing telling you this information, unless you wait in line for three hours just to ask.
We got all this together, and then went to the embassy, where the turnaround was faster than the travel agent. We actually got the visas in two or three days, but it took about a month for us to get all the info together.
China is pretty hard to get into right now, but it’s an interesting place to see, and when you have an excuse like work to visit here for longer than most tourists would, I don’t know why anyone would say no. Just make sure you have everything together first, or you’ll wait in line for three hours and be turned away at the counter. I saw it happen to quite a few people.
I hope that helps anyone who is thinking about going.
-S.