Bringing passport back on same day from GUZ after visa approved

[unmepbmn]

Hi All,

 

I read in one of the older threads where the applicant was a foreigner who was also working/living in Beijing and had to travel to Guangzhou for interview.

 

Since that was an older thread, writing a separate one as I have few other questions.

Thread/comment link for your reference: http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/46570-need-help-with-the-ds-260-workeducationtraining-section/page-2?do=findComment&comment=611143

 

He mentioned that after the visa was approved for him, he brought back passport with him to travel back to Beijing first and then from Beijing he sent his passport back to GUZ for the further processing.

 

This was really good information for me(foreigner - living/working in Beijing), since I had been looking for such information as well (Being a foreigner adds up extra complications like this one...)

 

However, my questions still remain unanswered..I really hope someone can help me on this one.

 

1. So if it was possible to bring back the passport after the interview, where should the passport pickup location be in CGI Stanley website - which we have to actually submit before the interview.

My dilemma is, at this moment, I DO NOT know if I will also be able to get to bring back my passport and then sent to GUZ for the visa stamping process..I will most probably have to work it out with the VO on the day of the interview?!

So, which pickup location do I select in this case before the interview, Beijing or Guangzhou..?

 

2. I called CGI Stanley if it will be possible to change the delivery address after interview in such case like mine. And they said it is NOT possible to change the delivery address after the interview...

(OK! I know they can't but I was trying to explain if in such situation if the Consulate agrees to find me the solution, can I change then...and she almost got mad at me for asking such question..) !!

 

Anyway, please let me know if anyone can help me on this. Thanks a lot in advance!

[dnoblett]

Similar case: http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/48380-traveling-back-to-beijing-from-guangzhou-without-passport-for-foreign-national/

[unmepbmn]

Similar case: http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/48380-traveling-back-to-beijing-from-guangzhou-without-passport-for-foreign-national/

 

Thank you dnoblett, but that post was also mine... I didn't not know then that there was a possibility that someone could come back to Beijing with the passport after visa was approved and then do the further processing from Beijing.

I started this post to explore about this(coming back with passport and then do the further processing from Beijing) feasibility.

[dnoblett]

Perhaps asking the consulate directly via their online form if you could hold onto the passport after interview placing case into administrative processing, because you need it to travel back to Beijing and then sending them the passport via CITIC bank from Beijing is an acceptable option to your situation.

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/immigrant-visa-unit-question.html

[Randy W]

That is a great idea and good research on your part to find that topic.

 

My suggestion would be that you HANG ON to your passport - that is, do NOT turn it in prior to the interview. There is NO way to ensure that you will be able to retrieve the passport AFTER or AT the interview. As has been said, not having the passport will put your case into an AP state. Having them send it to a passport pickup location would most likely add on indeterminate period of uncertainty. Bring it TO the interview, of course, and discuss what you are doing with the VO, but DO NOT LET IT OUT OF YOUR SIGHT.

 

Of course, if you can get a better answer from the consulate in the meantime, by all means, go with that. But remember that you are REQUIRED to have your passport with you at all times. My own opinion is that it is absolutely criminal that they would keep your passport for any more than 24 hours.

 

Thank you very much for reporting back on that - I will add that to our pinned topics.

Edited April 27, 2016 by Randy W (see edit history)

[MartinaM]

Hi,

 

I am in a very similar situation now myself. I'm just wondering if you figured it out? Any advice?

 

Thanks!

[dnoblett]

Hi,

 

I am in a very similar situation now myself. I'm just wondering if you figured it out? Any advice?

 

Thanks!

As earlier, explain that need the passport to travel, and upon approval, they can hold the case in AP, you travel and then send them the passport through the CITIC bank near home, just like if the case needed additional post interview processing AP.

[Harold_Oakland]

My fiance is a foreigner in China as well. She made a copy of her passport and was able to travel with it. I don't think I'd recommend it if you can get your passport back. At least it's a backup incase they keep your passport.

[MartinaM]

Great! Thank you for explaining my options. Do you think it would be possible to travel back using my drivers licence? I'm not sure if the airport officer would accept it. Or any other form of picture I.D.

[Randy W]

Passport or Chinese ID

[MartinaM]

Just an update on my situation in case anyone else is in a similar situation. I had my interview last Thursday and my visa was approved (yay!). The VO said that I could keep my passport and send it back after completing my flight. I chose not to do this as I want my visa issued as soon as possible, so left my passport with the consulate. Before going to Guangzhou I went to the local PSB and asked for a notorized copy of my passport. It took about an hour and cost 60RMB. I also went to my university and got my Foreign Experts Certificate (it is a photo ID). When I got to immigration at Guangzhou airport I handed in my FEC, he looked at it for a minute, checked the stamp, and let me through. No problem! I had the notorized copy of my passport as a back up but I guess the FEC was enough to travel on.