1. Foreigners Concerned

Foreigners who, after entry, need to reside or stay in China for non-diplomatic or business purposes shall apply to the entry/exit administration department of the local public security bureau for the extension, replacement or renewal of their visas; or for the issuance or replacement of a stay permit; or for the issuance, extension or replacement of their residence permits.

2. Addresses for Relevant Transactions

2.1 Application for Exit/Entry Permits

1) Entry/Exit Window, F/3, Municipal Administrative Service Center, 219, Qianjin Middle Road, KETD, Kunshan;
Tel: 0512-57385868;

2) Entry/Exit Branch Office, Zhangpu Administrative Service Center, 1, Huayuan Road, Zhangpu Town, Kunshan.
Tel: 0512-36695903

2.2 Addresses for Temporary Accommodation Application

Penglang Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	666, Penglai Road, Penglang, KETD, Kunshan	0512-57815009
Bacheng Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	4299, Gucheng North Road, Bacheng Town, Kunshan	0512-57986110; 0512-57986115
Free Trade Zone Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Administrative Service Center, Free Trade Zone, 388, Xinnan East Road,KETD, Kunshan	0512-57159051
Bingxi Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Administrative Service Center, Times Building, 369, Qianjin East Road, KETD, Kunshan	0512-57637272
Zhoushi Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Zhoushi Administrative Service Center, 818, Yingbin Road, Zhoushi Town, Kunshan	0512-57060906
Dianshanhu Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Household Registration Hall, Dianshanhu Police Station, 199, Zhendian Road, Dianshanhu Town, Kunshan	0512-57481489
Changjiang Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	8, Dongxin Street, Yushan Town, Kunshan	0512-57332033
Shipu Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	F/1, Shipu Police Station, 361, Hongchuan Road, Shipu, Qiandeng Town, Kunshan	0512-57409848
Lujia Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Lujia Administrative Service Center, 2, Kongxiang East Road, Lujia Town, Kunshan	0512-57281991
Tongxin Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Tongxin Police Station, 6, Chongke Road, Yushan Town, Kunshan	0512-57828121
Chaoyang Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Chaoyang Police Station, 83, Renmin South Road, KSND, Kunshan	0512-57302344
Cao'an Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Administrative Service Center, 721, Lvdi Avenue, Huaqiao Town, Kunshan	0512-57609851
Zhouzhuang Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Zhouzhuang Police Station, 100, Quanwang Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Kunshan	0512-57219823
Xinzhen Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	98, Dongfang Road, Zhoushi Town, Kunshan	0512-55122310
Zhangpu Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Zhangpu Administrative Service Center, 1, Huayuan Road, Zhangpu Town, Kunshan	0512-36695884
Chengzhong Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Household Registration Office, Chengzhong Police Station, West Street, KSND, Kunshan	0512-57557899
Jinxi Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Jinxi Administrative Service Center, 1, Jiayuan Road, Jinxi Town, Kunshan	0512-57220915
Chengxi Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	395, Ma'anshan Middle Road, Yushan Town, Kunshan	0512-57571397
Qiandeng Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Qiandeng Administrative Service Center, Qiandeng Town, Kunshan	0512-36620365
Huaqiao Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Huaqiao Administrative Service Center, 719, Lvdi Avenue, Huaqiao Town, Kunshan	0512-57698730、0512-57698331
Zhonghuayuan Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	99, Hengshan Road， Kunshan	0512-36692726
Wusongjiang Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	398, Jinsong Road, Yushan Town, Kunshan	0512-57995752
Zhengyi Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Zhengyi Police Station, 15, Bingdilian Road, Zhengyi, Bacheng Town, Kunshan	0512-57807717
Science & Education Park Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	886, Xiaolin West Road, Yushan Town, Kunshan	0512-55179110
Qingyang Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Qingyang Police Station, 999, Baishu Road, KETD, Kunshan	0512-57710351
Chengbei Branch Office, Entry/Exit Administration Division, Kunshan Municipal Public Security Bureau	Chengbei Administrative Service Center, 1315, Beimen Road, Yushan Town, Kunshan	0512-57791994

2.3 Office Hours

08:30-16:30, Monday-Saturday
Emergency phone number outside office hours:15190160132

3. Required Supporting Documents

3.1 Documents Required for Visa Extension

The foreigner who wishes to extend his/her visa shall apply for such extension to the exit/entry administration department of the local public security bureau 7 days before the expiration date and provide required supporting documents when submitting such application:

1) The C visa holder, for the purpose of visa extension, shall submit supporting documents provided by the exit/entry authority under the local government at or above the county level, or provided by the local transportation company such as civilian aviation, railway, highway, port companies. The extension will not exceed 30 days.

