China Immigration
Immigration Overview
Due to China's socialist system, it is not yet possible for foreigners to immigrate to China. However, as a result of recent legislation, a "Green Card" system has been adopted, which allows for a form of permanent residency for cardholders. As such, for longer-term residency, all foreigners, after obtaining a visa for entry into China, based on their purpose of residency, must undertake several procedures in order to obtain a valid Residence Permit. This allows for the holder to reside in the municipality of registration for a period of, generally, one year, renewable indefinitely provided certain conditions continue to be met.Similar to other countries, a Chinese visa allows for entry into, exit from or transit through Chinese territory. Visas are divided into the following classifications, depending on the purpose of travel:
- L: travel / visit
- F: business
- Z: employment
- X: student
- C: crewmember
- G: transit
- D: permanent residency issued overseas
- J-1: foreign resident correspondent
- J-2:foreign resident correspondent on temporary interview assignment
