With its wealth of economic, cultural, and geographic variety, China—a contemporary financial giant with firmly rooted traditional roots—makes for an intriguing location to live. With 3.6 million square miles of breathtaking scenery, thriving cities, and fascinating culture, China is an eternally fascinating country for new immigrants to explore. It is also a promising opportunity for individuals hoping to further their careers and explore new horizons. Getting your papers in order is the first and most crucial stage in the relocation process. You should choose the appropriate visa depending on how long you want to stay and if you intend to work.
Why China is best for Indian Immigrants?
Many people regard China as a realistic choice as the expense of decent education in India rises year after year, so students immigrate to China from India. The availability of English-language courses at several Chinese institutions has resolved the ongoing language barrier issue.
China, the factory of the world, has long dominated the industrial industry. The nation has become a competitive market with a persistent need for human resources due to its high output of both capital and consumer products, which an economy with complementing policies has boosted.
This offers up opportunities for students who also wish to work there. There are many career options, including teaching and those in business, commerce, IT, tech, hospitality, tourism, finance, engineering, and even research and development. For Indian students, China is more cost-effective in terms of rent and other costs than other Western nations. The institutions provide financial aid to students pursuing advanced degrees in fields including engineering, business, and medicine. Additionally, when compared to other nations like the US, the UK, etc., the cost of living in some Chinese cities is significantly lower. After finishing their courses, students receive a high-quality education and valuable professional experience.
Why should you settle in China?
- The blend and tolerance of China’s rich past and contemporary civilization are what most visitors find to be its greatest appeal. It is unusual to find a historical nation that can successfully blend its traditional and contemporary cultures. China accomplished its goal.
- You may observe the collected beauty of time and get a strong feeling of culture when you visit historic and ancient towns like Beijing, Hangzhou, Xi’an, and Nanjing. Modern skyscrapers are seamlessly incorporated into the area’s historical setting at the same time. This precise balance between old and modern culture never fails to astound people. China is a fantastic destination for you to embrace these two.
- Only in China can you enjoy a variety of scenery, from the coast to the mountains, from the basin area to the plateau, and experience all four seasons and climates in a single month. Given its size, China has the most diverse and richly varied landscapes. Your enjoyment of the natural world’s beauty is never lacking. A lot of overseas students decide to spend their year off studying Chinese in China. They use this opportunity to travel across China in addition to studying Chinese, which is helpful.
- Chinese culture is wonderful. China is the perfect place for you to live if you enjoy being in nature and are enthusiastic about participating in a variety of outdoor activities.
- Safety and security issues are always of great concern while going abroad. China might be one of the safest nations in the world to visit and tour. You’ll never have to be concerned about crimes like robberies or murder on the street. All during the day and night, you may enjoy strolling about the city.
- When it comes to the benefits of living in China, the most essential one cannot be overlooked. Particularly when compared to the typical wage of an ex-pat worker in China, the cost of living here is considerably cheaper. When working and living in China, you don’t really need to learn how to save money wisely because the lower cost of living in China may already help you save on many everyday costs, provided you can adjust to enjoy daily Chinese life and don’t insist on maintaining a western way of life.
General Requirements for China Immigration
The procedure of immigration to China should start with getting your visa and getting your vaccinations. DPT, polio, MMR, and hepatitis A vaccines are all necessary for China, and certain visa types additionally call for a thorough medical assessment.
Additional health hazards may exist depending on the place you’re relocating to; malaria is still an issue in rural regions, and dengue fever is common in Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, and Yunnan. There are other routine health precautions you might not be accustomed to taking into mind, such as the need to wear a face mask on days when pollution levels are high or hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which is a common health concern for young children in China.
If you’re going to relocate to China with pets, get the tape measure out since there is a 35 cm animal height limit if you’re relocating to the core districts of Beijing and Shanghai. Double-check the customs limits before you pack because you’ll need to apply in writing to transport your household goods.
Having the appropriate documentation is crucial whether you’re moving with family or a pet. Bring formal proof of your relationships to one another, such as birth or marriage certificates and an official certificate of immunity for the animal.
Additionally, you should carry cash with you as many establishments—including restaurants, stores, and even hospitals—in China do not take credit or debit cards. Take advantage of the fact that there are no restrictions on taking foreign currencies with you. Though there is no limitation, keep in mind that you must disclose any sum above 5,000 USD.
Types of Visa
There are eight subcategories of standard China visas, each identified by a letter. As follows:
- L (tourist visa): Granted to an applicant traveling to China for leisure, business, or other personal reasons
- The F (business visa): Given to a candidate who has been invited to China for a visit, research project, lecture, business trip, scientific-technological exchange, or short-term advanced study or internship that lasts no more than six months
- Z (work visa): Granted to applicants who will begin employment or accept a job in China, as well as to any accompanying family members
- X (student visa): Granted to applicants who go to China for a minimum of six months of study, advanced study, or internship
- C (crew visa) Visa: Granted to crew members on foreign aviation, navigation, and ground transportation missions, as well as family members, accompanying them.
