Q: I have submitted my application for a Foreigner's Residence Permit. The exit-entry administration bureau has retained my original passport as part of this application process, and I have received the official application receipt.

My current hotel stay will expire before my residence permit application is expected to be completed. I do not have my physical passport to extend my hotel booking or check into another accommodation.

Can I use the official application receipt (the acknowledgment slip) to extend my stay at my existing hotel or to book a new hotel?

Is it possible for my residence permit application to be completed within four working days, so I can collect my passport and permit earlier, rather than waiting for the standard seven working days for processing?

A: Please note that if you do not meet the requirements for expedited processing (A036), your application cannot be expedited.

Foreign nationals may request expedited processing if they meet any of the following conditions:

• Members of a foreign tour group who urgently need to apply for group visa separation to leave China;
• Foreign seamen and their accompanying family members who urgently need to apply for stay permits to leave China;
• Foreigners who have lost their passports and urgently need to apply for new visas to leave China;
• Foreigners visiting critically ill patients or leaving China for funerals;
• Foreigners involved in key projects, important cooperation initiatives, or major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative who urgently need to apply for residence permits;
• Others who urgently need to apply for visas or residence permits for special reasons.

According to regulations, foreign nationals may use the acceptance receipt to check into a hotel while their residence permit application is being processed.

If you encounter any issues with hotel check-in, you may call the 12367 hotline for assistance.

Source: Exit-Entry Administration Corps of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau