Job Discussion Forums

mavis enderby · Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 19 Location: Cathay

I'm going through the hoops to organise the wife and my Z visa, and
counting the pennies it would seem to be less hassle to fly to Hong Kong with paperwork and "Letter of Invitation"(when it arrives) and get a Z visa
there. Is there any time limit on being faxed the letter and presenting it
at a consulate? I thorght I read somewhere you should do it in a week.
Oh we're from the UK. Thanks

bukowski1234 · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 9:19 am Post subject:

Though others will undoubtedly tell you to "just show up in Hong Kong," my answer to you is NO.

Having just completed the process, I know that there are two pieces of paper which you will need in order for you to secure your Z visa: a yellow letter issued by the Bureau of Foreign Experts which reads:" The State Bureau of Foreign Experts, PRC, requests that Foreign expert presents [sic] certificate, along with the invitation Letter to have his/her Z visa processed at the nearest Chinese Embassy or consulate." The rest is written in Chinese and rubber stamped in red ink.

Then there's another paper which states "[P] lease apply forthwith for visa at the Chinese Embassy/Consulate/ Visa Office in _____________ with this form." Again, the rest is written in Chinese with the obligatory red rubber stamp on it.

Your university must apply for these papers through the the local provincial government, then they are sent back to the school and then they are sent to you.

My paperwork was first lost, then filled out improperly, then finally "express mailed" to me, whereupon I had to submit all of my other documentation with my application for the Z visa.

Would anyone fax these documents to me to save me time?

Nope. I was told that they had to be submitted in the original when I presented my other documentation at the consulate in application for the Z visa. There seems to be an element on this board--- I call them the James Bonds--- which claims to be able to slip in and out of countries with scant or no official documentation, no health examinations, etc.. My experience indicates that you'll have to follow the directions on the website of your local Chinese embassy.

I am in the states. This is what I had to do. You say that you are in the UK. Fax your questions to your local Chinese embassy (phrase the questions to elicit yes or no answers), and see what kind of answers you get.

Being British, you might be able to pull a James Bond.

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

A fax can't be used for certain things -contracts for one-as they need an original signature and stamp...Not a copy...Don't know if Hong Kong plan is good or not..2 times here I arrived on 30 day L visas and the schools took it from there...Apparently though some provinces do not allow an L changed to a Z so be careful...

As for James Bond my first 2 years in Asia were spent teaching and traveling between 5 different countries with not a work visa or medical in sight...I did get burned eventually though----long story. Wink

JustLuke · Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 26 Location: UK

Yesterday, I successfully applied for a one-year work visa at the Chinese Embassy in London.

The only things I took with me were my passport and faxed copies of both my work permit and official government invitation. The faxes were pretty poor quality too. On one of the faxes (I can't remember which one) one of the official stamps was faded to the point of almost total illegibility.

I had absolutely no problems getting my visa. The guy who I submitted my application to didn't ask to see a medical examination or the original permit and invitation documents. I suppose that the situation varies from country to country, but it is very easy to get a Chinese work visa from the London embassy in the UK.

I should also add that I successfully applied for a Chinese work visa just as easily last year too.

marymarywuwhereareyou · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 7

I also just received my z-visa from the Chinese consulate in NYC with only faxed copies of my invitation letter, foreign experts certificate and original passport. The embassy worker initially asked me for the original documents, but I just pointed out to to her that the visa application directions asked for the original or telegraphed copies of the invitation letter and certificate. She didn't bring up the medical examination at all.

vitruvius · Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 3:56 am Post subject:

"Apparently though some provinces do not allow an L changed to a Z so be careful... "

So, is Shandong province one of those that do not allow an L to be changed toa Z visa?

I really want to come over to China on a Z visa, but the school is taking their sweet time getting the invitation letter to me. I suppose the summer break slowed things up, but it's still frustrating on this end of things. I feel like time is a-runnin' out on me.

BIG QUESTION: is in normal for the school to pay for the medical exam and visa? The school I've accepted a job at emailed me and said that the medical exam is paid for by the foreign teacher, and the visa as well. In general, what expenses do the schools usually cover in regard to all the paperwork,med exam etc?? Does it vary alot, or is this school just being super cheap?

Thanks for any input Smile

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

I just left Shandong so I should know this...but I don't. My school at the time said Shandong had a "full quota" of Foreign Experts and registered me in a different province. So I was only semi-legal for 8 months but that's how they do things here.

Yes the summer is slower with a lot of people on holiday. Sometimes they need a gentle push. Tell them politely time is getting short and you might have to look at other options. Schools generally cover the visa and medical if you are in China. But you pay your own visa to actually get here. Good luck.