Job Discussion Forums

Derik13 · Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 2

Both my wife and I (from South Africa) are in the process of looking through some job offers and we are quite close to confirming a position. The lady we have been dealing with says that she can only apply for our visa (didnt confirm what type of visa) around November since we are starting the position in Jan/Feb, and so since it expires in 3 months, she cant apply for it as yet.

We on the other hand would prefer to get it done earlier since we will be in London for a holiday during December.

I was under the impression that the employer should do the whole invitation letter thing etc and I apply for my Z-visa from here. Which entitles us the live and stay in China for the duration of the contract.

Is this 3 month visa thing she mentioned a bit dodgy? It is for a university so I would think they could sort this out?

Appreciate the imput,
Derik

Derik13 · Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 2

I just got a reply from the lady and she explained that they will indeed apply for the Z-Visa for us, but that if we don't arrive within 3 months, it will expire.

That sounds a bit more legit, I might have misunderstood.

Does this sound good or just a clever cover up?

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

its normal. visas have a time frame within which they have to be used. 90 days after being issued is the usual period for chinese visas.

happigur1 · Joined: 25 Jul 2009 Posts: 228 Location: USA

randyj · Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:43 am Post subject:

Anyone could be confused. Rules vary from province to province and constantly change according to the players and events.

jacobfrank · Joined: 30 Aug 2009 Posts: 17 Location: Wenzhou, China

teachaus · Joined: 04 Apr 2009 Posts: 54

They definitely can't apply for the Z visa for you. That is something that you need to apply for yourself from outside of China. It will be put in your passport when it is granted. They need to give you the documents including the Letter of Invitation that you need to have before you can apply. There is no time limit that I know of on those documents. My current employer sent me those documents as soon as I had accepted the job and I had them in my hands just over 4 months before I was due to go. I then had to wait until there was less than 3 months to go before I could actually apply for the Z visa (which is an entry visa) because it is only valid for 3 months from when it is issued. I suggest that you have a look at the Chinese Embassy/Consulate website for your country to see what you have to do there to apply for the Z visa.

jamesmollo · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 276 Location: jilin china

Hi Derek and welcome to the board Very Happy

unfortunatley you have received the wrong answers here.
A Z-visa is valid for a year and needs to be changed within 30days apon entry into China (you will be advised this at the Chinese consulate where you get one)
Tourist, or L-visas are valid for 90 days, so maybe some confusion there?
When you enter CHina the Z-visa is replaced by a residence permit valid for a year that covers your during your contract term. Silly system I know, the Z-visa is effectively just an entry visa to enter the country under the general work category. After you get to CHina you will be issued a foreign experts certificate, which stipulates your particular area of expertise, in this case - teaching. This enables your employer to get you a resident permit for foreigners.
Hope this clears things up.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

jamesmollo · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 276 Location: jilin china

Interesting. My last one was 'valid' for a year. anyway that doesn't really matter as a z-visa is useless in practical terms and needs to be changed once entering China. Afterall you can't work on a Z-visa as a foreign teacher.

nobleignoramus · Joined: 17 Jul 2009 Posts: 208 Location: On the road

There are two kinds of work visas, bothmarked with a capital'Z'; the traditional one that isvalid for the entire periodof employment, usually one year, and the'new' one goodfor 30 days.

The one-year work visa will be a multiple-entry visa; in addition you will need a resident's permit (as mall booklet).

But most FTs get a 3-day work visa, which then will be replaced by a Resident's Permit sticker that looks like a visa.

I suppose those that have an RP sticker in their passports can 'look down' on those who have a one-year Z visa plusan RP booklet...

jamesmollo · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 276 Location: jilin china

The 'small book' you are referring to is a foreign expert's certificate not an r.p.f (in your passport) you certainly are aplly named sir!

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

*sigh!* Don't we have a sticky about this?

1) Get your Z visa - - 30 days? 90 days? 1 year? My guess is 90 days.

2) Come to China

3) Give your passport with affixed Z visa to your school admin who is taking care of you.

4) They will get that Z visa magically changed into a RESIDENCE PERMIT - - good at least for the duration of your contract, possibly a little longer. The Residence Permit takes the place of your Z visa, allowing you to live in China and to come and go freely in and out of the country before the permit expires.

5) You should also get a separate booklet (usually red in color) that is your "Foreign Expert's Certificate", which shows you are legally working at your school. It, along with your passport, can come in handy when wanting to exchange money.

The above is the NORMAL procedure. If you are working for a school that will give you the runaround about this, then be extra cautious, extra wary, with your eye on the door if need be.