Can I get a residence permit without using a Chinese visa agency?? I hope someone can help answer my question about Chinese visa agencies. I am planning to teach in China - the school I am negotiating with says that I need to get a Chinese visa here first , than a residence permit on arrival - they will pay for me - but I need to pay for my two children. I understand that the Chinese work visa is $130 for Americans and the residence permit is about 800RMB - but they also say I have to pay a chinese visa agency 3000RMB for each child. I feel that this it too expensive. Is this really a fair price? And is there any way to avoid the agency and do it myself? The school does not seem to have time to do it. I hope someone understands this problem. Thank you