Job Discussion Forums

[MyraG]

I am running a small recently opened school in Suzhou, China and I have just employed a new teacher on a tourist visa,. I have access to schools business and education permission certificates, money and seal and bosses backing but they are also new to China, THEY ARE FROM SINGAPORE so I need help in what to do and when as far as who do I see what do I need when do you get the medical etc.
Can any of you do it yourselfers help, any info will be greatly appreciated
Cheers
Myra

[Roger]

You must be pretty fresh, judging by your query! And already in a leading position in China...?

If foreigners immigrate to Australia, aren't they supposed to undergo a fitnestest to determine whether they are going to be no liability to the authorities from a health point of view?
Exactly this is the point here about medical exams in China; every newbie has to undergo it BEFORE they are put in a job.
After the medical exam, the PSB will grant you a work visa, and if you apply for other documents, they will also issue you with a residence permit and a work permit.

Singaporeans are quite numerous in Suzhou; can't you network with them so as to find out the exact details? Does your outfit have the relevant licences - one for hiring non-Chinese, the other for running a school?

[clomper]

Hmm.. here's my experience in processing my papers. I came here on a L visa.

1. Proceed to a hospital which caters for foreign travellers to have a medical exam. You will need pictures.
2. When you get the result, proceed to the local labor department for your Alien's Employment Permit. You will need pictures, accomplished form in Chinese, photocopy of your diploma, certificate to hire foreign teachers, letter from the school that they are hiring you as a foreign teacher, photocopy of contract, health certificate, passport. Pay fees.
3. When you get the Alien's Employment Permit, proceed to the local police station where the school is situated. You need to get a certification that you are registered as a temporary resident of that place. This is not a temporary residence permit. You will need to show the original certificate to hire foreign teachers.
4. Proceed to the Public Security Bureau with your requirements. Contract, health cert, passport, application form, employment permit, certificate from the local police station, certificate to hire foreign teachers, pictures and money to pay fees.

That's it.. I'm going to get my visa and residence permit next Thursday. Though, this procedure is for Zhanjiang. I'm not quite sure at your place. They might differ.

Claudine

[MyraG]

Thanks claudine , most helpful, Yes I am new to China 5 months now but the school was brand new and I was the only teacher employed straight from Aus. Within 3 months they handed me the school to run, and they want to open more. But they only come once a month for a week and havent got a clue, they just hand the money, but I am sure they have all the necessary documents. Thay are not shoddy, infact they are really great guys and I always look forward to their visits. They are serious about giving a good education and the curriculum is brilliant. As they say , we are not a quick fix, we give a good foundation for the children to add to.
Teachers who have seen the school dont believe it, the lesson plans are brilliant, resources good. small classes of no more than 10, we put the children in English and age levels. I love teaching here, the only minus is I work weekends otherwise it is teaching heaven.
Yes I am lucky to get a responsible position but I spent at least a month negotiating before I came. Also I am a mature age female who has raised a child, had businesses. good sales person, got a 4 year degree and my CELTA plus 2 experience working casually off and on in l;anguage schools in Australia. Also I had a friend teaching in China who was assisting me in what I could and should get.
Thanks for your help, any others would be great

[burnsie]

MyraG,

Good to hear some of the good schools in China. We all constantly hear about the bad ones here!

About the dreaded Z visa. Many schools in China are not registered and by the sounds of it your school is one of them. Usually the smaller ones don't have the resources etc to become a registered school as it takes time and money to do this. I would say once you become bigger you might have the opportunity to do so.

As you can't employ foreigners directly alot of smaller schools organise other larger registered schools to do the paperwork, organise the z visa, foreign expert certificatices etc. They do this for a price of course.

You can approach some of these schools and see if they are willing to do this. Most will jump at the chance to do this as this is extra income for them. Either you organise the Z visa through them or use the teachers from their school and you pay them directly for using that teacher each month.

I hope this helps.