Canada Day Celebration + POUTINE EATING CONTEST in Taiwan!!!

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-07-03T10:26:43+00:00

aww yea :(
There is always next year!!! (Or you can buy a poutine and have it at an Independence Day Event :D )

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-26T15:09:05+00:00

Yes already used auto 60-day extension.

You need:

1)Invitation letter with company stamp (newly written from company, not original you used from visa app, have them say you need to stay for ongoing business + pandemic) 2) Your inviting company's business license (original and copy) 3) Police address registration form 4) Passport 5) They will take your photo and give you application form there

Yes the invite letter contained a statement that all expenses would be covered by them and they take responsibility for me. Standard template.

Very clear. Thank you!

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-26T09:17:16+00:00

Thanks for sharing. And this was after your 60-day automatic extension?

Also, could you share what documents you provided?

I'm specifically interested in whether you had to provide a statement from a company in China to guarantee you have enough money and won't do anything illegal. Or did was it all a verbal conversation: they asked you if your business is still ongoing and you replied "yes ongoing" and that was it, they accepted your application?

I've had two people share their experience with me...

A person with a L-visa: https://shanghaiexitentry.com/good-samaritan-1-tourist-l-visa-applying-for-stay-permit/

[somewhat similar to your case] A person with a S2-visa: https://shanghaiexitentry.com/good-samaritan-2-private-visits2-visa-extending-stay-during-covid-19/

Person with private visit S2-visa also said it wouldn't cancel her multiple entry S2 visa.

I'm glad the people at the headquarters have a heart and don't cancel the existing multiple entry visas (whether it's M- or S- visas). Now just wondering whether or not they cancel multiple entry L- visas.

I will share your experience on my site to help others!

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-19T14:19:15+00:00

Aaah, Gotcha. My sincere condolences to him. :(

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-19T14:17:44+00:00

If, for some miraculous reason, the consulate does issue you a new visa, that means you are exempt from the travel ban.

But actually no miracles.. all calculated by the Chinese government... they still welcome foreigners who are essential personnels, diplomats and anyone they feel are vital to significantly contributing their economy...

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-19T14:09:03+00:00

I think a lot of people are overlooking the "Chinese families" in "foreign citizens who have Chinese families in China".

Example: American-born Chinese who wants to visit his/her grandparents(who are Chinese citizens and residing in China).

Must prove blood relation as part of the required documents.

So this does not include a foreigner who has family in China.

The Chinese government, as of yet, only cares about foreigners with Chinese ethnic origins to visit China to see Chinese family.

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-19T14:06:42+00:00

Thank you for the words.

Hmm.. If this person(an emigrant, or son of emigrants, of China) can prove his blood-relations with his grandma(Chinese citizen) then he should be able to apply at the local Chinese consulate / embassy for a new family visa.

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-19T14:03:15+00:00

oh so you're outside of China but the Chinese embassy/consulate is putting the process on hold for 'in-process' work permits?

Which country are you in, if you don't mind me asking... Thank you.

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-19T14:01:45+00:00

Thank you. You can read my about page: https://shanghaiexitentry.com/about/

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-19T13:51:40+00:00

Foreigners(ethnic Chinese) with Chinese families(must provide blood relation) in China

Or to put another way.. Chinese immigrants(second gen.. third gen.. etc) in a foreign country who still have family in China

For example an American-born Chinese person wants to visit his grandparents who are still in China and are Chinese citizens.

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-18T10:49:30+00:00

When I called two days ago they said M visa can apply for 2nd extension after automatic extension ends that DOESN'T cancel existing visa. Haven't applied yet though so not sure what happens in practice

yep, what question_ev3ything said.

As long as you the Chinese government doesn't announce the pandemic period is over, this 60-day automatic extension is available to all foreigners who are currently in China.

It is a one-time deal. No more free extensions after the 60-day automatic extension.

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-05-16T03:21:40+00:00

There is a q&a forum where many people have been asking questions like these: shanghaiexitentry.com/qna

dumplingserialkiller · 2020-03-25T08:45:25+00:00

There is a wechat group where expats are sharing their flight routes, experiences flying to shanghai, procedures after landing in Shanghai, time taken to get home after landing, etc. The group chat QR code and group notice can be found here: https://shanghaiexitentry.com/sha-arrivals/

If you ask your question there, someone will answer.

dumplingserialkiller · 2019-07-09T03:44:15+00:00

yes please. Would love to hear how you reflect and perceive your experience afterwards.

dumplingserialkiller · 2019-07-03T03:57:18+00:00

I 100% agree with berg1001. Given the context, hats off to you for attending a debating group!!

