F Visas will be scarce during upcoming anniversary

The 60th Anniversary of the founding of Communist China isn't going to be a headache just because of the raucous celebrations (complete with fireworks that we're pretty sure would rival the Spring Festival) - it's also going to make getting F business visas a giant pain in the ass.

Resident amazing visa procurers Meshing Consultancy Service had this to say about the upcoming date:

Oct 2009 is our China 60 Years Liberation ceremony(very huge ceremony). The visa policy start to become tight again from now. According to that, right now, we can get 6 month F visa with maxmium 2 entries(you can leave and come back 2 times during the 6 month), multi-entries or 1 year F visa is not available, and the 6 month visa will only valid till the end of Sept.

Meaning: Good luck getting anything in that two week period in October. Magic, head of Meshing Consultancy, recommended applying for a 30 day L or F visa and waiting for the ceremony to finish before trying for your 6 month or one year F visa again. If you're unable to get that 30 day L or F extension here, you'll have to head to Hong Kong for it.