Hey All,
Tiny bit of background info first. I have lived in china altogether for about 3 years, and the last 2 years have been on a spousal visa, but unfortunately for some reason they bitched about me renewing my spousal visa last time, wouldn't give me 12 months and basically implied that I needn't bother applying for another because they wouldn't say yes. Furthermore the relationship between my wife and I isn't exactly hunky doory at the moment, so I would prefer to be able to not be bound to her by my visa.

I am currently studying online, and would prefer to live in China while I continue these studies, hoping to live here for at least 1 or 2 years. From what I can gather the best thing I can do is get an 6 month F visa back in my home country (90days per stay, possible??), and then get it extended here in China. The reason I want an F visa is I plan on weekends to visit companies and source products for some associates back home, and also I hope to maybe find some work playing music around the joint.

It's quite hard to get clear answers when it comes to Chinese visa's I know, but I have many business contacts in China and before goign back to studying worked as a purchasing officer coming here every 2 months.

In terms of an F visa, do I need a Chinese company to sponsor me the whole time, or can my company back in Australia sponsor me. I understand I need a letter, but will a letter asking me to visit the company be enough? Thanks for any information, I would prefer not to leave China every 3 months, but understand that having to do it at least once or twice is most likely unavoidable.