Job Discussion Forums

[gypsy woman]

Has anyone used an agency to acquire a Z visa? Since I am not anywhere near an embassy, it seems I have to go thru an agency since one cannot mail in a visa app. Has anyone used someone they would recommend in the States?
Also is a physical actually required by the embassy or is that the school's requirement to give the invitation?
THANKS

[Ariadne]

I've used China Visa Service. They're in Houston. Other family members have also used them, all with speedy, efficient service. You don't need a physical to get the Z visa. Your school will arrange a physical for you when you get to China. You CAN do it at home, but even if you do you will likely have to do it again when you arrive in China. It's a lot cheaper in China.

.

[gypsy woman]

When trying to book a flight, I keep running into obstacles. IF I want to get a round trip ticket many sights seem to require a return within 10 months, not possible on an 11 month contract and plans to travel afterwards. Is it ok to come on a one way ticket?
ALSO do I need to book my flight before I apply for a visa? What if the visa isn't granted?

[arioch36]

A tip, if you live next to a university, ask a Chinese graduate student to help you find an agency. Most every uni has several Chinese student asociations.
They always have the names numbers of several small agencies in the big cities (such as New York) when I book a flight through them (as I remember) they don't even charge for doing your visa application. The New york consulate has never wanted a physical to get the z-visa. And as mentioned, you will do it when you get here.

Oh, the school is required to pay for your medical here. They must pay for all paperwork neccesary for working, FEC RP and medical

[Ariadne]

I've been able to book round trip tickets departing in August with a return in July. Many tickets have to be used within a year. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket, you might be able to book a bogus return date and then change it. Some airlines won't let you on the plane with a one way ticket, because they are responsible for getting you out if you are denied entry. You can always book a full fare, refundable ticket to HK and get the refund once you're safely in China.

You might want to hold off on your plane tickets until you have your visa, just to be safe. I would recommend that you at least wait until you receive all the necessary documents from your school. As I'm sure you have noticed in other threads, the Olympics have caused some complications with visas.

.

[Ariadne]

Arioch 36..

It may be true that schools are supposed to pay for the physical, FEC, and Residents Permit, but I've worked for two universities in China that did not pay for any of those items. They helped, provided transportation, sent along FAO staff, made appointments, etc, but neither of the schools paid. I knew this going in so it didn't come as a surprize. The wording in my contract is something like, "The University will provide assistance..."

.

[Anda]

Hi Gypsy Woman.

Singapore Airlines is good for letting one roll over a return ticket for two or more years here in China. I like to have a return in case something happens and I need to get out in a hurry. This happened to me in Indonesia where I a got a bacterial infection into my heart.


Some places here will not accept a medical from overseas. Local cost for a medical is about $30 to $50 US and it is a complete medical.


Try as said above to get your Z visa through who you get your ticket with.

Soon as you get into your accommodation here, let the local police station know where you are living. Start pushing straight away for your resident visa as you only have a short time to get this done. Your employer needs to get a Foreign Expert Certificate for you first off but.

[Leon Purvis]

1. your school/prospective employer will apply for a letter of invitation to the Provincial government where you intend to work and live. The employer will send you the original. (Chinese consulates in the States will not accept a copy).

2. you will then mail the letter, along with the required paperwork (photos, current passport, etc.) and application which you will download from the website of the consulate IN YOUR AREA of the U.S.. to a document services courier.Follow the directions.

3. The consulate will then process your paperwork and give your processed paperwork to the document service who , in turn, will send it all to you.

Travel Documents Services has offices in most jurisdictions in the U.S.. You will send your paperwork to THEM. They, in turn will walk your papers to the consulate. TDS will tell you everything you will need to know before you even start mailing the paperwork.

I am really surprised that nobody has pointed out the fact that no service can acquire the Z visa for you. It all starts with a letter of invitation.

[Anda]

Visas and Residence in China

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/livingabroadin/living_abroad_visas_and_residence_in_china.shtml

Residency Visas

Residency visas (D, J-1, X, Z) are only good for getting you into the country; you�ll need a residency permit to stay in the country. Each type of residency visa requires different paperwork. To get a Z visa (issued to those coming to China for employment), you�ll need to submit a Work Permit or a Foreign Expert�s License, obtained by the company in China you will be working for, and a letter of invitation from your employer, as well as the marriage certificate and birth certificates for accompanying spouse and children, respectively. Long-term-study X visas require an enrollment letter and educational application form from the Chinese school. Journalist visas (J-1 or J-2) require both a letter from an employer and a letter from the Foreign Affairs Office. To get a D visa, you�ll have to first get a permit from a local government in China before you can apply (if you have family members in China, they can obtain this document for you). Unless you have close relatives who are Chinese citizens, D visas are extremely difficult to get and are typically only rewarded to those who have already resided in China for some time and have made sizeable contributions to the country financially, culturally, or technologically.

[jamesmollo]

you can come on a one-way ticket provided you have a one year contract (this will be mentioned on your invitation letter) . you also need to have a medical for a z-visa (in country) get the forms from your local chinese consulate in chinese and english form, then you don't need to do it again (in china) don't forget to bring the x-ray with you.

[arioch36]

JamesM
.

[Leon Purvis]

[Jordean]

[jsteventon]

Hi
I have been told by my local Embassy overseas that I need a pre-Z visa medical. But nobody was sure whether my 3 children under 14 would also need one. Anyone have any experience of this? (I am applying from one of those countries which do require a full medical to be handed in with my Z visa application..)
Many thanks...

[arioch36]

Jordean