Now I got it. Thanks Geezer and tiger!

Hi. I know this is an old thread but it's more or less on topic so I thought I would ask. I have a student visa/resident permit and live in Chengdu. I do work and will be traveling to other places (& staying at hotels, etc) for work in the next 3 weeks. My visa expires February 20, while the PSB will probably be closed, and my uni will as well. I have 5 days in between to try to get my visa, but after my last job on Februay 7 I planned to immediately start hitch hiking my way to Thailand.
Is there any way to extend my student visa for a month? Or can I bring my school paperwork outside of China with me and just go to any embassy to get a renewed student visa? Lastly, if I need to pick up a one month tourist visa to get back in to China, how much is it, do I need to go back to my country or can I do it from HK?
Thanks for your help and advice!

It is normal at the end of a work contract for you visa to be converted into a 30 day 'L' visa to allow for some travel. This could be the same for a study visa.

However, you may have to return to your home country to apply for a new study visa.

I would make every effort to renew my visa before the holidays. The official holidays start on February 9th 2013. Find out when the visa office closes THIS YEAR (the post above was last year), it only takes 5 working days.
You may well be able to get the paperwork done before you break for the holidays. Ask your uni foriegn affairs office for advice. I am sure if you pay for next semester they will be more than happy to oblige.

the problem is that I dont have time to wait while the visa is going through. I am basically going to be constantly on the move for the next 6 weeks give or take. How will I know if my residency permit converts to an L visa? Where can I find out? Do I take it to the PSB to change it or what?

I'd say that if you are hiking, and carrying your passport with you, about the only sure thing that will happen is your visa will expire and you will be in violation of Chinese law.

To convert to the L visa, you, or the school, needs to fill out some paperwork and fork over a little cash. Don't think anything is automatic or free.

The fine is 500 yuan per day to a max of 10,000 which you can pay when you exit China. There may also be some other hits like no new visa for 10 years so be apologetic and grovel when you are busted.

It is customary to extract one's head from time to time to avoid these self inflicted gotchas.

Yep, as geezer said, you need to get it converted. It does not just convert itself. Unlike other countries in Asia, the visa system here is pretty black and white.

If you put your passport in to the PSB for a new visa, you can ask the PSB for a receipt and a stamped (by them) copy of your passport. This should allow you to travel within China. I have actually flown on one of these, to Beijing.

Hi, I have a student visa (X) and would like to convert it into a 30 days tourist visa (L) without having to leave the country. Does anyone know

- if it is possible

- the cost
- the documents I need
- and how long it may take!

Thanks for your help:)

Hi
It is possible.. or at least it was before the new visa rules came in a few weeks ago.

I paid around 300 kuai for a multi entry 30 day L. It took five working days and you need a document/receipt from your school saying you have paid all your fees and that you basically don't owe them anything.
(i asked for a longer L and they said this wasn't possible)
My friend got a zero entry 30 day L in Beijing and paid 140 kuai. Bear it in mind the prices differ depending on what country you are from, I'm from the UK, visas for Americans are almost twice as much money.

EDIT: I had to show proof of money in the bank (100USD per day, so around 18000 kuai)

Hey guys!! Do you know if with the new visa regulations it is still possible to get a one month extention on a normal 90 days tourist visa?? thanks

You should be able to get one (but only one) 30 day extension in country.