China updates visas and residence permit

China is to update its foreigner visa, group visa and residence permit from June 1, the National Immigration Administration announced Friday.

Bureaus of exit and entry administration across the country will in the meantime stop issuing the current versions of the foreigner visa, tourist visa to special economic zone, group visa and residence permit.

The new design features an adjusted layout, column setting and machine-readable code, while the new foreigner visa and residence permit cards will also feature a color profile picture of the holder.

Application requirements, processes, standards, charging items and inspections remain unchanged, and previously issued visas remain valid, according to the administration.