1. F Visa Extension for Foreign Visiting Experts

If, after entering China on an F visa, the research assignment has not yet been completed and additional time is required, the F visa holder may apply for an extension of the permitted stay.

The USTC host/inviter must prepare an explanation of the circumstances and sign it before submission.

Extension Requirements

• An F visa may only be extended once.
• The written explanation must accurately state the circumstances.
• The extension period may not exceed the original validity period of the F visa.

Explanation Letter

Please download the template from Chinese Page https://oic.ustc.edu.cn/foreign_expert/stay_extension_zh/

Explanation for Applying for an F Visa Extension
(The circumstances of accompanying family members holding S2 visas should be included in the same explanation, where applicable.)

The original explanation letter must be provided when collecting the official letter. It may be either:

• A original signed document; or
• An electronically signed document completed through the USTC unified electronic signature platform.

If the foreign expert will cover their own living expenses during the extension period, this must be clearly stated in the explanation letter, together with proof of sufficient personal funds/savings.

Please also provide photos or scanned copies of:

• Passport information page
• Valid F visa page
• Page showing the entry stamp for the most recent entry into China

Please send the explanation letter and other required materials to fanliangchen@ustc.edu.cn.

Collection of Documents

After submitting the email, please wait for notification to collect the following documents from Room 304, International Building, USTC:

1. Official letter issued by USTC for the F visa extension, including the living-expense arrangements stated in the inviter’s explanation letter or the statement that the foreign expert will cover the expenses personally
2. Copy of the Legal Person of Institution of USTC

2. Applying for the F Visa Extension

The foreign expert should personally visit the Exit-Entry Administration authority with their passport and bring the following documents:

1. USTC official letter for the F visa extension, including the living-expense arrangements stated in the inviter’s written explanation or the statement that the foreign expert will cover the expenses personally
2. Copy of the Legal Person of Institution of USTC
3. Accommodation Registration Form
4. Proof of sufficient personal funds/savings, if the foreign expert will cover their own living expenses

After the extension is successfully approved, a new F visa will be issued, showing the latest date on which the holder is permitted to stay in China.

3. Extension of S2 Visas for Family Members

Chinese embassies and consulates in some countries and regions may process S2 visas for family members at the same time as issuing an F visa to a foreign national entering China for visiting or research purposes.

If an extension of an accompanying family member’s S2 visa is also required, please indicate this in the explanation letter. The family member’s S2 visa extension will then be included in the official letter.

When applying at the Exit-Entry Administration authority, the applicant must additionally provide proof of the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, as applicable.

For documents issued outside China, the documents must, as required:

• Complete Hague Apostille certification or consular legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate;
• Be translated into Chinese by a qualified translation company; and
• Be accompanied by a copy of the translation company’s business license.

Note: Hague Apostille certification in India is currently unavailable.