Job Discussion Forums

[benny2]

Hello, I'm new to the forum Have been spying for a while without saying anything.

I've read the threads on visas and contracts, but I just want to clarify I've understood it all. I've been in the process of arranging a job in Sichuan for the last couple of months(having taught in Chongqing last year).

Am I right in thinking I can't have a tourist visa converted to a work visa when I arrive now?
Therefore, do I need to obtain a letter of invitation/contract/whatever
to apply for a work visa, which in all most cases is unlikely to be able to be processed until after Spring Festival/new year etc.......

I have an 1 agency who I've spoken onto the phone a few times who say they have a job lined up for me and indicated the above, which I suppose will mean I have to put my flight back and wait for the paperwork to be done later.

On the otherhand, I've now got a direct offer from a school, who I intially said no to on the grounds that they wanted me to teach more than 22 periods each week. They've changed their contract and are willing to try to turn the paperwork round asap.

Phew... It's been so stressful getting to this stage, I've tried to be honest at each stage to let them know what I've been doing and don't want to let either of them down, but as I'm sure you all know it's a difficult process and you have to keep our options open until something fairly concrete is in place.

Advice would be greatly appreciated helping me make decisions

Thanks

[davidq]

>Am I right in thinking I can't have a tourist visa converted to a work visa when I arrive now?

That was my experience, with the new regulations a Hong Kong visa run seems to be the only option these days. Anything else would be an exception to the rule. Unfortunately the paperwork for processing a Z visa out of country takes quite awhile so if your pressed for time a Hong Kong Visa run to convert a L visa is still an option, albeit an expensive one.

[ebolayatollah]

[Spiderman Too]

Benny2

A lot depends on who the agent and school are. As for the agent, if you are talking about Sunny or Sichuan Ruide I suggest that you do some research before getting involved.

The "L" to 'Z' visa conversion issue really has become a major 'grey' issue. Some provinces, yes, some provinces, no.

Here in Guangzhou my 'L' visa was converted to a Foreigners Residence Permit in September 2005.

I had an alternative job lined up in Mianyang (1 1/2 hours from Chengdu) for this school year and the university told me that no way could they convert an 'L' to 'Z' in Mianyang. They provided me with a letter of invitation and PSB pre-approval letter. Might be a similar situation in Chengdu.

As for L.E.C., and many other language schools, they apparently do not have the required licences to employ foreigners, or have licences to employ only X number of foreigners, i.e they may have permission to employ 10 but actually have 20 employed. Thus, they employ teachers on 'F' visas.

Many people will disagree with me but I say that it is illegal to hold a full-time, salaried position on an 'F' visa. I personally know one F.T. who was arrested for working on an 'F' visa.

[kev7161]

[clark.w.griswald]

[Voldermort]

I just want to point out, that while it is best for you to secure a Z visa before coming to China, in Sichuan province it is still possible to have a L or F visa converted into a Z visa.

Don't just take this as common law though. I have noticed that in many cases the convertion goes hand in hand with the reputation of the school. If the school has a turnover of 5+ FT's a year, there should be no problem, and if the school is regarded as being one of the best again no problems. But for those smaller 'poorer' schools, they may struggle.

Also it is not completely illegal to work here with a F visa. Provided your contract is for less than 6 months, and you still pay your taxes, you will have no problems. Last year a friend of mine was deported for holding a 12 month contract with a F visa, he was only 2 months into it.