But if you are 'kicked out' of the country,you needn't go back home.You could go to Mongolia,for example,and obtain a Chinese visa in Ulaanbator.But you couldn't get a Z unless you have an invitation letter from a legit school/college authorised by the provincial education office of that school/college.The trouble is that that takes time,maybe 4 weeks.And it depends on the province whether you need to take a medical first.For example,Hebei will issue the letter of invitation without you having to take a medical,but Shanxi won't.In Ulanbator at the Chinese visa office on production of the invitation letter,you can get a 'fast and therefore more expensive Z' the same day.Of course,you'll need to pass a medical after returning to China within 30 days if you weren't required to take one earlier,in order to get the residence permit.However,this all depends on what happens after or on October 20th.At present,Chinese visa offices in your homeland will only issue you with a Z.You could exit to Ulaanbator now on a Mongolian L,and wait there.If you're from the USA,you will have special privileges.There's a Mongolian visa office in Hohhot,fast L,apply am,get pm same day.Express Mongolian visa,by bus from Hohhot to Erlianhot,return,by sleeper train from Erlianhot to Ulaanbator,return,express Z and cheap hotel accommodation,and so-so food,3 days' hotel stay in UB, <2000Yuan.Z visa,yes.But that was before the Olympics!The fne for overstaying in China is 500 a day up to a maximum of 5000 Yuan,and 10 days to leave,that * visa, 160 Yuan extra.I suppose it all depends on your illness.As for Honkong,I don't know the details.If you need more info,please pm me.