Job Discussion Forums

[Voyeur]

Thanks. I'm just figuring out the whole process. So I really am going to have to get 3 full medicals? One where I'm at to get the letter of invitation, one in Hong Kong to get the Z Visa, and one once I'm settled in China.

I'm starting to feel like the system is really designed for people to get Visas in their home country.

[Mr. Leafy]

[Voyeur]

The Chinese embassy in Kyiv will only provide a Z visa to a foreigner who has permanent residence status in Ukraine. Still, everything in Ukraine can be greased with money.

I had thought I would just fly into HK in the early morning, go to the Embassy their, wait until the end of the day and grab my Visa, then take the train to Fuzhou in China.

But it is looking like I would need to get a medical there, and WAIT for the test results--we could be talking 4-6 days in Hong Kong. That gets expensive. I'm still searching for alternatives; hopefully I got it wrong. Unfortunately, the woman at my school is not that experienced with Visas, and this situation is beyond her ability.

If I can't bribe the Embassy in Ukraine into getting me a Visa, then maybe I am better getting one at home. Or going to China on a tourist, BEFORE I start teaching, settling in and getting my medical there (which they will accept in HK), and then making my HK run from China. No idea if that is possible.

[johntpartee]

[choudoufu]

so, like, could you maybe go next door to moldova or belarus?
apply for a long-term ukranian business visa?

these guys (for exzample) say they can provide the invitation letter:
http://www.ukr-apartments.kiev.ua/visa/business.html

[Voyeur]

Embassy in Ukraine is saying they will only provide Z Visa if you have a residence permit, not just a longer-term business Visa.

My up-front costs of moving to China are escalating fast...

$1,000 flight to HK
$500 5 days in HK
$250 HK Visa and Medical Test
$100 Travel HK to Fuzhou
$1,000 4-mo. rent (1500 RMB/mo) in advance on apartment
$350 Furnishing apartment (settling in stuff)
$500 First mo. in China until pay check

Some of these numbers may be off, but unexpected stuff also starts to come up. Wouldn't be surprised to see it hit $4k+

Maybe I should see if other embassies near Ukraine will let foreigners without residency get a Z Visa. Anyone else have any ideas to reduce my upfront costsÉ Perhaps one of those Visa services...

[Harbin]

And that is why I used the visa agent. The agent and shipping fees cost about $500, it it was far cheaper and less risky than trying a Hong Kong run.

[rogerwilco]

OP,
My understanding is that the invitation letter from the school will state the country where you need to apply for the Z visa, and you cannot apply in a country different from the one stated.

What does your invitation letter say ? It may have your home country stated on it.