Job Discussion Forums

in_beijing · Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 78 Location: China Life Blog

I have my paper for the Z visa and I can get it in HK, but I was thinking of getting it in Osaka instead if possible. Can I get it at the "consulate" there.

Volodiya · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 4:35 am Post subject:

In theory, you can get your Z visa at any Chinese Consulate or Embassy, anywhere in the world.

The problem, sometimes, is this. When the documents you must submit with your application for the Z visa are prepared by the local authorities, and presented to your prospective employer for delivery to you, they will ordinarily specify where it is that you are to apply. If the FT wants to apply at a place of his choice, he must co-ordinate this with his employer, so they can then communicate this detail to the local authorities before the documents are prepared.

Have a look at yours. Where do they say you'll be applying for your visa?
If it's not where you would like to apply- in cooperation with your employer and at his request, the local authorities can make a change and note on the documents the place you wish, and intend, to apply.

in_beijing · Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 78 Location: China Life Blog

Ah, thanks - I'll have to check it later. They may also have different rules in Osaka such as what days the do processing and how long it takes. Anyone else done theirs in Osaka?

Volodiya · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 6:35 am Post subject:

in_beijing, I wasn't trying to complicate your life, just to alert you to a problem that other posters have encountered, and reported to this forum, when they attempted to apply for their Z visa somewhere other than that specified in their documents. It resulted in their application not being accepted for processing....

If you think you know a way around this issue, or if your documents do not specify where you're to apply, please let us know, as it helps keep us informed.

in_beijing · Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 78 Location: China Life Blog

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Here is another possible pitfall to consider:

The Chinese consulate in Osaka may not be empowered to issue a Westerner with a work visa (their job probably is to do this for Japanese citizens going to China).
One reason why they may find it impossible is they have to verify your credentials including your degree and other documents, which Chinese based in Japan may not be able to do.
Hong Kong is a far more certain address for you!

Volodiya · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 10:48 am Post subject:

The concerns Roger raised may reflect a slight misconception of the administrative processes involved in the issuance of the Z visa.

To apply for a Z visa abroad, the applicant needs two documents (he will have received through his prospective employer) which are issued by the local authorities, in China: 1) the Official Invitation Notice for Chinese Visa Application; and, 2) the Foreign Expert Affairs Invitation Confirmation*.

The issuance of these documents, by the local authorities, in the place where the applicant is to work, is proof to the consular officials that all Chinese legal requirements regarding the school, the prospective employee, and the contract of employment have been met.

It is not the function of the consular officials to review these issues, anew, but merely to see that all the documents required for visa issuance have been supplied by the applicant, in proper form, upon presentation of which, they are to issue the visa.

For a complete list of the documents the consulate in Osaka** will be looking for, to accompany the application, "in_beijing" could try consulting the website for the consulate, or Chinese Embassy, in Japan.

in_beijing can you tell us the name of the documents your employer forwarded to you for use with your Z visa application?*

______________________
*tw has suggested that this document may be going by a new name, but no other poster has offered confirmation of this

**in_beijing seems to know there is a Chinese consulate in Osaka, Japan: I don't know, and am assuming he's right in that

in_beijing · Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 78 Location: China Life Blog

Sorry, I have no idea. I just gave the office my passport a few times and a few photos and a few weeks later they told me my document is ready and I can go to HK.

Volodiya · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 2:19 am Post subject:

in_beijing, I would expect your school to give you the documents to take with you when you apply for the visa. (It would be prudent to ask for them, but it's possible they may not give them to you, if they are using a visa agent, in Hong Kong.)

If they do give you the documents, please let us know the names of them.

bjwellgo8 · Joined: 13 Oct 2005 Posts: 34

Here are two websites that may be helpful.

Chinese Embassy in Japan http://www.china-embassy.or.jp/
Chinese Consulate-general in Fukuoka http://www.chn-consulate-fukuoka.or.jp/

Spiderman Too · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:04 am Post subject:

Hi in_beijing

The 2 letters can be viewed here:-

http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=26&f=1_955.jpg

http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=26&f=2_513.jpg

By the way, Ling Ling's sister, and Ling Ling's friend, are cute. Are they 'spoken for' ? Maybe I should have taken the job in Mianyang!

Volodiya · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:55 am Post subject:

You're a cool dude, Spidey.

What's the name of the second document you posted- in English, if you don't mind.

V.

Spiderman Too · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 11:20 am Post subject:

Spiderman Too · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:06 am Post subject:

The approximate translation is "Pre-approved authorisation for employment".

clarrie · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 75

check out a guy who apparently advertises on the back of 'that's beijng'. he can organise your visa for you. was very dubious about sending my passport to anyone, but I know someone who did it and she knew other people who did it without any problems - even managed to leave and re-enter the country!