Job Discussion Forums

elp · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Canada

My partner and I wish to teach in China, but only one of us may qualify for the a z visa!

He has 3 degrees (inluding a B. Ed and a MA) but I have not completed my degree yet. ( I do, however, have ESL teaching experience and a TESOL cert.)

What kind of prospects would there be for us to go somewhere together? Does Chinese law recognise common law partners? Is it possible to obtain a Z visa without having degree?

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

There are plenty of places that will take you as a couple if you explain your set up. It is a matter of applying. Will you be doing the remainder of your degree by distance education? If so your university might be linked so somewhere here that you can sit exams so take that into consideration when choosing a location here.

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

i suspect you cant get a Z visa but there are a few ways around it if your school wants your "partner." you could come as an accompanying family member, allowing you to be in the country, but not allowed to work (legally).

i've known couples where the wife didnt have a degree, but both still worked at the school. in one case earlier this year, i asked the school how this was possible. the explanation was that the wife never had a Z visa, she merely came as an accompanying family member on her husband's visa, which allowed her to stay in the country for the duration of her husband's contract. i never found out her visa status (what was actually in her passport), but she wasnt legally working.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

According to the embassy websites a dependent visa will require a marriage certificate. I only checked the American Embassy sites. What country are you from?

I am currently getting a dependent visa for China, so I am well aware of the current regulations.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

China requires marriage certificate and translation of it to be submitted to Embassy to issue spouse visa.

No worries however.

Your photo and passport origin are more important in MANY places. You could be offered more than him under some circumstances.

Depends on situation and terrain.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

If you considered yourself married, then you should tell the school you are married. That's your conscience. I don't know the law in this area, I would beinterested in hearing from others. If you just tell the school you are married, do you need to have proof? because the spouse can get a z-visa even if they are not working.

Overall schools like married couple and would give you an invitation letter even with no degree. One les apartrment they have to set up for the foreign teachers.

However if you are not married, and living on campus, many school will not permit this

Girl Scout

drakis · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 19

My advice is simple. Just get married. Go and see a judge or whomever you need to see where you are and pay a few dollars and get the paper. It's the easiest way.

A dependent spouse does not get a Z-visa, but rather just the residence permit, or even just a tourist visa like my baby has and either way you wouldn't easily get a foreign expert's certificate which allows for you to work legally as a teacher. Since you can't get that, you'd just as well be off better by just sticking to an F-visa for business and teach that way, even though it being not perfectly legal may cause you some discomfort.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

You need the proof for the Chinese consulate to get the visa, the marriage certificate. Although, I recently found a possible loop-hole. The school can provide you with a letter stating you staying as a dependent.

I know nothing about it. It was a one line statement on the embassy page giving a person two option for the required documents. Since I am legally married, I didn't pursue this option.

TreKidation · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 108

If you want the privileges of a spousal relationship, such as a visa, then be a legal spouse.

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

Getting the spouse visa seems like a hassle, why don't you just apply for the jobs. Be honest tell them you have no degree, mention your husbands qualifications. Schools prefer and will bend over backwards for a couple, it costs them less in regards to accommodation. Also couples are less likely to bolt in the middle of the night. You don't mention which area you are looking at. If it's Beijing, Shanghai etc then you might find it difficult. If its rural or backwater, you can be fairly confident you will find a school who can and will get you a Z visa without the degree.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

What Therock just said is right. That is why I said that it is a matter of applying. I know as I have helped others the same as you. Others have applied and said that they had no degree but have been offered a job. Sure you can have problems but you can get problems even with all the right paperwork. This game is luck on where you get a job and who is there when you get there. A good place can go from good to bad overnight with a change of management.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589