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Go to Hong Kong first for working visa? Newbie question

 
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flyingcolours



Joined: 04 Oct 2011
Posts: 73

PostPosted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 8:44 am    Post subject: Go to Hong Kong first for working visa? Newbie question Reply with quote

I'm in the Philippines now. I was told by an employer that I should fly to China on a tourist visa then go to Hong Kong and apply for a working visa.

Is this a proper way to start working in China?
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Mr. English



Joined: 25 Nov 2009
Posts: 298
Location: Nakuru, Kenya

PostPosted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 9:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's common enough. The better employers will pay at least your travel and hotel expenses for your trip to Hong Kong. Where in China will you be working? A trip to Hong Kong can be expensive and time-consuming, or cheap and quick, depending on where you will be in China.
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flyingcolours



Joined: 04 Oct 2011
Posts: 73

PostPosted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 2:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Shaoyang City (Hunan)
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roadwalker



Joined: 24 Aug 2005
Posts: 1750
Location: Ch

PostPosted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 3:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's a common way, but not the proper way to start work in China. All of the risk is shifted to you. You show up, they decide if they like you, else, so sorry! but something came up and they can't hire you. You could be out your travel expenses and whatever else you spent in good faith. Shaoyang doesn't appear to be on the main north-south rail line through Hunan or else-wise conveniently located. So getting to and from HK will not be terribly convenient or quick.

If, on the other hand, the school sponsors you for a z-visa (work visa), it demonstrates that they will at least spend time and money on bringing you into China, and therefore wouldn't offhandedly toss away their investment in your services. It takes more time to obtain the z-visa, but it shows the school's commitment.
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rogerwilco



Joined: 10 Jun 2010
Posts: 1549

PostPosted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 3:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was in the Philippines a few years ago on holiday, and a school was able to specify that my visa would be processed in the Philippines.

I received a Z visa at the Chinese consulate in Cebu in the Philippines.


IIRC, I received all the papers by email, printed them out, and the consulate processed my visa in 3 days.
The consulate in Cebu is known to not be very busy, and to typically be hassle-free.
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therock



Joined: 31 Jul 2005
Posts: 1266
Location: China

PostPosted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

rogerwilco wrote:
I was in the Philippines a few years ago on holiday, and a school was able to specify that my visa would be processed in the Philippines..


This might have been useful a few years ago, but not really now. The rules and regulations change every second week and seem to be different from province to province. Additionally with some provinces / cities / schools, foreigners need to apply in their home country for the initial Z visa. They can only apply in Hong Kong if they have residence there.
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rogerwilco



Joined: 10 Jun 2010
Posts: 1549

PostPosted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

therock wrote:
rogerwilco wrote:
I was in the Philippines a few years ago on holiday, and a school was able to specify that my visa would be processed in the Philippines..


This might have been useful a few years ago, but not really now. The rules and regulations change every second week and seem to be different from province to province. Additionally with some provinces / cities / schools, foreigners need to apply in their home country for the initial Z visa. They can only apply in Hong Kong if they have residence there.


True, but I would still encourage people to ask if they can apply for the Z visa where they are currently located.

Last year I was able to apply for a Z visa in HK, so it never hurts to ask the school to arrange for you to apply for the visa in the place that is most convenient for you.
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xiguagua



Joined: 09 Oct 2011
Posts: 768

PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 1:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

flyingcolours wrote:
Shaoyang City (Hunan)


You must be working at one of the middle schools or private institution. Since I worked in Shaoyang for 3 years, Number 3 middle school is the only high school that is legally able to hire foreigners and yes, I worked there my first year in Shaoyang and asked me to make the HK run. Since I was there through a recruiter, the recruiter reimbursed me. If it's this school they should be able to provide you with the working visa, however they have had a lot of bad luck with FT's recently, so they might want to check you out first.


If you're there with the university......they should definitely get you the Z visa. I worked there for 2 and this was never a problem for any of the other FT's that worked there.....
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