Job Discussion Forums

Jared · Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 319 Location: Canada

Hello. I just have a quick question. I had one employer who asked me to go into Longyan China on an L type tourist visa and after a month of teaching, then upgrade to a Z type visa. I understand that teaching on a tourist visa can be illegal. Now I was told that it doesn't matter if I teach short term on a tourist visa. Any advice on this? Is it possible to get a Z type visa before entering China? I'd appreciate any info. Thanks.
Jared

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

jeffinflorida · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 1:56 am Post subject:

I was lucky - I had a tourist visa changed to a Z with no problem. Our school sent at a mass email saying that Fujian will no longer allow this and a Z visa must be obtained prior to coming to China now.

Zero Hero · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 944

What this employer is obviously doing is setting you up with a month's (clandestine) probation period. If after that month they think you are suitable then they will go through the 'rigmarole' of applying for and securing a Z visa for you. I employ scare quotes here as all visas for China (Z, L, F, etc., etc.) can be had here in HK on the very same day the application is made, and so I am always very suspicious of employers on the Mainland often taking weeks or even months to obtain one.

The rules as regards the conversion of visas are being enforced (read, 'introduced') on a province by province basis and so one should expect some variation on this point.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

While this employer may put you on probation during your first month, the schme he proposes is not uncommon and may be his only chance of hiring FTs. Make sure he does go through the motions of applying for your work visa DURING YOUR FIRST MONTH there; this means you also have to get a medical check-up to test your HIV status (basically). If he makes no moves toward these necessities within the first couple of weeks then he is to be distrusted.