Job Discussion Forums

dractalks · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 136 Location: Boston/Shanghai

Okay.
It must be me.
Every time I ask a visa question I get the way wrong response.
My Z visa expires June 30, 2003 (as does my contract, work visa, residence visa).I want to get a 6 month visa in Hong Kong to allow me to continue living in Shanghai. I will seek a new job on this (Not worried about legalites of this).
Can anyone tell me where to go in Hing Kong to get the simplest fastest six month visa ('L' I believe?) and the procedure. ?
Thanks ahead.
DT

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Two options come to my mind:]
- PHOENIX TRAVEL, 96 Nathan Rd., 7th floor;
go in in the morning before 11, hand over a regular passport-size]
picture, pay 700 HK$, and by 6 p.m. you can get your passport
with a new multiple-entry visa valid for six months. A single-entry
visa is cheaper, but I do not know how much.
The location is rather convenient, right smack in touristy Tsimshatshui,
opposite the big mosque in Kowloon park. It is about 15 minutes on
foot from the Star ferry pier, or the same distance from Hunghom
KCR station. Ask for Benjamin WONG!
This travel agency has been mentioned in LONELY PLANET guides
for well over a dozen years now! My epxerienxces with them are
the best!

- Japan Travel Ltd.
(I do not remember the exact location, but you can ask at the HKTA
or dial 1081 (English) and ask for the nearest one.
They sell tourist visas and have advertised L visas for 400 $ (6 months)
I do not know how long they take - possibly two days!

- You can, of course, also try the China VIsa Section of the Chinese
Government Office in Wanchai. Their visas might be the cheapest,
but they may also be the most fickle! (Do not know what they are
likely to ask you if they see your Z visa!). The processing time is
somewhat longer - maybe two days or more! And, waiting lines
are formidable there on account of many first-time business types!

MyTurnNow · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 860 Location: Outer Shanghai

A 6-month visa has to be an F, doesn't it?

Believe it or not, I also like China Travel Service.

CTS was a real horror show some years ago, especially inside the mainland, but they seem to have cleaned up their act.

They're very convenient- they can do visas with photos, hotel arrangements, ticket bookings into or out of China, and more, all in one place. They have offices right in the new airport, the Hung Hom train station, and elsewhere in the city.

If you are getting a Z visa you'll need to go to the Kowloon office; doesn't sound like it's far from Roger's recommended Phoenix Travel. The offices in the airport or train station can easily direct you there.

My experiences with CTS in HK have been outstanding.

MT

Freaky Deaky · Joined: 13 Feb 2003 Posts: 309 Location: In Jen's kitchen

Try Sunrise International. 26 Harbour Rd Wan chai - next to the Chinese Embassy. F visa (m entry) for $560. Give the bloke your passport in the afternoon, pick it up the next day.

dractalks · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 136 Location: Boston/Shanghai

Thanks for all the advice. I got my first teaching position by coming in on a 2 month tourist visa and my present employer (ending June 30) taking care of the process to "Z" it. So how dangerous could it be to do the Hong Kong trip , have an F or another L, while looking for a new position (along with them providing a new Z visa)? My gf of three years is Shanghaiese and can talk circles around any 'authorities' we've encountered here...
DT

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Sorry, mate, but this is not a kosher game you are playing! If your current employer pays for a work visa, and you are dumping him, then you are cheating on him!
If you really want to change jobs, don't accept your current employer upgrading your tourist visa to a work visa!
In legal theory, you will need a release letter from him, which must be approved and stamped by the PSB in your current town of residence, then you have to apply for a new work visa in the new place. SInce you already have a work visa, they might, and very likely will, ask you to produce that release letter.
n employer sponsoring you pays around 1800 RMB per work visa, plus up to one thousand on top of it for your medical exam, your work permit, residence permit and FE permit!

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

I seem to be in the same boat as dractalks with one exception. My contract ends 30 June but the visa is good until 31 July. This I assume is so if you work until 30 June (which I will) you have more than a few hours to leave. Also my super says it can be extende one time so I would be able to get a Z for Sept without leaving China. Apparently the psb extend when you give back the red book.This may not help since it varies by area and you would still need the HK trip later anyway.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

I think Roger is saying, if you want to work illegal, don't get a z-visa? Becaue this is definitely true. Personally, I couldn't care less what happens to someone who goes to another country and willfully lies and cheats. But if you are going to be a dedicated criminal, you are better off without a z-visa.