Job Discussion Forums

Toast · Joined: 08 Jun 2013 Posts: 428

The recommendation letter and release letter (for lack of better names) are on the same form. One part is completed by your "work unit" and the other by your FAO. So it's this document + the cancelled FEC print out. Officially 2 in total. But you *could* get a third regular reference letter from your DOS or someone for future jobs, although this isn't "legally" required. I was pretty lit when I wrote that other message which might explain the incoherence. Sorry for the confusion.

kismitt · Joined: 07 Jun 2014 Posts: 2

Hi I'm also curious about the necessity of a reference letter in obtaining a Z visa. I left my work in China on bad terms and so they will not give me a reference letter. My new employer asked me to provide them with a reference letter from my old place. When I left my job, they cancelled my FEC, my RP and terminated my contract which would have expired mid July.

I'll be returning to my home country at the end of this month to renew my passport and therefore getting a new passport. My new contract doesn't start until end of August.

Am I still able to get a Z visa even if I can't supply my new employer with a reference letter? Would my new employer have any ways to get around my lack of the reference letter?

Thanks

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

Once you return to your home country, you just start with a clean slate. Your former employer isn't required to issue a letter of release if you return to your home country. (At least, that's what my last FAO told me).

Are you renewing your passport because it is near expiration? You won't need to hide the fact that you worked for your last employer, even if you left on bad terms.

kismitt · Joined: 07 Jun 2014 Posts: 2

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

I don't think I have a good grip on what employers really need when they hire FTs anymore. When the silly release letter was instituted, a letter of recommendation was just a request on the part of the FT. Now, FTs are saying that they need a letter of recommendation AND a letter of release.

Now, you have a prospective employer who just needs a letter of recommendation.

I turned down two jobs this year from employers who didn't ask for either!

I give up. I don't know who needs what or why.

I wish you the very best of luck.

expatteacher1 · Joined: 12 Mar 2014 Posts: 37

In Tier 1 cities, the requirements seem to be more enforced nowadays.

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

expatteacher1 · Joined: 12 Mar 2014 Posts: 37

I am just going on anecdotal evidence from a small sample, of course.