2) The F visa holder shall submit supporting documents provided by the inviting and hosting organization, which, if not in the registry, shall also provide supporting registration documents. The extension will not exceed 180 days.

3) The G visa holder shall submit supporting documents provided by the hosting organization as well as the onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region. The extension will not exceed 30 days.

4) The J2 visa holder shall submit supporting documents provided by the foreign affairs department of the provincial government. The extension will not exceed 30 days.

5) The L visa holder shall submit his/her tour itinerary. Package tourists are also required to provide supporting documents provided by the travel agency. The extension will not exceed 30 days.

6) The M visa holder shall submit supporting documents provided by the inviting or hosting organization or individual. The inviting or hosting organization, if not in the registry, shall also provide proof of registration. If the partner is an individual, the supporting documents shall be signed by this individual and the supporting documents of this partner's household registration or domicile shall also be provided. The extension will not exceed 180 days.

7) The Q2 visa holder shall submit supporting documents provided by the visited individual, including proofs of ID and familial relations. The extension will not exceed 180 days.

8) The R visa holder shall submit supporting documents provided by the inviting or hosting organization, which, if not in the registry, shall also be supported by proofs of registration. The extension will not exceed 180 days.

9) The S2 visa holder, for the purpose of visiting a family member, shall submit the supporting documents provided by the visited individual, including proofs of stay or residence permits and familial relations. Other applicants shall submit proofs of personal affairs or humanitarian reasons. The duration of stay for the family-visiting applicant will be extended by no more than 180 days; for other applicant, no more than 90 days.

10) The X2 visa holder shall submit supporting admission documents provided by the education and training institution in China. The extension will not exceed 180 days.

The extended duration of stay will not exceed the original duration of stay specified on the visa.

3.2 Supporting Documents Required for Visa Replacement

1) The foreigner who needs to replace his/her visa due to reasons allowed by applicable laws and regulations, including change of purpose of visit, entry facilitation, change of passport, or the need for a common visa after entry due to his/her separation from the visiting group, shall submit the following supporting documents:

2) The F visa applicant shall submit supporting documents provided by the inviting organization and may apply for a zero-, one-, two-, or multiple-entry F visa whose validity shall not exceed one year, with each stay not exceeding 180 days per entry. The foreigner who are selected by national talent programs or qualified for certain investment criteria may be awarded a multiple-entry F visa whose validity shall not exceed 5 years, with each stay not exceeding 180 days per entry.

3) The J2 applicant shall submit supporting documents provided by the foreign affairs department of the provincial government. The replaced visa shall be zero-entry, with the stay not exceeding 30 days.

4) The M visa applicant shall submit supporting documents provided by the inviting organization and may be awarded a zero-, one-, two-, or multiple-entry visa whose validity shall not exceed one year, with each stay not exceeding 180 days.

5) The Q2 visa applicant shall submit supporting documents provided by the visited individual and proofs of ID and familial relationship and may be awarded a zero-, one-, two-, or multiple-entry visa whose validity shall not exceed one year, with each stay not exceeding 180 days.

6) The R visa applicant shall submit supporting documents to prove that he/she is qualified for the criteria set for leading and urgently needed foreign experts by the relevant authorities of the Chinese government, together with the supporting documents from the inviting or hosting organization, and may be awarded a zero-, one-, two-, or multiple-entry visa whose validity shall not exceed 5 years, with each stay not exceeding 180 days.

7) The S2 visa applicant shall submit supporting documents provided by the visited individual as well as proofs of foreigner's residence permit and familial relationship. Other individuals shall submit supporting documents to prove humanitarianism associated with their visits. The applicant may be awarded a zero- or one-entry visa with each stay not exceeding 180 days.

8) The X2 visa applicant shall submit supporting documents provided by the education or training organization in China, including proofs of enrollment or admission, and may be awarded a zero-, one- or two- -entry visa whose validity shall not exceed one year, with each stay not exceeding 180 days.

9) The foreigner who needs to replace their old passport due to exhaustion of visa pages shall submit the passport he/she used for the most recent entry or supporting documents provided by the embassy/consulate of his/her home country in China which proves that his/her passport has been recovered. The new visa issued will be the same as the original visa in terms of type, expiration date, duration of stay and the remaining number of entries.

10) The foreigner who has a dependent person shall submit the passport he/she used for the most recent entry, together with the birth certificate of such dependent person. The visa replacement shall be processed pursuant to provisions hereof.

