Job Discussion Forums

afireinside · Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 14 Location: GOLD COAST AUSSIE!

Hi, we are going to China in early Jan to teach English and have signed a contract. How does the Visa process work? They have told us they will be sending out an official invite and thats what we need, but do we apply in Australia or do they do it for us in China? Im a little worried as its almost 5 weeks away and I have nothing as of yet ! PLEASE HELP ! Thank you to everyone who replies to these posts. Very Happy

oiboy · Joined: 05 Mar 2004 Posts: 142 Location: Middle China

there is a little thing on this forum called Search. Very Happy

Oh well here goes:

Take the invitation letter to the Chinese Embassy in your city. The will likely issue you a L Visa (tourist visa)

When you arrive here your school should process your L visa into a Z visa.

Another route you may take is stop in HK and get an F Visa (business visa) That way your school cannot hold you randsom. Very Happy

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

Be cafeful of the advice here as most of it is based on half truth and rumor...if you take an ivitation letter to the Chinese emb. they will not give you an l visa as by law only special circumstance can render the L visa to a Z. If the Emb. even knows that you will work they may turn down your L visa request....often schools here are late...very late and will insist that at the last mment you get a tourist visa and they will change...which is gettin more and more unlikely as the controls are being tighten up...even in areas that need teachers..like Beijing...are gettin more and more by the book. If they get all your paperwork in order...then come, otherwise...dont waste your time...cj

afireinside · Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 14 Location: GOLD COAST AUSSIE!

So how does it work? Do we just go on a tourist visa like we're going on holiday????? ARGHHH

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Why didn't you ask them whether they will upgrade your tourist visa to a work visa?
An invitation letter nominally entitles you to a work visa; however, you must first be declared physically fit for your job in China. The medical examination may be good enough for the Chinese embassy to issue you with a work visa; however, once you arrive in China the local PSB must issue you with other documents that you need to be a legal local resident, i.e. a residence permit, a work permit and a Foreign Expert certificate; these booklets may not be given you unless you undergo the medical examination in China again.
It's best if your putative employer check with the PSB in your place of work.

myesl · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 4:05 pm Post subject:

Ask the embassy/consulate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!