Job Discussion Forums

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

As all of the informed readers in China know, there are the strict visa regulations imposed in the wake of the summer games here.
My employer is based in Shanghai, and I have an above average job that pays well and the treatment has been good thus far, so I want to sign on for a year contract. The officer in charge of the visa paperwork here informed me that the foreign expert certificate (FEC) went through successfully but I may still have to exit the country to return home to apply for the resident permit unless I can beat the October deadline that's supposedly been set by the C-officials to loosen their policies.
My question is whether or not by having the FEC issued by the Shanghai municipal government will streamline the process in any way when I apply for the work permit outside of China. Thanks to all in advance.

eddy-cool · Joined: 06 Jul 2008 Posts: 1008

Take my answer as well-intentioned indication only:

My former FAO had to help my new FAO smooth the path to getting my RP. The fact that the officials have records stating that I had an FEC is supposed to grease the wheels enormously. My new employer only needs to prove that I have continuously been in China, and have never had a runin with the law.

Somewhere else - I forgot where - I read that foreigners now have to come up with a police background check on them. If you have been on the loose in China for some time or have had no FEC, they may require you to go home, stay for two months and procure sad background check from your home town police.

Don't hold me responsible for any inaccuracy my reply may (unintentionally) contain!

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I got the my new FEC and my new RP and both expire on June 30th 2009! This year, my FEC expired on July 31st and my RP expired on August 31st. Why the change, I ask. The new, stricter visa regs. I was told. That means, if I want to stay over the summer and work a summer camp, I need to get an extension or something. I may just sign a new contract just to get my visa and come September . . . . ???? We'll see.

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

Eddy, I had to dig up my previous receipt to get a renewal a few months ago. I am talkin'bout the RP. It spooked me up 'casue they should've got me on file there..or at least i'd like to hope so. I've been with the same company and in the same city for a bit more than 3 years..and livin'in the same place too. The authorities seem to enjoy husslin'us..i believe they get those fine (vague) directions from a way above'em and it's rather "uneasy" to handle their jobs...seein' foreign faces with foreign passports Smile

Cheers and beers to Chinese authorities and their "clear" regulations that change with weather

grwit · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 329 Location: Dagobah

I don't think you can apply for a new RP out of the country. You can only get a new visa. With my limited information I would guess that if you have your FEC then you should be able to get your RP without too much trouble.

If your company has any form of Guan Xi with the local PSB then that will make it all the more easy.

My story is ... I entered china on July 30th and did not apply for my FEC or RP until September 8th. Being over 30days the PSB told me I would need to apply for a new visa and pay a fine. They then told me that if I can get the FEC then I would not need a new visa but still had to pay the fine. My boss called his friend and the PSB and I didn't even pay the fine. My RP is being processed now.

Its amazing what Guan Xi can do!