Job Discussion Forums

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

Is it possible to retire here? Everything I read says "no."

If I could do it, what would I have to do?

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

In these parts, people over 65 can not get an FE certificate. One teacher that I know of had to leave because he was simply "too old."

If you are married to a local, that helps, acording to the local PSB.

Retiring here is attractive. Most people could do well on meager U.S. social security.

On the other hand, health care issues are something to be seriously considered. Perhaps the biggest deterrent.

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

I'm over 65, as are a number of colleagues, and have an FE showing my actual birth date, so there goes that myth. My uni holds me in fairly decent regard, so I suppose that helps. There was a guy, 66, who wasn't working out well and so they didn't renew his contract.

I'm going have to think seriously about retirement in the next 3-4 years. Sometimes I gawk and the blackboard forgetting what I'm doing. I haven't p***ed my pants in class yet, but that may be right around the corner.

I'm wondering if it's possible to find some business to sponsor you for an F visa, not being able to keep my Z active.

Any suggestions??

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

"In these parts" over 65 is not a myth. An FAO, in response to my question about a previous teacher said that she was plainly told that he was too old and could not get proper credentials from Chinese authorities for that reason. He had been there for a few years and was compelled by local authorities to leave.

Shortly after that, about 2 months ago, I was told by a school worker in the FAO office that she had specifically been told by the local authorities that FT's over 65 would not be given credentials by issuing offices.

Perhaps some conspiracy aimed directly at me, in which individuals who do not know each other tell me the same lie? Doubtful.

May be different in other parts of the country or for different people, but here, as far as I'm concerned, those are the "rules."

Not a myth.

Being married to a Chinese woman changes things here, but as far as the foreign affairs director of the local PSB is concerned, marriage to a Chinese woman is the only way besides legal employment for most people to stay here.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

you can get year long F visas in HK for about HK$1200 or so. no need to be sponsored.

think about that option. given your age, how many times are you going to have to get a new visa anYway?

andrew_gz · Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 502 Location: Reborn in the PRC

I was under the impression that only 6 month F visas are available.
Has that changed?

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

andrew_gz · Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 502 Location: Reborn in the PRC

Yes Roger, I know and many have been taking advatage of that.
Fact is, that was stopped last year to only 6 month visas.
My question remains are 1 year F visas on offer again?

Millerlong · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 147 Location: Shanghai, China

You can get a one year visa but you have to limit your stay to 30 days each time. Now only 6 month visas are available that allow you to stay for the full 6 months. Got my visa when I went through Hong Kong and did quite a bit of research before accepting the 6 month visa.

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

andrew_gz · Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 502 Location: Reborn in the PRC

Roger wrote, "BUt if you apply through a travel agent you will probably get a multiple-entry visa without such a condition attached to the visa"

"Probably" is really not helpful.

Yes, one year multiple entry F visas were routinely issued.
Until last year, when only 6 month were available.
Has this changed?
Are one year visas available again?

To the OP sorry for the sidetrack.
Hope you find the info you need.
I'm curious as well.

Millerlong · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 147 Location: Shanghai, China

Once again I will say "No, only six months are available now even through a travel agent".

Sinobear · Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Posts: 1269 Location: Purgatory

Brsmith 15: If you are seriously considering retiring in China, then why not consider Chinese citizenship? It would alleviate the visa issue, at any rate.

AFAIK: All you need for citizenship is to answer the following questions:

Do you like China?
Do you like Chinese food?
Can you use chopsticks?
Can you use the words 'lovely', 'famous' and 'delicious' twelve times in the same sentence?

Cheers!

AussieGuyInChina · Joined: 23 Nov 2006 Posts: 403

latefordinner · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Posts: 973

Sinobear, only if I talk about my wife

Shocked

(and her jiaozi)