- G (transit visa): Granted to travelers passing through China
- D (resident visa): Given to applicants who wish to permanently emigrate to China.
- J-1 (journalist visa): Given to foreign reporters who are residents of China
- J-2 (journalist visa): Given to international journalists on a short-term assignment in China
Visa requirements
Around six weeks before to departure, you should apply for a China visa at a Chinese embassy or Visa Application Center in your nation.
Required Documents for Visa Applications:
Passports
The original passport must have at least two blank pages and a validity of more than six months. When you apply for a visa, a copy of the photo information page is required.
Forms and photos for visa applications
Fill out the PRC (People’s Republic of China) Visa Application Form completely, and attach a current full-face, color visa photo where it is appropriate.
Legal Residency and Stay Permits
For candidates who apply for China visas in nations other than their home countries, legal stay and residency permits or visas are necessary.
Former Chinese Passports
For foreigners who once held Chinese citizenship but have since obtained a foreign nationality and are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, former Chinese passports and picture page copies are necessary since China dual citizenship is not allowed. If the name on the foreign passport and the old Chinese passport are different, notarial documents pertaining to the name change are necessary.
L-Visa Supporting Documents
Those applying for an L-visa must show proof of a round-trip airline ticket, a hotel reservation, or an invitation letter from a Chinese institution or person. The following information has to be in the letter:
- Personal information about the applicant: name, gender, and birth date
- The applicant’s itinerary details, including arrival and departure times and locations.
- Details about the hosting company or individual, including names, contact information (phone, address, official seal, or signature of the host), and so forth.
G-Visa Supporting Documents
G-Visa applicants must provide proof that they have reservations for tickets on a subsequent international aircraft leaving China.
Z-Visa Supporting Documents
Depending on their invitation’s kind, Z-Visa applicants must provide one of the following sets of documentation:
- An Alien Employment Permit and a letter of invitation from an authorized unit or an invitation confirmation letter issued by the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security
- A China Work Permit for Foreign Experts, as well as a letter of invitation from a properly authorized unit or an invitation confirmation letter from the Bureau of Foreign Experts
- A letter of invitation from a properly authorized unit, an invitation confirmation letter provided by the Administration Bureau for Industry and Commerce, and a certificate from the Resident Representative Office of Foreign Companies
- For applicants who are traveling to China exclusively for commercial performances, a letter of invitation from a properly authorized unit, an invitation confirmation letter issued by the relevant Foreign Affairs Department (municipal/county-level), or Documents of Commercial Art Performance from the relevant administrative department of culture.
- A letter of invitation from the China National Offshore Oil Corporation to foreigners working in offshore oil operations in the People’s Republic of China
Within 30 days of entering China, holders of Z-Visas should submit an application for residence permits to the Public Security Entry-Exit Administration in the city where they work.
X1-Visa Supporting Documents
Those requesting an X1 visa must submit the following documentation:
- The original and a copy of the admissions letter from the educational institution that is located in the PRC.
- The original and a copy of the JW201 or JW202, application for Student Visa for Foreigners in China
Within 30 days of entering China, holders of X1 visas must submit an application for residency permits to the Public Security Entry-Exit Administration in their city of study.
X2-Visa Supporting Documents
Applicants for an X2 visa must provide the original and a copy of the admissions letter they received from a school in the People’s Republic of China.
How long is the validity of a visa?
The length of validity varies across visa types. Single-entry China visas typically last for three months from the date of issuance and allow for a 30-day maximum stay. You are able to travel as a tourist or engage in routine business operations with this visa. Most tourists just need to apply for a single-entry visa. However, if you regularly travel on the same trip between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, double or multiple entrance visas may be necessary.
FAQs
- Where in China is the greatest city and location to study Chinese?
The best and largest Chinese school in China is Keats School, situated in Kunming City, which is considered the ideal location for immersion Chinese learning programs.
- What traditional Chinese holidays will people in China observe?
The Lunar Spring Festival must be the greatest Chinese holiday to be observed. In Western culture, it is just as magnificent as Christmas Day. The main day for a family reunion is the Spring Festival.
- How much does it cost to live in China?
The cost of living varies greatly depending on where you reside, with cities generally being significantly more costly. However, in Beijing, an apartment may be rented for 9,000 yuan (about 1000 pounds sterling) each month. Many multinational corporations will cover your rent as part of your work benefits.
- How to get Chinese citizenship?
Chinese citizenship for foreigners can be obtained by having close family members who are Chinese citizens or have a permanent address in mainland China or a special administrative area or if they have other “legitimate reasons.”
