China Exit Ban
May 10, 2019, 7:11 pm
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,224
Yes, I found that odd too. But, I suppose the rationale for that arrangement is that further back in the main cabin is more spacious than in the nose (and upper deck), making it more suitable for First Class. However, I do find the nose to be the quietest cabin on the 747 by far (aside from the occasional noise from pilots moving around in the cockpit above you).
Last edited by joer1212; May 10, 2019 at 7:43 pm
May 10, 2019, 7:16 pm
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,224
There should be two PNRs. There is a PNR with the operating carrier (CA in this case) which I don't believe UA gave me in the email when I booked. I had to either dig through multiple menus on the website or call their customer service to get it, but they did give it to me. Take a copy/screenshot of that PNR so that if anything happens to your reservation, you can refer to it. This isn't just for flying award tickets on CA though. Whenever I fly, I try to have screenshots of the reservation on me (usually in my computer) as well as paper boarding passes if possible, so that if the computer system crashes, the airline can still see that I have a confirmed ticket. One time, I did a mileage run to SJU and the power was out when I got there, and the gate agents were processing tickets manually.
Last edited by joer1212; May 11, 2019 at 11:02 am
May 13, 2019, 1:08 pm
#33
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
Yes, I found that odd too. But, I suppose the rationale for that arrangement is that further back in the main cabin is more spacious than in the nose (and upper deck), making it more suitable for First Class. However, I do find the nose to be the quietest cabin on the 747 by far (aside from the occasional noise from pilots moving around in the cockpit above you).
Jul 18, 2019, 1:13 am
#34
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haining (1 hr from Shanghai) China
Programs: DL DM, AA Lifetime Plat, IHG SE
Posts: 1,466
I also don't want to derail this thread because I believe we have a thread on RPs and echannel, but following are points that I know:
1) getting the Z visa was shockingly painful
-diploma and criminal background check both need state department and PRC consulate authentication; the former takes a bit of time, unless you show them an airplane ticket for the next day (which, you obviously won't be using)
-the medical check is pretty easy, but only certain hospitals can do it
-need to write a job posting for your own job in Chinese
-although I normally prefer to do things myself, in this case using an agent was the right path
2) If you are a student, I have to believe X visas are much easier
-your school simply issues them on its own, so not much bureaucracy
-they will presumably arrange an appointment at the hospital for you
3) I'm not certain about other visa types, but I think at least Q1 works
1) getting the Z visa was shockingly painful
-diploma and criminal background check both need state department and PRC consulate authentication; the former takes a bit of time, unless you show them an airplane ticket for the next day (which, you obviously won't be using)
-the medical check is pretty easy, but only certain hospitals can do it
-need to write a job posting for your own job in Chinese
-although I normally prefer to do things myself, in this case using an agent was the right path
2) If you are a student, I have to believe X visas are much easier
-your school simply issues them on its own, so not much bureaucracy
-they will presumably arrange an appointment at the hospital for you
3) I'm not certain about other visa types, but I think at least Q1 works
Jul 18, 2019, 1:42 am
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Jul 18, 2019, 3:21 am
#36
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haining (1 hr from Shanghai) China
Programs: DL DM, AA Lifetime Plat, IHG SE
Posts: 1,466
But I saw in another place where Moondog wrote you need an RP, which I do not have. Used to have it for Hong Kong but that didn't have any visa or residency rules.
Jul 18, 2019, 9:15 pm
#37
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,314
Q2 itself is not eligible. However, since your spouse is a Chinese national, you can simply apply for a residence permit at her registered resident city which would make you eligible for eChannel.
Jul 18, 2019, 9:19 pm
#38
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Premier Gold); Hilton HHonors (Gold); Chase Ultimate Rewards; Amex Plat
Posts: 6,671
That would immediately invalidate the Q2, no? And then to keep eChannel, wouldn't you have to keep renewing the residence permit? Q2 for US citizens can be issued for 10 years (good) but isn't eligible for eChannel (bad). But a residence permit is eligible for eChannel (good) but also must be renewed every year AFAIK (which is annoying).
Jul 18, 2019, 10:39 pm
#39
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
That would immediately invalidate the Q2, no? And then to keep eChannel, wouldn't you have to keep renewing the residence permit? Q2 for US citizens can be issued for 10 years (good) but isn't eligible for eChannel (bad). But a residence permit is eligible for eChannel (good) but also must be renewed every year AFAIK (which is annoying).
Jul 18, 2019, 11:28 pm
#40
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Premier Gold); Hilton HHonors (Gold); Chase Ultimate Rewards; Amex Plat
Posts: 6,671
Are there any rules about having to spend more time in China than outside China if you have a RP? Because even if I otherwise meet the requirements, that would be a big problem for me (and anyone else who can probably better describe himself/herself as a frequent visitor to China but not really a permanent resident).
Jul 19, 2019, 8:38 am
#41
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
Maybe you should start a thread about what the requirements are in each region. I think 10k per month in taxes may be a problem for someone who doesn't plan to ever work in China.
Are there any rules about having to spend more time in China than outside China if you have a RP? Because even if I otherwise meet the requirements, that would be a big problem for me (and anyone else who can probably better describe himself/herself as a frequent visitor to China but not really a permanent resident).
Are there any rules about having to spend more time in China than outside China if you have a RP? Because even if I otherwise meet the requirements, that would be a big problem for me (and anyone else who can probably better describe himself/herself as a frequent visitor to China but not really a permanent resident).
I was curious about A work permits because I know a few people who got them, and they didn't understand how/why. So, I resorted to Google, and found pages like this:
https://www.china-briefing.com/news/...c-tier-talent/
I could probably get 85 points using this system, but I was planning on taking the HSK (very easy) for good measure, so I asked my visa agent for his advice. This is when he told me about the 10k/month tax requirement for Shanghai (I don't qualify for this). Honestly, my gut tells me that this was a brush off response.* I'll try to do some more research between now and my renewal date. I'll update this thread (or maybe the main visa thread) in the event I stumble upon any useful information, and encourage others to do the same.
On a semi-related note, rumor has it that steps are being taken to make the process less painful because China honestly does want more people to work legally, and realizes that some of the current barriers are exceedingly difficult for young professionals to achieve in the absence of sponsorship from an MNC.
*ETA: It just occurred to me that the agencies make a lot more money from people who renew every year v every 3 or 5 years, so it's not in their financial best interests to provide advice on pathways to As.
Last edited by moondog; Jul 19, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Jul 19, 2019, 6:33 pm
#42
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haining (1 hr from Shanghai) China
Programs: DL DM, AA Lifetime Plat, IHG SE
Posts: 1,466
I was under the impression that RP's were only issued for people with work permits, or returning Chinese (parents who immigrated to US and now hold US passport), etc .
Jul 23, 2019, 5:12 am
#43
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,314
You're talking about the requirements for a work RP. The requirements for family RPs are totally different and are not based on points.
Jul 23, 2019, 5:29 am
#44
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,314
A residence permit obtained this way is good for ? Proving residence, buying home, etc? But not eligible to "work" I assume?
I was under the impression that RP's were only issued for people with work permits, or returning Chinese (parents who immigrated to US and now hold US passport), etc .
I was under the impression that RP's were only issued for people with work permits, or returning Chinese (parents who immigrated to US and now hold US passport), etc .
As for work privileges, even a work permit doesn't let you change employers willy-nilly. You essentially have to go through the whole work permit application process again with each new employer. So essentially a work permit has no advantages compared to a family reunion RP when it comes to finding new employment.