Job Discussion Forums

JRJohn · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 175

I am from the U.K. I was offered a job at a college in China, and I was told that I needed to do the "Foreigner Physical" tests in my country, before I could get a Z visa, and teach. I was told that ALL the tests needed to be done.(This is even though they'll be done again in China). I know from experience that it's going to be very EXPENSIVE, because it's only available from certain places and not NHS.
I said I might not be able to afford all this.
The college then said that I could come to China on a tourist visa, get the physical check done in China(which is fine by me), then go to Hong Kong to get my Z-visa. Is it still possible to do this? I thought that the rules had been changed to make it impossible to get Z-visas or business visas in Hong Kong. If you have done so this year, though, I'd like to hear from you.

Zimmer · Joined: 26 Oct 2011 Posts: 229

Would the school pay for the Hong Kong trip? If not would you save enough money to make it worth it?

To answer your question, a guy I know recently went to Hong Kong for his Z visa, and got it, so it's still possible.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Unless you are really pressed for time (spring semester start) the question is NOT is it possible to get a legit visa in HK, but WHY would you need to?
If your school is a legit hirer of FTs you should go through the Z process.
As the cost of the UK medical is not NHS-covered then go through the form with your doctor and ask what is the minimum amount of testing s/he would need to sign the form.
There may be some economies.
BTW if you do get a chest X-ray bring the films with you as the Chinese clinic will likely accept them.
No cost saving but avoids unnecessary nuking.
Unless you can talk to another current or recent teacher and obtain first hand confirmation that the school supports and facilitates HK visa visits AND gets you residence, pass on this one.
We're into the hiring season so there's going to be plenty of other opportunities.

Lancy Bloom · Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Posts: 126 Location: Hong Kong

Probably the reason they want the medical done in your country is to not have to worry about you coming here with a medical problem that will show up on their test. I bet it will be on your dime going to Hong Kong, So it might be better to spend the money on a medical in your country. You will get a real medical also. In China they cost the school an average of 400 rmb and it will take about 40 minutes to do. It is a business for them. You won't get a good medical.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

xiguagua · Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Posts: 768

Irregardless of getting a medical check at home or not, you will more than likely have to get another one here even if you have the medical form with you. I took one last January, changed schools, and they wanted me to get another medical check in my home country in August, then when I came back to China, i'd have to take a medical check in China again. So 3 medical checks in the course of a year.

I have some useful friends in Americas (Most useful of them being a notary) My health hasn't changed in 6 months, so I just filled out the medical check myself putting in the generic answers "normal" or "Clear" or whatever, got it signed and notarized and got my Z-visa. Not gonna pay $400 or whatever crazy amount it is to do all those stupid tests when I did them 6 months ago and i'm gonna have to do them again when I arrive. Waste of money.

JRJohn · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 175

Thanks for the replies. I will need to check whether I have to pay for the trip to Kong Kong and how much it will cost. I really don't want to do the tests in my country (a) because of cost, and (b0 because it seems a stupid rule.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Still doesn't address the question why the school wants OP to go the tourist route.
JRJ will reply to your PM shortly.

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

OP, it sounds like you are coming to China with limited funds. This is never a good idea. You should always have enough socked away for emergencies. You never know what can happen and you never want to stuck in a situation you cannot leave.

doogsville · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 924 Location: China

I've mentioned this to a few people posting here from the UK before, but it but it bears repeating. Doctors in the UK, even those working in NHS health centres, will almost always offer private medical services, including health checks for potential employers. They will often have a notice near the reception area listing the services and fees. If they don't just ask the receptionist. I know of at least three near where I lived who all offered to do most of the checks on the Z visa medical form for 80 to 100 UK pounds. The X-ray is not necessary. In fact, about the only thing they care about is that you don't have any STD's or other communicable diseases. The doctor can just put 'not necessary' and sign or initial that part of the form. The important thing is to have it stamped so it's an official document.

If your own GP can't or won't offer the service, go to another doctor, you don't have to use the doctor with whom you are registered for that form. Shop around for the best price in you local area. It only takes a few minutes to speak to the receptionist, and they should be able to give you the info you need and the price.