11) The applicant who has entered China on a group visa but needs to stay separately from the group shall submit supporting documents provided by the travel agency. The visa replacement shall be processed pursuant to provisions hereof.

The applicant who has obtained a replaced visa shall not stay continuously for more than one year from the date of his/her most recent entry.

3.3 Supporting Documents Required for New Visa Application

The foreigner who has lost, had his/her visa damaged, robbed or stolen shall submit the following documents for a new visa:

1) The foreigner who has lost, had his/her visa robbed or stolen, shall submit proof of loss, or the diplomatic note provided by the embassy/consulate of his/her home country in China, together with the new valid passport or other valid international travel permit.

2) The foreigner who has had his/her visa damaged shall submit the damaged passport, or the diplomatic note provided by the embassy/consulate of his/her home country in China, together with the new valid passport or other valid international travel permit.

3) The group who has lost, had their group visa robbed, stolen or damaged, shall submit supporting documents provided by the local hosting travel agency together with the photocopy of the original group visa.

The new visa issued shall be the same as the original visa in terms of type, expiration date, duration of stay and the remaining number of entries.

3.4 Supporting Documents Required for Stay Permit Application

1) The visa-exempt foreigner who needs to stay in China for non-diplomatic or non-business purposes shall submit supporting documents pursuant to the provisions of Section VII hereof to apply for a stay permit.

2) The foreign crew member of a ship and his/her accompanying family member who need to leave the city where the ship is docked shall submit his/her seafarer's passport, or other international travel permit and a letter of guarantee issued by the shipping agency, together with an onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat or other supporting documents that can justify the stay, for the purpose of applying for a stay permit, whose duration of stay will not exceed 30 days.

3) The person who has renounced his/her Chinese citizenship and needs to stay in China shall submit the certificate of renunciation of citizenship, the foreign passport or other international travel permit, together with supporting documents that justify his/her stay, for the application of a stay permit, whose duration will not exceed 180 days.

4) The foreigner whose duration of stay has expired but still needs to stay in China for humanitarian reasons shall submit his/her stay/residence permit and related supporting documents for the application of a stay permit, whose duration will not exceed 30 days.

5) The foreign infant who was born in China and needs to stay in China shall submit his/her birth certificate, passport and his/her parents' passports for the application of a stay permit, whose duration will be as long as that of his/her parents.

6) The foreigner who holds a stay permit but cannot leave China due to reasons beyond his/her control may apply to have his/her stay permit replaced. He/she shall provide supporting documents as required by the provisions hereof for the application.

7) The foreigner who has lost, had his/her stay permit damaged, robbed or stolen, shall submit the proof of loss, or the diplomatic note issued by the embassy/consulate of his/her home country in China, together with the new passport or other international travel permit, for the application for a new stay permit.

3.5 Supporting Documents Required for Residence Permit Application

Where the visa held by the foreigner specifies that he/she needs to apply for a residence permit after entry, such foreigner shall, within 30 days from the date of his/her entry, apply to the exit/entry administration of the public security branch office in the proposed place of residence for a foreigners' residence permit.

The foreigner who applies for a residence permit whose duration exceeds one year shall submit a health certificate from the local health and quarantine department or the healthcare organization at and above the county level that proves he/she has no serious mental disorders, infectious tuberculosis or other infectious disease that may cause major risks to public health, together with the following supporting documents:

1) Residence permit for employment: The Z visa holder shall submit the work permit provided by the local human resources and social security department or the authorized department in charge of foreign expert affairs, together with supporting documents provided by the employer; the applicant holding other types of visas shall submit supporting documents that prove the applicant has fulfilled the talent or investment criteria set by the authorized department of the Chinese government.

Prominent foreign or urgently needed experts and qualified investors may be awarded residence permits with a duration of no more than 5 years; foreigners employed by reputable organizations in the registry may be awarded residence permits with a duration of no more than two years; other foreign applicants may be awarded residence permits with a duration of no more than one year.

2) Residence permit for education: The X1 visa holder shall submit the document that specifies the required period of his/her education and the proof of admission; foreigners holding other types of visas shall also submit supporting documents provided by the authorized department in charge. Such applicants may be awarded residence permits with a duration the same as the required period of education.

Foreigners holding education visas who need to work part-time or as interns, after approved by the school where they are educated, shall submit supporting documents provided by their schools and organizations that offer job or intern ship opportunities to the exit/entry administration department of the local public security authorities for residence permits.

