Started process this morning to renew my Q1 visa in China. Plenty of time before current one expires, but as they keep your passport for 10-21 days, thought now would be ideal time to action it.

Spoke to lady in local Entry / Exit office, who I have dealt with 3 times previously, and she stated nothing could be done at present because of some BIG changes in the visa processing, which starts from April 27th.

This lady is one of those rare gems, she has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable in the past.

Now, as with all Chinese, her terminology of BIG, could mean an extra line being added to a form, or a completely new set of rules....................

She / her office deal primarily with Q1 and work visas / changes / extensions, as opposed to the 1 or 2 year multi entry business visas which are predominantly actioned outside of the country.

No more information at present, but maybe a heads up for anyone wanting to apply for new visas in the near future.