@ newbe, why do want a student visa if you don't intend to be a student, looking to work illegally ?

Just for information, for anyone that stumbles on this old thread.
A z visa is a ONE time entry visa only, it's not renewable.

What is renewed is your resident permit (in your passport) and the stamp/ certification in your foreign expert book (separate from your passport).

what is the process of visa renewal for japan.
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Where is that SPAM BUTTON Yereth!

I don't think you will have a easy time going into Lao and coming back to China? I think you will need a contract with a school, residence permit even a hotel reservation in China, and a bunch of other paper work? I was going to travel from Vietiane in Lao up through the country and then on to Kunming and I asked the same question and I was advised against it by another poster. Going into Lao easy. Coming back might be a major problem? Atleast for me...American citizen.

Anyone know if the Chinese embasassy is still procerssing visas in HK or if they are closed for the holiday?

@TICexpats: A z visa is a ONE time entry visa only, it's not renewable.

Do you mean one can not leave and re-enter China after first entry with a Z visa during its valid period(one year)? Thanks.

Your 'Z' visa will be exchanged for a residence permit.
Once you have your residence permit you can enter and exit as often as you like.
Your employer is obliged take you on a tour of the government offices required to get your paperwork done, and get your RP done. This is usually in the first 7 days.

@outsider

TICexpats and tigertiger are both absolutely correct. The Z visa is valid for 3 months for one entry and allows one single entry. The Z must be converted to a Residence Permit. Teachers and students get residence permits which allow multiple exits and re-entries during the validity of the RP.

Frankly, anyone that thinks they are working/living in China on a Z visa is greatly mistaken. It would be wise to understand what a Z is as talking about one's Z visa after being China for longer than 30 is a BIG RED FLAG that tells key people you don't know what the hell you are talking about.

Asking about renewing, extending or any change to a Z visa is asking the WRONG question(s). You just might get BS answers after you make it clear you don't know what you are asking/talking about, don't know what a Z visa is, and have no idea of your status is in China. Z visas are clearly defined and explained on several websites. Use google and learn.

Try www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84245.htm See Section V at the bottom of the page

In fairness, the terms 'Z visa' and 'residence permit' are often used synonymously, albeit incorrect to do so.