Yes, it sounds like your company did handle things much more graciously. That documentation they gave you should help - that’s exactly what I was looking for but didn’t get from my old employer until after they cancelled my visa, which didn’t help a lick at that point.

Not being a lawyer, I wouldn’t provide legal advice to you. But practically speaking, it seems like you’ll be ok. I don’t think the Gestapo is going to come looking for you, and even if they do, you can show them a valid visa. There’s always the “oh, sorry, I didn’t know” line if anyone tells you otherwise. Foreign faces can still get away with playing dumb - also on motorcycles from what I understand. If you’re unlicensed, you “oh, forgot my license at home.” Be sure not to speak in Chinese though.

Just remember, China doesn’t have the rule of law like it does in the U.S. But it still applies the law. Look no further than our article on what happens when you intentionally overstay your expired visa here: http://www.bizcult.com/content/?p=685 . But on the other hand, jail ain’t so bad anymore - free HBO for prisoners, no kidding.

Good luck

These are good questions - thanks for asking. I’m afraid the answer, though, may depend on your individual situation.

I was in a very similar situation to the one you describe last year.

I wanted to quit the place of my employment - which was with a government-run magazine in China - and wondered whether I could stay in China until my work visa expired.

As it turned out, the de facto HR person told me to come with her to - I believe it’s called - the exit entry administration office in Beijing, or something like that. It’s the one where you apply for visa extensions, etc.

She went with me, we turned in some paperwork, and suddenly, my Z visa was cancelled. I was going to have to leave the country within days. I don’t remember all the details, but suffice it to say, there was some chicanery involved on her part.

I later learned that had I not gone with her, I might have been able to maintain my Z visa until expiration. So don’t necessarily do what your company tells you to do. Get a lawyer to advise you.

In my case, I also had to relinquish my foreign expert document, and go to Hong Kong to get a new China visa.

I understand that not all companies in China are as strict or conniving as the one I worked for. Some companies may give you the proper documentation so that you can transfer to another company with relative ease, and get another visa with the new company, all the while staying in China. My company - bastards - did not. I believe it had something to do with the fact that the company I worked for was a conservative government one, rather than a private Chinese company.

The visa consultant I was working with at the time turned out not to be as helpful as I expected. Since then, however, he has been an excellent source of advice about all things visa related. Further, I did brief him on my case at the time and he did offer some very good insights into what had happened. His name is Michael and I suggest you call him at Joesun Investment Consulting, +86 10 5166 5798, wangling@joesun.com.cn.

Also, you can talk to my immigration attorney, Linda Liang, at: liangyanling@kingandwood.com. She’s with a hot shot firm now, and probably is more expensive than when I saw her, but it’s well worth it to call her about this because she knows her stuff.

Best of China luck!