Patient Q&A: If illness prevents an in-person residence-permit visit in China, can someone apply on my behalf?

Question: If I am in China for medical assistance or a longer recovery period and illness makes it hard to appear in person for residence-permit formalities, do I have any official alternative?

Answer: The National Immigration Administration says residence-permit applications are generally filed in person, but applicants who are disabled due to illness or other reasons may have the application submitted by the inviting entity or individual, family members or relatives, or a professional service agency. The same guidance says foreigners receiving medical assistance and services in China should submit a hospitalization certificate or a medical service certificate issued by a qualified local medical institution if they are applying on medical grounds.

The NIA also says applications for extension should usually be filed 30 days before the current permit expires, and an accepted residence-permit application should be decided within the validity period of the acceptance receipt, which should not exceed 15 working days after acceptance. Because local practice can still vary, patients should confirm the exact document list, whether an authorization letter is needed and where to file with the local exit-entry authority handling their case.