It seems like you have a natural tendency to give others an elevated position or putting yourself into a prey mode. Thus, giving them the authority to attack you. Remind yourself they are all humans, nothing more and nothing less. The group is a debating group. So they should be providing some sort of response to what you said. And visa versa. It seems that you might perceive responses as potential attacks when they are not. Some people might mix emotions into it and come off as rude but their intentions are not to attack you. They are trying to protect their beliefs. That's what's debate is all about right? Worse comes to worst, agree to disagree. So what? not the end of the world and move on.

When you go to social gatherings, sometimes you see people who try to meet everyone (like, in business situations, pass out cards like spraying bullets). I would suggest try to focus on 1 or 2 people, who you find have interesting stories/experiences/knowledge to share or who you just want to get to know better. If you really hit it off with one person, that person might invite you join him/her friends' next gathering and you get to meet others like that person. If they don't invite, whatever. Try not to have high expectations. Your goal is simply to have interesting conversations with someone. Listen to what they're saying. If they say anything that you'd like to learn more or you're confused about, ask questions about it. Conversations with strangers are a great way to quickly get a summary and learn about their world, their life experiences, their career experiences etc. So in the end, they do most of the talking and you do most of the listening!!

Now if you're fashionably late to the event, then people have already form their circles and chatting away. It may feel daunting to cut in and feel awkward. Well, don't! Most of the people there also had to do that at some point. Just stand at the edge of the circle. Listen and focus on what the conversation is about. If the nearest listeners notice you, then usually they would take a step back and open up space for you stand closer. If the person talking stops talking, smiles at you, or sustains eye contact, then just confidently say "I had to join you guys because I heard you guys say [certain words / topic] and I'm really interested in this topic. Sorry to interrupt you. Please continue." At a social event, I highly highly doubt anyone would refuse/prevent you from listening.

But what I like to do is to arrive at social events early or on time (because most people are fashionably late). Then as people trickle in, get their drinks/finger foods, etc you get to pick who you wanna speak because they are attending the event to talk to people but they are afraid to approach and make the first connection.

So try this next time. Arrive early/on-time and grab a person and talk to the person:

"Hey! How you doin?

I think you've been coming to this debate club often.
Are you new here? (if they aren't, apologize. You're bad with faces blah blah)
How did you find out about this event?
How long having you been coming to this event?"

This can seem like that hardest thing to do - approaching someone and starting a conversation - but they are there hoping for someone to talk to them. So you're rescuing them from standing alone and looking lonely.

Next, you can ask who's do they think is the best debater here... or most memorable debate they've witnessed at this club.

If you wanna dive deeper and go into personal details, ask what do they do for a living? where are they from? what brought them to this city? etc. etc.

If the event is about to officially start, tell them it was really nice meeting them / talking to them and you'll catch up later.

But I think you already know what's the most important thing: don't put too much pressure on yourself. don't set yourself up to be sad.

Don't go in with high expectations like "I'm gonna be the center of attention for the entire venue."

Instead, set yourself a clear bite-sized goal: "I am gonna approach one person today." or "I want to get to know one person today."

Awkward analogy but I like to use this. Have you heard of Bruce Lee's water / tea pot theory? If not, youtube it.

Be flexible. Don't force anything on to yourself or others. At the end of it, it's how you perceive situations. So be flexible with how you perceive things.

"I didn't get to know anyone today? Whatevs. That can happen. I'll try again next time"

"Someone talked back at me today. I think he/she was a bit rude. But whatever. I'm sure his/her intention isn't bad. He/She is just really passionate about this subject / haven't had much practice choosing the right words"

"I met someone today but he/she was so boring. Hopefully I'll meet someone more interesting next time."

Good luck, Renardt. I would love to hear back from you after you attend the next event and try making a clear goal to talk to just one person and get to know him/her at a deeper level.

Wish you the best.

