Visa Commencement and Expiry Dates

My son has a 12 month contract in China starting 8 January 2013. How does he cover the 12 month period between 8 January 2013 and 8 January 2014?? Is it by a 12 month visa which would expire 12 months after application (i.e. probably in October/November 2013?

If he applies for a 12 month, I understand it starts on the day of issue rather than first entry. Does this mean that, whenever he applies, he will need an extension to get through to 8 January 2014? How are extensions in China obtained?

Simon (UK)