With invitation letter, you can only get 30days visa, and when you are back China, you can extend it for longer, like 3/6months.

Let me know if you need help.

Is your current visa L or F?
If it's an L, then you need to have the ff:
1) Passport
2) Temp. Residence Certificate
3) Pictures
4) A Chinese bank account statement/certificate with at least $3,000 USD or 21,000 RMB.

If it's an F:
1-3 + an invitation letter or some sort from a sponsoring company.

@ paperclip777

L visas and F visas are 2 different visas =)
Agents charge us for invitation letters for an F because now, it's one of the requirements to secure an F in HK. Unlike before, we don't even need it to process an F.

Sure, you can get an L without paying for any invitation letters as it is not required at the Embassy. However, if you wish to get an F, you MUST have one. Your options would include getting one from some visa agents, or from your own sponsoring company who could provide one.

If you're thinking of staying in China for sometime, then securing an F is the best option, as an L is only allowed to be extended 2x with a 30-day stay each. Unless you're processing a family L, then a longer visa and extensions may be given by the PSB. An F however, can let you stay in China for a continuous of 1 year of stay from your last date of entry. Longer extensions are also available, as compared to L.

What I suggest you to do is call some travel/visa agents in HK and ask if the Embassy there issues any F visas longer than 30 days. They usually know this info. Please bear in mind, that the Consuls have the sole power to decide on visa issues like the duration of stay, etc.

Cheers!