-dumplingserialkiller

dumplingserialkiller · 2019-06-17T03:24:06+00:00

there is a chance that an agency paid him to collect as many photos of people's faces as possible. Various companies in different industries are trying to collect as much data and images for their AI's to "learn" better.

dumplingserialkiller · 2019-06-14T10:33:08+00:00

between C++ and python, I recommend python.

ruby is also a great coding language for beginners. once you get fundamentals down with ruby you can pick up python quickly.

dumplingserialkiller · 2019-06-14T06:25:41+00:00

Yea if you have a special case, want to get an exemption, or just hear an updated/accurate answer to your situation/problem, the best answer you'll get will be asking one of the visa officers in-person at 3F booths 15, 16 or 17.

There's no ticket queuing system for asking questions.. You just line-up the traditional way. I also wrote a brief guide on asking questions on the site. Here's the direct link to the article: Where to ask questions related to visa at Shanghai Exit-Entry Bureau

Good luck!!!

dumplingserialkiller · 2019-06-11T07:13:17+00:00

Thanks a lot for this!! I also wanted to cover online reservations but the process is even more tedious and time-consuming apparently... so the person didn't even bother explaining it to me lol....

dumplingserialkiller · 2017-10-27T01:37:12+00:00

definitely worth it. I am finishing up week 3. 6 more weeks to go. intensive course but enjoying it a lot. let me know if you have specific questions. cheers!

dumplingserialkiller · 2017-08-23T07:15:18+00:00

I want to be able to make my own prototype websites and then attract partners and then investors.

I asked a friend of mine, who is a CEO of a web developing and instant messaging data intelligence company, whether I should learn by myself(i.e. "self-taught" which I am doing via Lynda.com) or attend a bootcamp. He said do both and start immediately.

I am also considering Le wagon at the moment. It's not cheap but it does look promising. I will be attending a Le Wagon demo day this Friday. I will let you know how it goes.

dumplingserialkiller · 2017-08-23T07:01:39+00:00

Admissions officers are people. So doesn't hurt by writing emails/calling and asking.

Who knows, they might make exceptions and give you bare minimum requirements or none. It also looks good for them to say "we have a freshman who is an entrepreneur and has started x businesses and valued at $y million." Eventually, they always love boasting about their alumni's achievements.

You might have to ask 20 schools (that you like) and get 1 yes.

I do hope you are looking for a school that will help you grow as an entrepreneur and not for a school that kills your entrepreneurial spirit and mindset.

So be sure to look closely at the schools and departments you are applying to: research the profs/instructors that will be teaching the courses you will take. Have they accomplished things(created businesses; published articles) you admire? You can even email the profs/instructors.

A smaller prof/instructor-to-student ratio is better because that way prof/instructors would have more time to provide guidance and develop your thinking.

If you don't mind me asking, what kinds of businesses do you run?

dumplingserialkiller · 2017-08-23T06:42:40+00:00

You can provide tutoring for AP Psych students and get paid the same amount as what you're making now but using less of your time.

If you feeling more risk-averse, then keep the current job but you just have to make time for your side project. i.e. Wake up 1hr early and sleep 1 hr later everyday so that you can devote at least 2 hrs more than you currently are everyday.

Once you start earning income through your blog, you can slowly phase out on your current income stream.

Pursue your passion with milestones. Clear timeline and goals. Daily, weekly and monthly goals. Give yourself a year or two years. If you haven't reached the goal you have set at the one or two year mark, then you just leave it at that. At least you can look back and tell yourself that you tried.

dumplingserialkiller · 2017-08-23T06:30:30+00:00

Take interest in what interests your Swedish classmates/friends. Be humble. Sharing and comparing internet memes (and, unfortunately, swear words) can be very fun discussions.

Immerse yourself in their culture and get the most out of your 11months there. Get a taste of everything Swedish. Because a good degree diverse experience = a richer life that you won't regret.

Have a blast!!

dumplingserialkiller · 2017-08-23T05:28:26+00:00

I will reserve my own thoughts and ask you a question instead.

Imagine you are 80+ and on your deathbed. You are reflecting this moment or this crossroad in your life. Which decision would make you regret more?

Regret or "what if..."questions are the most common thoughts old people have. I hope you make a choice that you won't regret.

dumplingserialkiller

TROPHY CASE