3) Residence permit for journalism: The J1 visa holder shall submit the Journalist's Certificate provided by the foreign affairs department of the provincial government together with other required documents and may be awarded a residence permit with a duration of no more than one year.

4) Residence permit for family reunion: Foreigners holding Q1 visa shall submit their ID papers and documents that explain their relationship with the visited person; foreigners holding other types of visas shall also provide proofs of their relationship with the visited person. Applicants who are less than 10 years old or already 60 years old may be awarded residence permits with a duration of no more than 3 years; however, the duration of residence for applicants who are under the age of 18 shall not exceed the difference between their current age and the age of 18. Other applicants may be awarded residence permits with a duration of no more than two years.

For a foreign child of Chinese parents holding foreign citizenship who is under the age of 18 and fostered in China, the guardian may apply, on the child's behalf, for a residence permit to the exit/entry administration department of the public security authorities of the jurisdiction where his/her household (hukou) is registered or his/her major domicile is located. Required supporting documents for the application shall include: the birth certificate of the child, the photocopies of his/her parents' passports (the photocopied proof of such parent's foreign residence is also required if one of his/her parents holds Chinese citizenship); the documents of custody from such child's parents and the guardian (such documents shall specify the foster carer or the guardian as well as the term of foster care); the proof of household registration of the foster carer or proof residence in the place where the foster carer has actually resided for over 6 moths and his/her ID card. Such child may be awarded a residence permit with a duration of no more than 3 years; however, such duration shall exceed the difference between their current age and the age of 18.

5) Resident permit for private affairs: The S1 visa-holding applicant shall submit supporting documents provided by the visited person that explain the relationship between the applicant (spouse, parent, spouse's parent or child under the age of 18) and the visited person as well as the residence permit of the visited person. Such applicant may be awarded a residence permit with a duration the same as that of the visited person. Other applicants shall submit supporting documents that justify their private affairs and may be awarded a residence permit with a duration of no more than one year.

The foreigner who enters China on any other type of visa shall submit supporting documents provided by the visited person, including his/her residence permit and proof of familial relationship (spouse, parent, spouse's parent and child under the age of 18). Such applicant may be awarded a residence permit with a duration the same as that of the visited person.

The applicant who needs to reside in China for humanitarian reasons may be awarded a residence permit with a duration of no more than one year: a foreign Chinese who is already 60 years old and has purchased property in China shall submit the proof of property ownership or a notarized property purchase contract as well as the proof of his/her source of income; the foreigner who is receiving healthcare in China shall submit supporting documents provided a healthcare organization at or above the county or A2 level that an over-6-month hospitalization or healthcare is needed.

6) Application for residence permit extension The foreigner who wishes to extend their residence permit shall apply to the exit/entry administration department of the local public security authorities 30 days in advance of the expiration date and provide supporting documents relating to the purpose of such extension. If there is a good reason for such extension, the application will be approved; if the application is rejected, the foreigner shall leave China before the expiration of his/her residence permit.

7) Application for change of residence permit

If there is any change to the information recorded with respect to a foreigner's residence permit (including changes in the name, the purpose of residence or the number of his/her passport or other international travel permit), the foreigner shall apply for changing his/her residence permit to the exit/entry administration department of the local public security authorities within 10 days from the occurrence of such change. As required by the provisions above, the application for such change shall be supported by relevant documents regarding the change of personal information or the purpose of residence.

8) Application for a new residence permit

The foreigner who has lost, had his/her residence permit damaged, robbed or stolen, for the purpose of applying for a new residence permit, shall submit the proof of loss of the passport, or the diplomatic note issued by the embassy/consulate of his/her home country in China that proves such loss, or present the damaged permit, together with the new passport or other valid international travel permit.

9) Application for an exit/entry permit

The foreigner who cannot obtain a replacement from the embassy/consulate of his/her home country in China for his/her passport or international travel permit that has been lost, damaged, robbed or stolen, for the purpose of applying for an exit/entry permit, shall submit the proof of such loss, or the diplomatic note issued by the embassy/consulate of his/her home country in China that proves such loss, or the damaged/invalid certificate, together the temporary ID certificate in place of the passport. The issued exit/entry permit shall be valid for no more than 30 days.

10) Application for a permanent residence permit

The foreigner who intends to be a permanent resident shall submit such application to the exit/entry administration window at the Suzhou Administrative Service Center (389, Sanxiang Road, Suzhou). For more information, please call: 0512-68661471(Suzhou); 0512-57379066 (Kunshan).

