Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

If I finish my contract, and want to come back to China to teach in the future, will I need a letter of release?
Basically, I will finish in August 2004. Want to leave for a year or two and then come back to China.

[arioch36]

I personally would say no, though I have no idea of the actual regulations. But the reality is you will be starting all over again, new invitation letter, new residence permit!!! etc. The problem of not having a release letter seems to only happen whne you are switching jobs not leaving China, on the same residence permit.

So if you are gone from China for two years, when you come back it will be like your first time, in their books. Still, doesn't hurt to have one. Basically you write it yourself, if you want (just like the recommendation letters from Chinese professors that are written by the student. Have the leader stamp it, and it is something nice to have.

Basically says

Suzie was a devoted teacher who pu her full effort into her job and completed her year of teaching in good order. or some stuff like that

[MyTurnNow]

The only reason you need a release letter is to transfer your Z Visa, Residence Permit, and Foreign Expert Certificate from one granting institution to another...ie if you change jobs without leaving China. If you leave the country without a re-entry permit, your visa automatically expires and no transfer letter is needed.

MT

[traveller]

So, it's safe to assume that every time I change jobs in China, I need a release letter. Well, it's good for a newbie to know this...

[Roger]

may I chip in with some "new" information gleaned today from my FAO/
New timetable, new classes, first day of first week after the national holidays, and my request to please, please proceed with the application for my work visa...
"Yes, yes, yes, but you MUST give us TWO letters of RECOMMENDATION!"

Letters of RECOMMENDATION?????
I have one very helpful letter of recommendation, but they insist it has to be TWO, and no ordinary RELEASE LETTERS!
Small problem, not a big one - I can ask at least three recent employers to furnish me such a paper.
But if you have no "friends", it might be hopeless!

This is Guangdong - hopefully in other parts of the country they are less exacting!

[MyTurnNow]

Traveller-
Yes, you need a release letter to transfer a Z visa and its accompanying documents from one place to another. And if you don't have a Z visa etc. you're getting screwed over anyway...

If your split from your last employer is, uh, less than amicable, you still have the option of sliding down to Hong Kong (ASAP, before the rat b*stard can cancel your visa), getting a cheap tourist visa, returning to your city in China, and starting over with a Z visa from your new employer. No need to grovel to school owners at outgoing jobs...however, just to be safely legal I would prefer to send them 5 2x2 photos of my hairy, naked white butt if I did this.

Roger-
are you somehow getting a Z visa yourself, not through an employer?!? I think they always need various "letters" to get a Z but the employers usually excrete something for you...

MT

[noodles]

Can a reference letter also double as a release letter?

[MyTurnNow]

[Roger]

No, I am not obtaining my work visa ON MY OWN - wouldn't know how to go about it anyway!
I do currently have a business visa, but for job stability's sake I want a regular work visa. The school insisted they need two recommendation letters (maybe "reference letters" would do too - provided, I suppose they have been sealed by the PSB).
I asked about "release letter" - that would not do here. Am perplexed!
The issue is a bit more complicated as I quit my last job, causing my then employer enormous loss of face. She is still in a huff, and I can't get her to write up any nice prose about me.
On the other hand, I was reported on in local newspapers, and that had a positive influence on my new hirer.
That's why she wants me to get a second recommendation letter...
I have negotiated with a training centre I have worked for over three years. they will do it with no further hassles.
But I will have to travel to their premises.

[gerard]

I am on my 2nd Z visa of this year and have not had to provide any letters.My first school asked for them but actually go