Job Discussion Forums

[JoThomas]

Hi,

Has anyone transferred jobs from province to province with a z-visa and what does this entail? How long did the process take? My current residence permit runs out on July 31st, and I start at a new school on August 1st. I finish my current school on June 16th. Any information would be appreciated. I think my HR person should know what documents I need to transfer. However, I'd like to hear from people that did this process and how long it took.

Cheers

[hz88]

That should me ample time assuming that both schools get their paperwork in order.

You will need these documents from your old school:-

1. Copy of existing front page of FEC booklet.
2. Copy of the cancellation letter that is given when they return the booklet to the issuing office. This contains a unique identifier which your new school needs to process the transfer. Without it they cannot so this is fundamental.
3. Letter of release from your current school/employer which states that you have completed your contract and they have released you from their records.
4. A reference from your existing employer, simply a few lines stating how long you have worked etc.

Your new school will need in addition to this (it is their job to obtain):-

1. Authentication of certain documents (be sure to check with them about what is needed or not).
2. A new health exam certificate (if your previous one is issued in China within 180 days previously it will be accepted).

The easiest way to deal with this is to give your existing HR/FAO contact details to your new school and let them deal with it between them.

[Non Sequitur]

The easiest way to deal with this is to give your existing HR/FAO contact details to your new school and let them deal with it between them.

That's what I did.
The new employer has skin in the game and the old school just wants to settle scores..
In my case the old employer got nasty (nothing new there) and the new school vastly outranked them. Problem disappeared.
In some instances China's hierarchical society has its benefits.

[JoThomas]

Thanks very much for the information, hz88 and Non-Sequitur.
I'm hoping not to have any problems in HR as I gave them due notice I was leaving. It is too bad you had some problems, Non-Sequitur. I hope it all worked out in the end.

Another question about the medical. If it is longer then 180 days, can I do the medical in China or does it have to be back in Canada?

Thanks again!

[hz88]

Your new school should arrange the medical at the nearest designated hospital closest to them.

If you wish to expedite things you could go for another yourself before you leave your existing school (just ask them where the nearest place is) and forward the certificate electronically to them.

You should ask your new school about this. It will need to be repeated annually before any resident permit renewal irrespective of whether you are remaining with the same school or changing schools. This used to be not needed in certain provinces but was made compulsory last month.

[Non Sequitur]

[backtochina2017]

[JoThomas]

^@backtoChina2017 Thanks for the info. So, isn't it possible to do it before my work permit expires end of July? I am leaving mid June and won't be back until August 1st when my new job starts. Seems like I have to do it before I leave this current school. I'm a bit confused because I'll be leaving the country for vacation in the summer and want to make sure things are settled before going to the new job. Appreciate any information on this.

Cheers again, hz88 for the info.

@NS glad it all worked out for you.

[hz88]

In this case it puts a different light on things.

To transfer a resident permit between employers you need to be resident in the city where you are transferring. You have to appear in person at the local PSB and they will retain your passport for anything between 7 and 21 days while they do this.

If you exit China on your existing resident permit and it subsequently expires, you will need a new z visa to come back with. This will need to be treated as a new application from scratch.

It appears you have two choices, the first being make your way to your new location and wait while the transfer takes place. If everything is in order on both sides it will be within the above time frame if not, then how long is a piece of string? Then you can exit and return on your new resident permit.

The second being go home and ask the new school to process a new application and send you the associated paperwork, come back with the new z visa and change this to a resident permit.

If you really need to go home then I would alter you return date to a week before your current resident permit expires and make sure that when you come back there is someone available to take charge of matters (be mindful most schools/universities close during July and August).

[backtochina2017]

[JoThomas]

Thanks for the information everyone. I'm still feeling confused, but I'll have to talk to both HR's and see what they say. I may get back to you with more questions in the future. Appreciate the information.

I'd really like to get stuff sorted by May or early June and not have to come back early in July if possible.

[Non Sequitur]

[JoThomas]

[Non Sequitur]

Yeah that's good.
My comment was really to the larger group following the thread.
Best
NS

[JoThomas]

^Thanks NS!

So I talked to my HR today by email and they said they could get me my release letter only in mid-June. I don't know why it takes so long, but they said they could get all the other documents I asked for that hz88 said I needed.

I have not talked yet to the HR from the new school, but I sent an email to my future principal regarding the process and how to go about getting things organized. I'm really not sure if it is possible now according to what hz88 said in the last message on the thread regarding having to be a resident of the city first.