Job Discussion Forums

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

I think I may have to just give up on China. I literally cannot do anything else to help with the visa process.

I was asked to provide a stamped[by Chinese consulate] copy of my degree, my CELTA, my medical record and also my non criminal records check.

I sent it all to the school who put the information in online using the online system to apply for the invitation letter.

Turns out it was accepted [yay!]

Next my new school had to go and hand in documents. Not so good this time.

Even though I've spent $600 on the medical check, $252 on getting my degree stamped by the consulate and confirmed by the Foreign Office, $90 on two medical checks [can only be 3 months old or less] and paid for a second copy of my diploma [another $50], I was rejected.

Apparently the stamp is not good because it only confirms the University signature is correct. The foreign office did not contact the university to confirm it is correct. At the moment the agency tell me there is nothing more that can be done, I have a Foreign Office stamp AND a Chinese consulate stamp that says 'certified'.

They also said I need the Criminal Records Check to contain a stamp from the place issuing it, but they do not offer this service.

The red tape may finally have me not bothering, even though to date it's set me back the best part of $1000. What a waste. They ask you to jump through a hoop then ask for another, I think I'll just go to another SEA country who will accept the docs I've got.

adventious · Joined: 23 Nov 2015 Posts: 237 Location: In the wide

Well, I'll be...the system worked!

rioux · Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Posts: 880

That seems like it is more work than what is required to teach in South Korea.
With the shortage of teachers in China I thought they would try to persuade people to be here not dissuade them.

If you decide not to teach in China (or even if you do) all the best with your next move.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

To be clear, this is not coming from the government, but through an agent?

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

It is coming from the body who issues the invitation letters to allow you to apply for the z visa

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

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

TrampledKlown · Joined: 22 Sep 2012 Posts: 44

[quote="LarssonCrew"]I think I may have to just give up on China. I literally cannot do anything else to help with the visa process.

You've just got it backwards.

Apply for citizenship in Pakistan or Russia.

Then you can come over and tell everyone you're a native speaker.

twowheel · Joined: 03 Jul 2015 Posts: 753

D'oh! I'm going to go from a residence permit under a Z visa to an X visa for 2016-2017 and then hopefully back to a Z visa for 2017-2018. I hope I can do this relatively smoothly.

In the past here in the 'Jing I have been able to update a residence permit under an original Z visa in-country no problem. I am wondering if I can do the above all in-country, or...because I am transferring to a different kind of visa, if I'll have to go home and do it all over. Ah well.

twowheel

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

Ah. I've just been on the phone with the Embassy in London.

Fortunately I can apply for an R visa, for a special talent, because I have previously worked in International Law for an NGO. I'm not sure the school will be kosher with that and I have no idea if I will need a law firm or NGO in China to issue an invite[I guess I will]

twowheel · Joined: 03 Jul 2015 Posts: 753

When you apply for it, say it like a pirate...RRRRRRRRRRRR!

R visa? Interesting.

twowheel

Tazz · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 512 Location: Jakarta

Part of the problem as I see it is that the process is not 'standard' across the country. The government may now be trying to enforce the 'authentication' procedure, among others, but policy and procedure still varies from province to province. I've been looking at a return to China after a break of 10 years living/working there-back then it was a simple and straightforward process...now I'm hearing totally different rules of procedure to obtain the Z visa from just about every College or University I'm in communication with.

creeper1 · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 4:24 am Post subject:

If you already have a residence permit the process of moving to another job is smooth sailing.

Those of us with RPs must consider the cost and red tape of coming back if we ever leave.

In other words, if you leave China don't take the decision lightly. You will pay a lot to return here (if your plans at home don't work out)

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003