Job Discussion Forums

SpedEd · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 143 Location: Shanghai

Hello readers:

My question is with regard to the 'Z' visa. At present, my school has proven very willing to play a lot of games with my visas. On the last occasion, they had essentially threatened to not extend my 'F' visa if my performance wasn't up to snuff that week. The visa was going to expire on the same Saturday. I got by that hurdle, but I suspect more games will be played and I don't wish to work for these outfits.
Right now, the 'Z' visa is supposedly in the pipes with immigration but I am concerned that the school may cancel the visa. If a 'Z' visa is applied for as a foreigner, then subsequently cancelled by the school, is there any kind of grace period to process another visa? I wish to avoid an overstay situation as much as possible. What should I do to remedy the problem?

malu · Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 1344 Location: Sunny Java

It is quite possible that they lack the means to obtain this promised Z visa, and if that is the case the first you will know about it will be game over. Did they take you to a medical, and/or to the local PSB? If not then a visa or residence permit (which is what you really should have) may not be so far 'in the pipeline' as you imagine.

If you do get shafted, though, make sure you come back on and name the outfit as a warning to others.

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

looks like its time for another review here:

1. obtain paperwork from school for Z visa application (usually two different documents).
2. exit china to obtain Z visa (hong kong).
3. return to school in china on Z visa valid for 30 days.
4. FT does medical exam, school applies for residence permit.
5. school obtains residence permit valid until just beyond end of contract and places RP inside FTs passport. Z visa now null and void.
6. continue working.

Z visa is never "in the pipes" until you leave china to go get it (there may be exceptions to this if the school claims they can convert F or L to Z but this is more unlikely as the days go by).

SpedEd · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 143 Location: Shanghai

[quote="7969"]looks like its time for another review here:

1. obtain paperwork from school for Z visa application (usually two different documents).
2. exit china to obtain Z visa (hong kong).
3. return to school in china on Z visa valid for 30 days.
4. FT does medical exam, school applies for residence permit.
5. school obtains residence permit valid until just beyond end of contract and places RP inside FTs passport. Z visa now null and void.
6. continue working.

Z visa is never "in the pipes" until you leave china to go get it (there may be exceptions to this if the school claims they can convert F or L to Z but this is more unlikely as the days go by).

fitzgud · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 148 Location: Henan province

[ The 'F' visa I had already expired last Saturday. [/quote]

Ed, your trousers are already down, prepare to be done.

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

You didn't say what the time elapsed was (or I missed it).

The first part of processing you'll be involved in is normally the physical. About three days after that, your Red card will be issued. Normally, seven to ten working days later, (sometimes five if you are lucky) you'll have your passport back in hand with the FRP sticker inside - making you legal.

It sounds like, threats aside, your paperwork is being processed as usual.

Don't panic. Yet.

Don't worry about your expired F visa. Once your paperwork has been submitted to the PSB, the clock is stopped. This is only a problem if your paperwork was not submitted (which does not sound the case).

Oh, and time to move on if a school is of the type that threatens to leave you without a proper visa.

Cheers.

Kram · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 152 Location: In a chair

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

be sure to post the final result here so we know what happened.

SpedEd · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 143 Location: Shanghai

So, I'm back to offer updates to re. the visa games that have been going on with the school and me. This week, the admin has me on yet another 'performance' tryout. I would have hoped that the previous week of cold sweat would have done it, but during the past two days, there have been unannounced observers such as the foreign head teacher (whom I don't like and vice versa) and another co-worker jumping into my classes to observe.
Contrary to what the admin says about foreign teachers enjoying having observers in there with them, I don't like having people coming into my classes unannounced. At least if they wish to do it, I can be told in advance. I recall the Director saying, 'Every class is a demo class!" I decided I wanted to bolt after hearing that but the money situation was terrible and I had to stay. For sure, I want another job, but I know I'm not going anywhere until the pay is doled out for April and I have some kind of valid visa to plan with. Hence, my question about whether the admin at this school could cancel the 'Z' visa that seems to be in the processing stage as I write this if in fact it's been applied for.
When and if I get the 'Z' visa stamp in the passport, can I walk from the school then or am I still chained to them?

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

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

How long has it been since you had your physical?

How long since you saw your red card?

You "Z" visa (actually your "Z visa" is an FRP, Foreign Residence Permit,) is tied to your employer.

If you leave your school with more than 30 days remaining on the FRP, your school is supposed to convert it to a 30 day L {tourist) visa upon your departure - or they can coordinate a transfer with your new school.

Your FRP is in a national PSB database. If you do a runner from your school, it will be reflected when you finally do apply for another job. Sometimes this might be an issue, most often, it isn't.

Typically, your school cannot have the PSB unilaterally cancel your FRP. You must surrender your passport and have the FRP canceled and replaced by an L visa. PSBs as a rule, don't get too excited about those who do runners. They correctly figure the runner will either leave the country or probably show up on their radar in the future to be dealt with, or ignored, at their leisure.

If you are involved in a lawsuit, or wanted as a criminal, your passport will be flagged and you'll be stopped at the border.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

SpedEd · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 143 Location: Shanghai

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

If you have a valid FRP {sometimes inexactly referred to as a Z Visa) you can go to the PSB and they'll cancel it and issue an L visa upon your request. Costs 160 RMB and doesn't require your school's approval.

Ask for the original or a color copy of your "Report of Medal Exam"; that will save your new employer time and money. Have some extra passport type photos taken to provide to your new school, about 20 RMB for a half dozen or so.

You need to surrender the red book to your current employer, it stays with them.

It would be better if you found a new job, then asked your current and new employer's FAOs to handle a transfer of your FRP - that saves a trip out of country.

If you are on halfway decent terms with them, they should agree. From the circumstances you describe, an exit is in order. Just try to make it an orderly exit, not a rout.

Good Luck.