Job Discussion Forums

GeminiTiger · Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 8:32 pm Post subject:

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/default.htm

This has a list of all visa variations as well as a link for indepth explanation.

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

You can't legally work without a 'Z' visa.

If you decide not to work and instead perform some product research for your new import/export company then you could probably type up a letter and get an 'F' visa, which is good for 6-12 months. The 'L' visitor visa is only good for 30 days and might not give you enough time to locate business partners. Rolling Eyes

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

phillipl · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 24

I suggest you read this thread:

Z Visa issued in Country/Which provinces?
[ Goto page: 1, 2, 3 ]

This may enlighten you to some of the problems you may encounter in China.

Also, here in Chengdu, Sichuan there is about to be another purge (the last one was in October 2004) by the PSB "rounding up" illegal foreign workers ie Those working on F and L visas.

A trusted friend (teaching on an F visa) was told this week by his school "You can't work here anymore. There's going to be a purge and we'll be fined 50,000RMB and you'll be deported." He is a long term resident of Chengdu who knew the risks involved of working on an F visa but liked "the freedom" that an F gives you.

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

Unless you are coming on one of the summer programs I don't know any school in China that will offer you a job for just 4 months. Why are looking at coming for such a short time?

MsJana · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Location: T.dot, ON, Canada

thank you for your help phillip..i think your answer was exactly what I was looking for.

Also, I can only work 4 months because I am still in University and there is no way I can stay after August.

Alex_P

1. You will need a Z visa to work legally.

2. Like Roger said, believe the Chinese Embassy.

3. Maybe your employer CANNOT obtain a Z visa for you once you are in the country because they cannot obtain the relevant (a) work permit from the Ministry of Labor, (b) the relevant authorization to hire a Foreign Expert from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc,. etc., and so on.

4. It's guaranteed trouble if you are caught, and a non-voluntary train ride out of the country.

5. As to Babala's "inside" information about a "purge" in Chengdu, what crap. The PSB is a serious organization and this is not Soviet Russia. They don't leak information about a "purge" to anyone. How he or she could even post such information defies reason.

6. I was in Chengdu in October, 2004 and I can attest to the fact that what he purports to be true never happened.

7. More than likely, the school where his friend works simply wanted to get rid of his friend.

8. The PSB in Chengdu are very efficient and it is a relatively easy process to obtain a residence permit -- providing one has a Foreign Expert Certificate and the necessary sponsorial paperwork.

9. So like Roger wrote -- trust the Embassy in this instance. They are telling you the truth.

MsJana · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Location: T.dot, ON, Canada

Thanks Alex. I have a question. Is it possible for me to obtain a work visa without filling in the name of an institution on the work visa form?
If an employer cannot get me a work visa...then can I get it by myself?
I believe that I will need a letter of invitation and a contract to obtain a visa..is that enough?

Alex_P · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:45 am Post subject: Work Visa

Dear Jana,

1. No, you cannot sponsor yourself. You are not a legal entity to the Chinese Government.

2. Yes, you will absolutely need the name of the institution where you will be employed on your visa application.

3. If the school where you wish to work cannot obtain a working visa for you, then avoid them. Tell me -- would you jump off a bridge?

4. Now, if you need the name of some good agencies, they are listed on this site. Additionally, if you need others, send me your private e-mail and I will put you in contact with some decent agencies. There aren't many, but there are a few.

5. And if they can't get you a work visa, then the Chinese Government won't help you if they don't pay you. That was officially decided last year about May or June in a court case in Shanghai.

6. Look elsewhere -- you have time and there are a lot of jobs here in China.

MsJana · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Location: T.dot, ON, Canada

I need a secure 4 month teaching position and although people keep saying that there are a lot of job positions and there are plenty of posts requiring foriegners and teachers--I've been applying constantly (mostly in China) for 3 months now and I haven' t gotten anything.
My resume, coverletter, reference letters, passport, certificates have been looked at, approved and re-approved so that isn't the problem. It seems IMPOSSIBLE to find a place to teach.
The work visa process seems more clear but I cannot even start that if I don't have a secure position.

My email is [email protected]

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

Jana,
You mentioned that you are still in University so I am guessing that you have no degree. Your chances for employment here will be slim at best with no degree and the fact that you want a extremely short term contract. I can't see a school spending the time and effort on someone who will just stay for such a short time. I would also be hesitant about a school who would. I suggest if you really want to come to China you enroll in one of the summer volunteer programs or simply travel.

By the way Alex, next time before you blast me in one of your posts, why don't you you look closer at who the poster was. The post about the purge in Chengdu was made by the poster phillip not Babala
I live in Jiangsu and thus have no knowledge of matters in Sichuan. Mad