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mysouldances
Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Castlegar, BC, Canada
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 Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 3:02 am Post subject: Visa questions |
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I'm a middle-aged Canadian woman with an Advanced TESOL diploma, but I do not have a university degree. I am considering teaching (a short-term contract to start) in China but am a little confused about whether or not I can legally teach there. Can anyone answer the following questions for me?
1) Am I correct that because I do not have a degree I will be unable to obtain a Z visa?
2) I have been told by several Chinese schools and recruiters that they will provide me with an invitation so that I can obtain an F visa. Am I correct that it is illegal for me to teach with an F visa? If so, why are so many schools and recruiters suggesting it? Is teaching with an F visa common practice?
3) I understand that an F visa is for people entering China for business purposes. Will I have to lie about my purpose for entering China when clearing Chinese customs and immigration? (I have a terrible time with lying.) And, if I manage to lie, how will I explain the numerous text books and English games in my luggage if they search it? Do the Chinese immigration authorites commonly search through one's belongings when entering the country?
4) There are many volunteer ESL opportunities that pay a low salary. Does anyone know what kind of visa is required for volunteer teaching?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Pat M. |
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tw
Joined: 04 Jun 2005
Posts: 3898
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| Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 3:38 am Post subject: Re: Visa questions |
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Hello fellow British Columbian, a Vancouverite here!
| mysouldances wrote: |
I'm a middle-aged Canadian woman with an Advanced TESOL diploma, but I do not have a university degree. I am considering teaching (a short-term contract to start) in China but am a little confused about whether or not I can legally teach there. Can anyone answer the following questions for me?
1) Am I correct that because I do not have a degree I will be unable to obtain a Z visa? |
This question has been asked millions of times and the simple question is: it depends. While some places enforce the degree requirement rigidly (Beijing, Shanghai, Liaoning to name a few), others would gladly consider someone who has nothing more than a highschool diploma and a 40-hour online TEFL certificate. The general rule of thumb is, avoid the big cities (especially those in the south) where job competition can be fierce. Go to the poorer places where they desperately need FT's like Hunan, Hubei, Inner Mongolia (spent a year there), Henan, Shanxi, and Shaanxi.
| Quote: |
| 2) I have been told by several Chinese schools and recruiters that they will provide me with an invitation so that I can obtain an F visa. Am I correct that it is illegal for me to teach with an F visa? If so, why are so many schools and recruiters suggesting it? Is teaching with an F visa common practice? |
Again, this issue has been discussed and debated millions of times. Some would say it's perfectly legal to work with a F visa, while others would argue it's using the F visa as a legal loophole. I personally don't recommend teaching with a F visa. Why do they tell you to come with a F visa? It's probably because they can't get you the Z visa because you don't have a degree or worse, they are not legally authorized to have FT's.
| Quote: |
| 3) I understand that an F visa is for people entering China for business purposes. Will I have to lie about my purpose for entering China when clearing Chinese customs and immigration? (I have a terrible time with lying.) And, if I manage to lie, how will I explain the numerous text books and English games in my luggage if they search it? Do the Chinese immigration authorites commonly search through one's belongings when entering the country? |
Nah, it's all just a formality. You merely have to put your suitcase through the X-ray machine. You may even notice the guards not watching the monitor. As for lying, you'll have a little form to fill out on the plane prior to arriving in China and the form will ask you to tick one box explaining the purpose of your trip. Just choose business and hand the form and your passport to the Public Security Bureau official at the airport. What's important is your visa.
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| 4) There are many volunteer ESL opportunities that pay a low salary. Does anyone know what kind of visa is required for volunteer teaching? |
Unless it's a reputable charity organization like World Vision, I wouldn't bother with them. They probably have people teaching here on F visa or even worse, L visa. There are plenty of well-paying positions in China, don't settle for those that say they will give you basic accomodation and living allowance. |
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Steppenwolf
Joined: 30 Jul 2006
Posts: 1769
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| Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 6:09 am Post subject: |
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As said by the previous poster, an 'F' visa is NOT necessarily illegal. For jobs up to one semester it is often resorted to (I don't know if it is easier to obtain than a work visa). Relevant legal provisions mention "cultural filed" as a working environment in which you can earn a living, without specifying what "cultural field" means.
If your employer forwards an invitation and the consulate grants you an 'F' visa you can assume you are going to work legally in China; the employer will, however, have to provide you with a resident's permit from the local PSB. |
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