Job Discussion Forums

[shanghaitea]

I came to teach here at a university in Shanghai last month, and was advised by the uni to travel here on a 3-month business visa (because the process of getting a z-visa in the chinese embassy in London is long and would have meant I missed the beginning of term), which could then be upgraded to a z-visa when I arrived. So Im in shanghai, Ive signed a years contract, started teaching, and everything is going great.

HOWEVER, today the college told me that the government changed their visa regulations in September. If you want to get a foreign expert or foreign teacher certificate then you need 2 YEARS experience as a teacher. Now, Ive got a tefl qualification (CELTA) and some experience, but not two-years worth. And apparently without a foreign teacher/expert certificate then you cant get a residents permit and therefore cant get a z-visa..

So the college are suggesting that I just work on my business visa and renew it every so often by going to Hong Kong. Does anybody else know about these changes to the law? Is there another way I can get a z-visa? Should I be suspicious of the college? I mean, there are so many students / graduates who come here to teach without 2 years experience, do they all do it without a z-visa? The teaching is going really well here, and I want to do things properly and above board so itd be great to hear your advice or comments.

Cheers!

[catweasle]

Hi, (from Guangzhou, Guangdong Province)
I have had no problems in getting the z-visa and resident's card without the expert's card.
I originally had an F, which I got in Australia, and had this changed to the Z from within China after I began work. I recently extended this while in Australia.
I got my original green resident's permit (from within China with nothing other than my qual's - BA English, CELTA, resume, and letter from the College) at the same time the F visa was changed to a Z. The College paid all expenses.
You don't need the expert's card beforehand.
I'm applying for the expert's card at the moment. This is when the experience stuff is needed. The expert's card is necessary when changing money... without it you are able to change 30% of your after tax earnings (nb: the bank will need proof from the College that tax has been paid. Receipts). With it: 70%.
However, things are changing all the time. And there are variations between provinces.
I've just learnt I don't need the annual health check this semester ....GREAT!
Good luck. PM me if you need further details.

[Roger]

The previous poster made an excellent reply. I only wish to add that Shanghai may apply the same rules differently.
Try to talk your school into sponsoring you so that you can apply for a work visa in HONG KONG. It is amazing how many folks go to HK to get their work visa there - it is offshore, but still Chinese territory.
You only really need a work visa. Your FE permit is required for your money conversion business - but you can change your RMB in HK too without those hassles you have at the BOC.

[MyTurnNow]

I think your school is lying to you.
I'm in Shanghai and my school just got a whole passel of Z visas and permits and FECs...including for a lot of brand-new inexperienced teachers. Before getting the visas (early September) we had a meeting with the Shanghai PSB and there was no mention of such a rule or change.
Z visas and the accompanying docs are very expensive...I think someone may be trying to wriggle out of spending the money. Bottom line for your personal well-being: No Z visa etc., no teaching for that school.

MT

[whitjohn]

I agree with MT. I have work permit, Z visa and Foeign Expert book all arrianged by my school and they are even allowing me to pick up some extra work.
Your school must provide you with these documents...if it's a legitimate school.

[AKA]

That's a crock of shi'te. I'm in SH. Call their bluff: tell them you'll do the HK run if they pay airfare and hotel. One trip should set them back 5000.

[kimo]

Perhaps somebody in Shanghai can tell you where the Foreign Experts Bureau is. Get all your correspondence with the school together, then call your school's bluff. If they don't buy it, you can calmly mention that that is your next step - a visit with the Bureau. From what I have heard, they are very fair in Beijing in sorting out problems.

[arioch36]

Your school is lying to you big time. Absolute lie. No if ands or buts. Most likely they do not have the legal right to hire you.

It is not a problem for a school that has the legal right to hire foreigners toget the invitationletter, which is what you need to get your z-visa. With the invitation letter, getting the z-visa is very easy and simple. Download the Chinese form , one page, or go to the consulate/emabassy to pick it up. In America, at least, you can do it in one day, drop of in morning, pick up in afternoon.

Only complicationis whether the consulate wants you to submit their health form.

The z visa comes first, then the residence permit (Most important) and the expert certificate, as said, mostly for money exchange

[struelle]