Job Discussion Forums

henryhu · Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 12 Location: east coast

Is it possible to come in on a business or tourist visa and then change it to the Z visa once in China?

Seuss930 · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 37

yes

if the school/company does it for you
and you don't question the methods

the laws change often though
so check the internet

also, ask your employer, they should know but don't always trust them
i've seen more than 1 teacher have to either go back to their country or move quickly to another city because the boss didn't have the connections to get it done

If you are from America, Canada, England, or Australia, SOMETIMES it seems to be easier

lansing · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Philippines

I'm not sure why it's hard to sponsore my family with my resident visa. All I know, If I have a resident visa (Z), my family will not going to have a hard time getting there resident visa like mine.

tomstone · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 293

Yes, absolutely possible. I came into China on an "L" visa, got a job, the school sent me to Hong Kong to get a "Z" visa. VERY common for foreigners who come here looking for work. Actually, a good way to do it, because then you can actually see what kind of people and facilities you're going to be dealing with on the job. (I was also told [by an EF recruiter] that the "Z" visa can be obtained in Beijing, but I'm not sure.)

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

Seuss, Z visas are not obtainable in mainland China.

OP, you might be asked to go to HK to get a Z visa, or you might be lucky and that your employer has the connections to get an L or F visa 'converted' into a Residency Permit on the mainland.

lansing · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Philippines

My husband is working in China and have a resident visa. Me and my 2 child was giving a visa for a year. We renewed the contract and this is our second year of service on the company, why this time they gave me a hard time getting my daughter's visa? They say we have to go back to her birth place and request a stamp to the Chinese embassy and hand it back to them in China. Isn't if my husband has a resident permit, we also obtain it as his family? I heard cases like mine, they didn't run to this issue.

Seuss930 · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 37

whatever
not worth arguing about

henryhu
just check the govt. websites

whatever visa you have they'll change it to a residence permit

BTW I have my passport in hand and am looking at my (previous)
CATEGORY "Z" visa

although, I admit, now upon reflection, as I sit here and think back, I believe as soon as I got here they changed it to a residence permit
maybe the Z visa just got me into the country, hmmmm, can't remember, whatever, LAWS CHANGE FREQUENTLY so keep updated

can't remember

"I still got all my fingers but somewhere I lost my mind"

Lipps · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 45

No. It is not. You are taking a HUGE risk if you go to China on anything less than a z visa.

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

It is entirely possible, even probable that your employer will not be able to secure you a "Z visa", (actually a residence permit).

As long as you have the funds to do it all over, going to HK or your home country, and are fine with that, then no worries.

Seuss930 · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 37

Can you run through the gorilla habitat at the zoo?
YES, it can be done!
Is it dangerous? ABSOLUTELY!
Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

But it can be done.