Job Discussion Forums

[ayahyaha]

So, I just finished a contract with one school and I'm taking a job with another. In between (they're both universities) is the Chinese New Year holiday.

My FEC/RP expire January 30. The new positions start around March 2. Everyone has been telling me that I'm responsible for getting some sort of a visa to carry myself in the interim.

What in the world am I supposed to do? I don't want to go abroad. I would consider it if it was the ONLY way around this, but I'm not even sure that would help.

I thought I had to be in my home country to get a Z-visa or even an L tourist visa, correct? So I'm not sure how going to HK or Vietnam would really help me.

STUCK! Any thoughts?

Muchas gracias.

[randyj]

One need not be in their home country to obtain an "L" or "Z" visa, but I would hope the new school would give some assistance. Failing that, what's wrong with getting guidance from your local friendly PSB office? What's the worst thing that could happen?

[ayahyaha]

No one at the PSB speaks English and my current employer wants nothing to do with it. The new employer seems to think getting a quickie extension (for a month or so) would be a piece of cake.

I've been reading about this and it seems to be true...just go to the PSB and tell them you need a little time after your RP is expired?

[LoPresto]

I could be wrong, but, I was under the impression that a employer/school must arrange for a departing employee a 30 day visa, after the RP/contract expires in order to settle their affairs and leave China or in your case move to a new school.

[ayahyaha]

[LoPresto]

A former colleague told me that after he left my current school. I don't have any links for you though. Try SAFEA.

Good Luck!

[thefuzz]

[ayahyaha]

[senorfay]

Get the necessary paperwork from your old and new school (letter of release+recommendation, police registration, Foreign Expert Certificate, new contract) and turn in your passport on or before the deadline.

That way the PSB will have your passport when it expires.

I've done that in the past and it's not a problem. You can also back date your new contract with your new employer to begin when your old one expires, but you probably won't have to do that though.

It's no sweat. Don't worry about changing to a tourist visa or any of that crap. Just make sure the PSB has your passport before the old RP expires.

Two years ago, I turned in my passport on the last day. This year it was the third to last day that I turned it in to be renewed.

[thefuzz]

[ayahyaha]

[senorfay]

sigh...sigh nothing!

You need to talk to the new foreign affairs officer. There must be a way around this. You need to push people a little bit harder. When it's time to present your documents, you'll have to do it in the new city.

Just because it's a holiday break doesn't mean it's a holiday break. The police are still working. The schools are working too in funny little ways. You don't need to bribe anyone, but showing your face in the new city might help things a bit.

At least get an invitation letter sent to your current address so all you have to do is go to Hong Kong.

A month in Hong Kong will hurt your savings a bit. Perhaps you do have to go abroad, but that seems crazy. There must be a 'Chinese' solution to this problem.

[ayahyaha]

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

get on a cheap flight to thailand and relax in the sun somewhere. the time will pass by quickly and cheaply. look into going to ko tao. at one point in time, i spent a month on that little island diving when i had nothing else to do. very relaxing. and bring a book, or two.

[ayahyaha]