Job Discussion Forums

[dtomchek]

Hello:

So I went through the interview process with a brand new school. They are currently in a temporary location but will be moving to the permanent one in the summer. I got the job and they offered me a generous contact. They are saying I need to come over on a tourist visa and they will sort it out there as they need to get their qualification. Does anyone know if this sounds normal? They were always upfront about being a new school and they sent me pictures of the new building. Just wondering if anyone had any experience with this going as a tourist and the school (which is private) will send me to HK to get the working visa when it is time.

[RiverMystic]

I’d be cautious, but yeah, I did that with my current school. And it worked out. Make sure you take every conceivable document and qualification with you. But you still may have to return home to get the work visa. I didn’t have to.

[eihpos]

I know a couple of people who did it this way no problem. However, these days things have gotten even more strict and if you are working for any time at all without a visa, you could get caught. I would check with them how long they are planning to wait before sending you to HK. In addition, how long will it take them to get certified? That could be a problem. I don’t know how long it takes for schools to get their documents sorted but it might take a while. In the meantime you have no security. There are plenty of schools out there , you would be better off going with one already established.

[teenoso]

Yes I agree it sound like a very bad idea to go along with this school... unless it's in Shanghai where they have their own rules.
Schools employing foreigners need special certification and approval and I doubt this is a quick or easy process - meanwhile you are teaching illegally on an L visa

[Kierana]

Dont teach on a tourist visa, ever.

If they want to put you to work before you have a Z visa then find another place to work.

[dtomchek]

Thanks for the advice. I turned them down but they said they would wait for me until the appropriate visa is in place.

[nimadecaomei]

I would say they sound good, just make sure they get the visa.