Patient Q&A
Patient Q&A: If my treatment in China will last more than six months, what immigration document may apply?
The NIA's official residence-permit service guide says foreigners receiving medical assistance or services in China may apply with a hospitalization or medical-service certificate for a period of more than six months, and a residence permit of up to one year may be issued.
According to the National Immigration Administration's official service guide on entry, stay and residence, foreigners receiving medical assistance or medical services in China may submit a hospitalization certificate or a medical-service certificate issued by a qualifying local medical institution when the period involved is more than six months.
The same guide says a residence permit with a period of not more than one year may be issued in that circumstance. It also says applications to extend a residence period should generally be submitted to the local exit-entry department 30 days before the current permit expires, together with the required supporting materials.
This is a practical immigration framework, not an automatic approval promise. Patients and family members should confirm the correct document path, required certificates, local appointment rules and timing directly with the relevant exit-entry administration office and their licensed medical institution before relying on any travel plan.