Job Discussion Forums

jianzhou65 · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 16 Location: china

is it possible to get a Z visa in china itself, i am currently on dependent visa L. coz a new school wanted me to go back to my country to get it done? any advice?? Smile

MyTurnNow · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 860 Location: Outer Shanghai

At least in many provinces I think it's technically not legal to convert an L directly into a Z within China. In actual practice, though, schools with good connections can do it easily. If your school doesn't have the guanxi see if they can arrange it through Hong Kong or Macau instead.

MT

jianzhou65 · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 16 Location: china

I thought getting a visa is basically submitting necessary forms, going for medical exams and getting the school to submit the invitations letters?? Surprised

coz my colleague got his not from the centre but using a friend's private company to get the z visa done without going out of china?? and continue teaching in the centre?
I am wondering whether it is the same process for a school to a get a z visa the same as a private company getting the z visa?
Please advice .. and thanks for the first reply .. Smile

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

You are right - it's about legalising your situation when you are already there, and normally this can be done with the help from the local PSB.
If it is not possible to do so (as in the case of, to my knowledge, Hunan), it should be possible to obtain a work visa in Hong Kong.
The CHinese government maintains a special office there with a visa section.

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

Yes in some provinces they will not change an L visa to a Z. I found a job in China and was sent on a "visa run" to another province. At first was suspicious thinking the school were not allowed to hire me. Seems to working out though. I have the docs from a school in another province and they will transfer them. It is bizarre though since it will be obvious to the PSB what they are doing but that's red tape for you...Oh another issue that has been raised before. My green book is valid for 10 months but the Z is only stamped for 60 days. I am told the residence permit is most important and some other teachers are in the same boat. But it will feel strange having an expired visa in my passport/

whitjohn · Joined: 27 Feb 2003 Posts: 124

gerard,
here's a funny one for you...my Z visa was issued in 2003-07-02 and expires (get this) 2003-06-30. My FAO said "not to worry" it's the green book that counts. I was going to make him take it back and get it re-issued but then decided that I am going to Burma with some of my students over Feb holiday and will need a multiple entry visa. I asked my FAO and he promised to get the multiple entry for me. I believe him as so far he has been quick and efficient. I think it was the government clerk who expired my visa before it was issued by typing the wrong year..2003 instead of 2004.
To answer the first question, My Z was issued while I was here having entered on a 90 day F business visa. It can be done in Yunnan province for sure!

jianzhou65 · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 16 Location: china

Hi guys
Thanks for the advice..I can tell the new school it is possible to get the visa done in China and not having to go out of china.. but I am really surprise that she tells me she do not know how... anyway that school is in qingdao.

MyTurnNow · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 860 Location: Outer Shanghai

May not be just ignorance. Again, she may not be able to do this in Shandong Province, especially if the school is new and the local wheels have not yet been properly lubricated.

I can add Jilin and Jiangsu to the list of provinces that can't convert Ls to Zs. I think Liaoning might be in this camp too.

MT