Job Discussion Forums

erose · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 7

I am not sure why employers continue to suggest that l arrive on a tourist VISA. The Chinese consultes states that a work VISA is a better option.
Has anyone got any feedback on this. Is it better to arrive in China on a tourist or work VISA?
Emily

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

Sorry to be abrupt erose, but this question has been discussed so many times recently.

In very simple terms that apply for all of China:

Z

There are regional variations in practice but that is another set of stories...

Happy teaching
M

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Even those relaxed 'regional variations' are being toughened up. It is now next to impossible to obtain a Z visa in China. If any employer informs you that they can, ask them to also provide you with some form of security.

If after arriving you find that you are stuck with a tourist visa, you will have the added expense of leaving China to obtain a new visa. Other schools may push you into working with a business visa, this has also been discussed many times.

The simple fact is, you should enter China with a Z visa if you intend to work here.

Spiderman Too · 24 March 2005

21 September 2004

anthyp · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 1320 Location: Chicago, IL USA

jeffinflorida · Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 11:00 am Post subject:

I came on an f visa for 30 days. I am working for a government - public school. I am still on that same visa. When i asked about the work visa the reply I received is: "We will get you one, don't worry. In the meantime we will have your visa extended. Don't worry, WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT"

I don't worry.

I am not traveling too far away right now so I don't have to worry about re-entry woes.

They got me the expert book residence permit,and other permits, I am not worried about the visa issue.

I will suggest to those coming in to the country looking for work or planning to work: GET A 6 OR 12 MONTH VISA outside China before you come. It will make life easier for you in whatever you choose and you do not have to worry about extensions or midnight runs to Hong Kong.

I only got a 30 day while in Hong Kong and didn't think about it. But if I had a 90 day or 6 month the school would have more time to get it done for me. My visa expired today, they simply went to the police station that is close by and got it extended. The police obviously know I work at the school and it's an L, you think they care? The local cops always wave at me and smile when they see me...

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

I would expect that people's viewpoints would change as the circumstances warrant. It's called being fluid as opposed to static.

Spiderman Too · Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 2:42 pm Post subject:

Millie dear

In view that you stated (in my view, inflexibly and righteously), on September 21 that it was legal to obtain a 'Z' visa inside China (as opposed to unlawful but possible), can you provide any details of the subsequent enactment/change of statute/regulation?

tofuman, do you have a thing for apostrophes?

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

Spiderman2, M’dearest

There’s been quite some amount written by this forum’s members on this matter already.
That’s true, isn’t it?
I’d thought you’d have noticed, but perhaps I’m wrong.
I’d guess it’s not necessary for me to repeat others’ messages.
I’d be wasting people’s valuable time, don’t you think?

Finally, if you’re still smouldering over something I wrote in response to you 6 months ago (essentially agreeing with you), then I’d suggest you’d keep that fire burning by yourself, because I certainly won’t help you to fan the flames.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?p=140048&highlight=

Millie’s cheers to you.
Over and out.

Spiderman Too · Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:13 pm Post subject:

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

"tofuman, do you have a thing for apostrophes?"

Boy, you really got me there, Spiderman. That was a real zinger. But I try to learn from my mistakes and I appreciate your vigilance.

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

It can be a dilemma: Most schools advertise that they will get you your Z visa (their cost, not yours) along with the other benefits they offer such as accomodation and internet. Most schools won't get the visa until they see you here in the flesh and blood. I'm sure many prospective employees back out at the last minute or have a change of heart or find a better offer somewhere, so it wouldn't make sense for them to get you your visa BEFORE you arrive. That's akin to them sending you a plane ticket to come here. I've heard that a few places have actually paid for the airfare cost but most reimburse you after you've completed your contract.

However, arriving on a tourist's visa and then having things fall apart once you arrive can be problematic as well. I would advise that you get something in writing from your school that states they WILL get you that visa within "X" amount of time after you arrive. And then get a 90 day tourist visa (or longer if you can) to give you plenty of non-panic breathing room. If the school doesn't follow through or drags its feet, make a bee-line to the local PSB and report them with your "guarantee" in hand.

Talkdoc · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 696

Thank you Millie: most sincerely.

Doc