Job Discussion Forums

[Voyeur]

I can get all my documents authenticated here in Canada. But I was thinking of going over on a tourist visa and checking out places in person first. Then, when I found a place I liked and was confident in, going to Hong Kong to get the Z Visa.
I wouldn't be working on the tourist visa, just looking at schools and sightseeing.
However, some people have told me that if all my docs are authenticated in Canada, I have to get the Z Visa processed in Canada--the days of the Hong Kong run are over.

[Blistering Zanazilz]

There are too many variables in this process, and I don't think you'll know the answer to your question till you try applying for a job. Then you can ask the potential employer if the HK visa run is a possibility. If it were me I'd line up a job and get the visa before traveling.

[Voyeur]

I guess I'll have to investigate further. I don't even mind going back to Canada to pick up the Visa and returning, but what I don't want to have happen is trying HK, having them say no, and then also not being able to go back to Canada.
I want to visit some friends now, as I have spare time, and I do prefer to look at the school first in person. I have time and cash enough, and I'm looking for a place where I can spend 2-3 years. So it seems worth it to me.
I also realize the rules may vary from province to province. But at least hearing from anyone who has changed an L visa to a Z visa in HK (or even Thailand) recently would make me more confident and they might have some info. that would provide a good place to start looking.

[Non Sequitur]

The HK 'L' to 'Z' thing is the Holy Grail of China ESL.
The 'having a look' on an L visa confers benefits on the hiring school too. While much content on Dave's is problematic schools, I can tell you a few stories about teachers. One guy arrived at my school who was functionally blind. Nice guy but hey...
Alcoholics abound and I've seen one or two proselytising missionary types. Sexual predators ditto.
I hope someone comes up with the definitive answer.

[theoriginalprankster]

[Blistering Zanazilz]

[Voyeur]

The website for the 'embassy' in Hong Kong actually says that only HK residents can apply for visas in HK, and everyone else should apply in their country of residence.
However, I think it has said that forever, meanwhile many people have gone ahead and gotten visas there despite not being permanent HK residents.
I've heard of crackdowns during conferences, etc. Seems like it remains a crapshoot, and if they say no, you'd have to start the process all over again for your home country--and your local PCB might even refuse, out of confusion as to wtf is going on with two Z Visa apps for the same person.

[Voyeur]

I notice that the Foreign Ministry in HK website says:

"7, Applicants without HK resident status are required to submit their applications through the Chinese Embassy or consulate office around your resident country. "

However, I think it has always said this, for years. I even got my first Z visa in HK in 2013, despite the website saying this. And a friend of mine just moved provinces and changed Z Visas in Hong Kong.

I love China! (Though, to be fair, it's hardly the only country with inconsistent bureaucracy.)

They are also opening a new Visa processing center soon:

http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/fwxx/wgrqz/t1523852.htm

So who knows what that does, if anything. Fun times.

[Non Sequitur]

Isn't the takeaway message 'don't try it'?
Factoring in a retun visit to say the UK after locating the perfect school by visiting on an L visa is costly and time-consuming.
Far better to be extra rigorous on your checks from home. See the 'Job Offer Checklist' thread.

[Voyeur]

I have the time and cash, so I wanted to do some traveling etc. before starting school (and the Z Visa could be processed).
When I looked at what I'd spend in Hong Kong for 2-3 days, and the cost of getting there and back, and compared it to the cost of returning to my home town of Ottawa (where the Chinese Embassy is conveniently located) I decided to just spend an extra $500 and fly home to change Visas.
Much safer. And if something goes wrong, I'm home and not stuck in Hong Kong!

[Non Sequitur]

Sounds good.

[nimadecaomei]

Depending on the job you find, they might pay for the trip to HK for the visa. That is what my current employer did for the three people, including me, who needed to do it this year. One guy ended up needing to go back to NZ, after being rejected in HK, and they paid for that trip, also.

[Non Sequitur]

So 2 got visas in HK but one didn't?
Hope it wasn't the fact he was a Kiwi!
Also renewals may be in a different category than first time applications.

[nimadecaomei]

[getbehindthemule]