Job Discussion Forums

joshbhoy · Joined: 20 Sep 2016 Posts: 18 Location: Scotland

Hi i posted this in the work permit thread but it seems that the stickied threads don't get many replies. Anyway I completed my medical and gave my school a copy of all my documentation like my notarized degree and medical form etc. They advised that they will now apply for my work permit and visa and that it can take 8-10 weeks. This seems rather long so just wondering how long it takes on average?

Also as a side note do I require proof of funds to enter China or is that just for tourist visas? Just I might be going over with only an overdraft but if I do need proof of funds then I can get family to put money in then take it out again.

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

It'll be ready when it's ready. At this time of year, 8-10 weeks will get you in at the end the fall semester.

joshbhoy · Joined: 20 Sep 2016 Posts: 18 Location: Scotland

Was sort of wanting to get away before Christmas but seeing as it looks like its going to be a while I'll need to maybe find some temp work just now to keep busy. My contract start date says the 26/11/16 or if later whenever my visa is issued. I get the point about the term coming to an end but the place I applied advertised as needing staff who could start asap. Its more the fact that its out of my control and just seems a long time to wait.

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

You should be seeing it in a week or so. Schools have a way of cutting it close because they don't want FTs hanging around until they're needed. You might want to send an email to the boss.

Is this a public school?

If you have sent the school a scan of your passport, a signed contract and the authenticated degrees and your medical paperwork, that's it. You don't need to show any sort of proof of funds (though you should bring at least the cost of a return plane ticket back home in case things go south).

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

You need to get your highest degree authenticated at the Chinese consulate that serves the particular school you got the degree from. If they require this from you (and they will) it takes a little less than a month to do. It's best to have it done already. In order to have your degree authenticated, it has to be apostilled by the Secretary of State of the state your school is in. In order for it to be apostilled it has to be notarized by the school registar and certified by the clerk of the county the school is in.

joshbhoy · Joined: 20 Sep 2016 Posts: 18 Location: Scotland

Osiry · Joined: 19 Mar 2015 Posts: 84 Location: Nanjing

It seems odd that you only had to have it notarised. I am going through the same process and had to have it notarised by a solicitor, then sent to two different government departments for authentication and translation, then I had to take it to the Chinese consulate for them to stamp it.
Maybe it's a different process in your country, but I'd imagine you'd at least have to have it authenticated and translated by the Chinese consulate.

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

In the USA, they have to be sent to the Secretary of State in the state the college is in before being sent to the consulate. Also you have to hand deliver and hand pick up the documents or us a courier. They don't except mail ins.

joshbhoy · Joined: 20 Sep 2016 Posts: 18 Location: Scotland

I'm in the UK so as you say may be different but yea I've not been advised any of this so hopefully don't have to do it. I'll update the thread when I hear something back from the employer.

joshbhoy · Joined: 20 Sep 2016 Posts: 18 Location: Scotland

Had a slight update from the employer saying that the local government have asked me to take my background check to my local Chinese consulate to be authenticated. Only issue is my local consulate is only open 2 days a week (ridiculous i know) and my visa application centre were no help at all, they just advised all they do is collect applications and send them.

If i hadn't already spent a fortune on documentation and medicals etc I would probably give up as this process is ridiculous and even getting a work permit for the USA wasn't this difficult.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

joshbhoy · Joined: 20 Sep 2016 Posts: 18 Location: Scotland

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

The police check authentication raises some questions. In the USA there are different kinds of checks, local, state and FBI. Local checks take one day to get, State checks two weeks, FBI checks on average 2 months. Keep in mind these checks have to be apostilled (if a US citizen). Serious problem because an apostilled check is only good for I think 6 months (it depends on what the Chinese say).

However my police checks didn't need to be authenticated. Applying to China is a mess, insane. Be prepared before with authenticated police checks and highest degree certificates before leaving your current job to obtain a Z visa. Also for a Z visa you will need to show your previous visas to China, hopefully if it's on an old passport, you still have the old passport. The Chinese immigration people are insane. So much demand for native English teachers and they do this! Also the pay and benefits for most coming to China are not that great, although the jobs are more secure. Once you're in they want you to stay.

Firearcher · Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 35

My recruiter said the Chinese gov't told her that

"I must have my CRC notarized by the Canadian Embassy in Canada"

Is there a Canadian Embassy in Canada???? Not that I know of. This is crazy and i told the recruiter this. But the officer is firm and this is what he says.

Comments? Help? What must I do?

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913