Q: I am currently in China and have been admitted to a university in Shanghai. However, the semester starts on Sept 19, while my visa expires on Sept 4, leaving a 14-day gap.

As I do not have sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket home, I would like to know whether I can extend my visa so that I can legally remain in China until the school starts and complete my enrollment procedures.

A: Please note that if you want to apply for a visa extension in China, you must have a valid reason of stay that corresponds to your application.

If you intend to remain in China for study purposes, your school must provide an application letter and the relevant supporting documents. Without such documentation, you must leave China before your current visa expires.

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