To live and study in China, you must possess a legal residence permit. After getting your residence permit for studying, please promptly confirm its validity period and mark it on your calendar to avoid expiration.

Do you know how to extend your residence permit? What should you do if you accidentally lose your passport? Check out the guide below!

Residence permit extension

1. Confirm expiry date

> For a visa extension, apply seven days before the expiry date.

> For a residence permit extension, apply 30 days before the expiry date.

2. Submit extension application

Before your visa or residence permit expires, submit an extension application to your school's international student management center/office.

3. Prepare required documents

> Valid passport or other international travel documents

> One 2-inch white background photo without a hat

> Original registration form for temporary residence of expats

> Proof of enrollment issued by your school

> Current visa or residence permit

Then, visit the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration Department to apply for the extension.

During the waiting period, please ensure that your contact information is current and easily accessible to promptly receive any updates or notifications regarding your application.

On completion of the approval process, you will be able to collect your new residence permit.

Link: Entry-Exit bureaus in Shanghai and their business hours

Replacing a lost passport

If you lose your passport in China, follow these steps:

1. Report the loss

Go to the nearest police station to report the loss and obtain a "Loss Report Receipt" or "Police Report Receipt."

2. Apply for a "Certificate of Loss of Passport for Foreigners"

Take the loss report receipt to the local PSB Exit-Entry Administration Department to apply for a "Certificate of Loss of Passport for Foreigners." This certificate will serve as your legal identification until you obtain a new passport and visa or residence permit.

3. Apply for a new passport

Visit your country's embassy or consulate in China to apply for a new passport.

4. Apply for a new visa or residence permit

After obtaining your new passport, go to the local PSB Exit-Entry Administration Department to apply for a new visa or residence permit.

Important notes

1. If your passport is retained by authorities for document processing, you can legally stay in China with the relevant "Receipt of Acceptance" – the document issued by the government department to acknowledge the receipt of an application or request.

2. If the information on your residence permit changes (such as the address or passport number), submit the relevant proof of change to the PSB Exit-Entry Administration Department within 10 days and apply for a new residence permit.

Relevant links:

> 《中华人民共和国出境入境管理法》(Chinese version)

https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741547/c1013311/content.html

> Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (English version)

https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741547/c757592/content.html)

Source: "CSC Alumni" WeChat account