1) Family members include the spouse, parents, the spouse's parents, children, brothers and sisters, grandparents, grandparents-in-law, grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law and children's spouses.

2) Proof of familial relationship include certificates of marriage, birth, adoption and other relationships as well as other notarized papers issued by designated authorities, or certificates of marriage, birth, familial relationship, proof of name change and other supporting documents issued by the embassy/consulate of the foreigner's home country in China.

3) Certificates of marriage, birth and familial relationship, proof of name change and other related supporting documents issued by foreign designated authorities and notary organizations shall be certified by the embassy/consulate of China in the foreigner's home country.

4) For Chinese citizens, the ID proof refers to the household registration certificate, or proof of over-six-month residence in their domiciles and resident ID card; for overseas Chinese, the ID proof refers to the Chinese passport and foreign residence permit; for citizens of Hong Kong and Macau, the ID proof refers to the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents; for citizens of Taiwan, the ID proof refers to the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents; for foreigners, the ID proof refers to the permanent residence permit. Overseas Chinese and citizens of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan shall also provide proof of over-six-month residence in their domiciles.

The aforementioned certificates shall be translated into Chinese.

4. Charges and Fees

Foreigners who apply for the aforementioned visas, permits and certificates shall pay charges and fees as required by applicable regulations and provisions.

5. Application Methods

The foreigner who applies for a visa, stay permit extension or replacement, or a new stay permit, shall personally follow the procedure as required by the exit/entry administration department of the public security authorities in his/her jurisdiction. The inviting organization/individual, his/her relative or a professional agent may follow such procedure on his/her behalf if any of the following conditions is met:

1) The applicant is under the age of 16, above the age of 60 or unable to move due to reasons such illness;
2) The entry is not the first one for the applicant who has a good track record during his/her residence/stay in China;
3) The inviting organization/individual pays for the expenses incurred by the foreigner during his/her stay in China.

The foreigner who needs to apply for a residence permit shall personally follow the procedure as required by the exit/entry administration department of the public security authorities in his/her jurisdiction. If the foreigner is characterized as a prominent/urgently needed expert or fulfills any of the aforementioned conditions, the inviting organization/individual, his/her relative or a professional agent may file the application on his/her behalf.

6. Application Procedure

The foreigner who applies for a visa or any other permit, shall accept questioning by the exit/entry administration department of the public security authorities in his/her jurisdiction. If such exit/entry administration department needs to verify circumstances with the inviting organization/individual, such organization/individual shall be cooperative. If the applicant or the inviting organization/individual fails, without good reason, to attend the face-to-face interview by such exit/entry administration department, the application may be rejected.

The foreigner who applies for a visa or any other permit shall fill in Visa/Permit Application Form and provide his/her passport or other international travel permit, together with a photo and other supporting documents as required.

7. Return Receipt

For the application that meets the criteria, the exit/entry administration department shall process the application, issue a return receipt and decide whether to issue the visa/permit or not within the term of the return receipt. Such term for visa or stay permit application will not exceed 7 working days from the date when the application is processed; such term for residence permit application will not exceed 15 working days from the date when the application is processed.

If the applicant's passport or other international travel permit is kept by the exit/entry administration department, he/she may use the return receipt as legal proof of stay. The applicant may also apply to recover his/her passport or other international travel permit if there is good reason; however, the passport or the international travel permit shall be returned within the term of the return receipt to facilitate visa/permit issuance by the exit/entry administration department.

8. Processing Time

The exit/entry administration department of the public security authorities will decide whether to issue the visa/stay permit within 7 working days after accepting the application; whether to issue the residence permit within 15 working days after the accepting the application.

The applicant may also apply to the exit/entry administration department of the public security authorities to expedite the processing of his/her application if he/she has good reason; upon such request, the exit/entry administration department may provide such convenience where appropriate.

9. Authority

The applicant who is covered by Articles 21 and 31 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China will be disqualified for visa/permit qualification. The decision made by the exit/entry administration department of the public security authorities not to extend or replace the applicant's visa or stay/residence permit, or not to issue a new visa or stay/residence permit, shall be deemed as final.

10. Miscellaneous

1) Inviting/Hosting Organization Registration

The organization that invites/hosts foreigners may apply to the exit/entry administration department of the local public security authorities to be added into its registry.

2) Accommodation Registration

The foreigner who is accommodated in China shall be registered pursuant to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China. When processing a foreigner's visa/permit application, the exit/entry administration department of the public security authorities may require the foreigner to submit the registration proof of his/her accommodation in China.