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k-Portz · Joined: 01 Jan 2017 Posts: 9 Location: Ulaanbaatar

I keep reading online that a medical test is necessary to apply for a Z visa, however the website I was referred to by the Chinese consulate (visaforchina.org) makes no mention of a medical test in their list of necessary documents.

Has anyone here applied for a Z visa in the UK recently? What's the deal? I don't want to pay for a medical test if it's not necessary, nor do I want arrive at the application centre and be turned away for want of a completed medical test.

For what it's worth, my future employer says that I will take a medical test in China after I arrive, so maybe it isn't necessary this side?

Thanks in advance.

The bear · Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 483

Kierana · Joined: 23 Sep 2011 Posts: 22

I personally feel its the employer wanting to see that there will not be any issues when you go for your medical check in China to get your FEC.

With all the expense, time and effort involved I cant say I blame them. When I came over I just got a basic check up from my GP and he marked on the x-ray and ecg sections "not indicated" whatever that means and my employer was fine with it.

Im guessing its more of the disease's that they want to see an all clear on.

getbehindthemule · Joined: 15 Oct 2015 Posts: 712 Location: Shanghai

happeningthang · Joined: 08 Oct 2003 Posts: 117

It's not the employers who require this - it's the Foreign Experts Office. It's one of the documents they ask for along with your degree and criminal check.

So - yes - you do need to get a medical check - but - as others have said - you don't actually need all the test to be preformed. Just get them to write "appears healthy" or "no evidence of disease" and as long as a doctor or clinic staff has signed the form that should be all you need.

All it should cost is a GP visit.

Wicked Stepmother · Joined: 01 Dec 2016 Posts: 49

This was a nightmare for me last year. I have been working in China for years and while previously an all clear from a GP was sufficient, this time the form from the employer required multiple paid for tests in hospitals. This included an X-Ray. Your GP cannot do that. And of course I would also face another medical in China. I don't think this stipulation has changed since last year. However, if you are to work with a Sino-UK employer, it will reimburse you probably. The Chinese? Probably not.

k-Portz · Joined: 01 Jan 2017 Posts: 9 Location: Ulaanbaatar

So I received my Z visa yesterday in what turned out to be a relatively straight forward process.

The only documents required were the visa application form, the declaration form and a copy of the letter of invitation; I took a print out of the English and Chinese version to be on the safe side.

I guess a pre-arrival medical check is an employer request, rather than a government requirement. It would appear not to be necessary condition to being granted a Z visa.

I applied at the Visa For China office in Edinburgh, the service was pretty slick. On both occasions I was in and out the office within five minutes. Doesn't seem necessary to book an appointment as suggested on their website. Both times I was the only customer, and the girls behind the counters never seemed to be doing anything productive.

I wish I had been able to apply for this when I was in Mongolia as it would have cost $30 rather than the £151 here. Crying or Very sad