Job Discussion Forums

Redsparrow · Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Guangzhou

I've been lurking here for a while now in the hope of clearing up some of my visa and time queries in the lead up to my departure from Brisbane, Australia. I have a couple of queries I thought someone might be able to help me with. I arrive in China (Beijing) on the 18th of March 2005. I will most probably be coming in on an L Visa, as all the job offers I have received want me in town about a month earlier. Am I crazy, expecting to find a decent job only three weeks after a new term starts? Any suggestions on a swift plan of attack once I hit the ground? Money will not be an issue as I have saved for quite some time but my L Visa will only be good for 30 days I imagine. What are some practical first steps to take in order to avoid some of the pitfalls amd panics?

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

At least you are a reasonable chap that thinks ahead.
Yes, a 30 day tourist visa is a bit iffy; try to get at least two months. Actually, it should be possibble to get anything from a one-month to a 6 month, multiple entry/single entry visa. If not in AUS, try to get it in HONG KONG - lots of choices.

Yes, a month is a bit short. Even if you get accepted right away - and I am not saying you will because most of them actually put you through some trial period! - you should have more than one month because they always dawdle and miss deadlines for visa application.

Don't despair if the first job doesn't materialisie; within two months you should get settled though, at least temporarily.

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

Just a warning ...Beijing is gettin next to impossible for most schools to change a L to a Z ..visa that is....and a Biz visa is not legal to teach with no matter what is told to you...This has been said over and over...do not come to China without a z...

Redsparrow · Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Guangzhou

Hmm... Can a get a third opinion? I will definitely attempt to get a 6-month multiple entry visa. My plane ticket (already purchased) takes me straight into Beijing. If I do find it impossible, as CJ570 suggests, to exchange my L for a Z in Beijing, can I legally retreat to Hong Kong and get a Z Visa hooked up with a school from there. I'd rather do things by the book but there are many reasons why getting a Z Visa from here are proving problematic...one being that I�m travelling with my girlfriend who is looking for work in Beijing as an architect. She has found it hard finding information online regarding work and would like to be able to talk to companies on the ground and be able to show her portfolio around. Ideally we would like to stick together and organising this feat online, having never been to China before, is proving to be tough. I can�t wait to get stuck into the job though and looking at heaps of website regarding Beijing is making me very excited!

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

since you're landing in Beijing, you should pick up a few of the expat mags for potential teaching opportunities and you can also check out the classifies section of http://www.thatsbeijing.com as they always have a listing of positions in there. I don't think that it's the best course of action if you don't know the town and the lingo but if you gotta do it, try and do your research before hand.. cheap hostels, schools....

If all else fails, try to keep in touch with one or two recruiters just in case. Some of them are more reputable than others and they might be able to get you something really quick. As long as you're here before the end of MArch, you should be able to get a decent position with a uni.