Job Discussion Forums

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

Hello all.

I have been in China for a month and enjoy it very much.

I have been sent to Hong Kong to get a work visa. Why? Also the two letters that were sent, in Chinese, may cause a problem. One of the letters said that I should apply for the work visa in the US, but I am in Hong Kong. Thats a big problem. They say that they may be able to work this out and my boss said that many teachers have done this in the past.
Has anyone else gone through a similar experience?
Hong Kong is super expensive by the way.

MiDanning

Ludwig · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 8:27 am Post subject:

If you have to come to HK in order to obtain a visa then I do not think there is anything to fathom out as such. Rather, it is simply (and obviously) the case that your employer cannot obtain one from the relevant local organ. You will have to draw your own conclusions as to why that may be.

HK is cheap when on a HK salary, by the way (and in many areas of life is far cheaper than Shenzhen).

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

It would be interesting to know where your employer is located.
I guess you are not now based in Guangdong, are you? If it is in HUNAN, perhaps, your school is new to this game. Your employer should bear the costs for getting your visa. Ask your boss for reimbursement of your travelling costs and hotel in HK!

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

My employer is footing the bill, which is good. I am coming from Beijing and the train ride was nice and long (23 hours.)
I hope all works out ok.

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

What I dont understand is why there might be a problem.
I received two pieces of paper. One was stating that the ministry of foreign experts wishes me to work. The second was sort of like a visa application form, stating that I will be getting a Z visa good, valid for three months and allowing me to stay in the country for one month after I enter. I went to the travel agency and they say "ohh mabey problem. Mabey no problem." At the top of the paper are the chinese characters for America. I can not read chinese but the lady said that the paper says that I should apply for this visa at a Chinese consulate in the US! Not very convenient since I am in HK. My employer says that this happens normally.
And from what I have been reading all of this could have been handled from Beijing for 2000 RMB???
Can anyone else vouch for this experience and what the outcome was?

Thanks

burnsie · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 489 Location: Beijing

It really depends on the relationship the school has with the foreign experts bureau in Beijing and if the school is a registered school.

I would say that the school is not registered or a small school. I would also assume that you came on an L visa. If so it's very hard to change from an L to a Z visa in Beijing.

Even my school who is very large could not do it and they suggested me to go to HK but they were not forthcoming with the cash UNTIL I finished my contract. I did not want to fork out 3-4,000 Yuan for this.

I was very lucky that I was working for an agency at the time which had a great relationship with the FEB and could get the certificate for me saving me (and the school) money.

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

I recently received a request to share my ultimate experience in Hong Kong.

Well, aside from the immense stress of not knowing what would happen, it all worked out in the end. I received my visa and returned to the mainland.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

So you have been in the country for almost one year and you only remember it "worked out"??? Question

Keath · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:16 am Post subject:

Visa regulations have changed recently (this year) so its really very difficult for schools to convert visas if you came on tourist or business visa. Therefore going to Hong Kong is often neccessary but you must have the following documents which should be provided by your school.
1) Official Inviation Letter from the local government.
2) SAFEA Document and invitation letter, stating you will be employed and foir how long,
3) DEBATABLE - Medical Ceritification Documents. Sometimes they ask for it other times not, depends on their mood.

Also, you must bring the ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS, dont bring copies, it wont work.

If your school provides these two important items, then you can rest assured they have the ability to legally host you..

Good luck

Volodiya · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 3:15 am Post subject:

I'd like to flesh out Keith's comments just a little, regarding going to Hong Kong for a visa. If you are already in China, and your employer finds it necessary for you to go abroad to apply at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate for a visa different from the one you entered on, Hong Kong will represent a convenient place to do this, for some people.

Your employer (or potential employer) will need to obtain and supply you with the official documents required for your application. If it is a Z visa that you will be seeking, these documents will be the "Official Invitation Notice for Chinese Visa Application" and a "Foreign Experts Affairs Invitation Confirmation" (or it's equivalent). These documents attest to the fact that the local authorities have approved the hiring process, the school, and you, as a foreign teacher. "Hong Kong" should be specified in the documents as the place you will apply for the visa, if that is what you intend to do.

Keith wrote: