Job Discussion Forums

[kungfupanda]

I'm graduating at the end of April but I won't receive my diploma until early June. Do I have to wait for my diploma to arrive or can I start applying to jobs and put an expected graduation date on my resume?

Also, on average, how long was the process for obtaining a work visa after you found an employer who will sponsor you?

[oldboy]

From what I've read, it's a lot safer to wait for the hard copy of your degree to arrive, then make your way out. Just because if you encounter any problems out there, you may regret not having it, especially if you want to change employers

This is only what I've read, probably wait for info from more experienced members of the forum

[johntpartee]

I believe the OP is talking about APPLYING rather than arriving without the sheepskin. I don't see any problem with trying to get the job without it, although a lot of places the first thing they want is scans of passport, CV, diploma.

The actual PROCESS of getting the Z visa takes only a few days after you get all the stuff you need from the employer; letter of invitation, etc. There's the rub, getting all of the paperwork from them.

[silkbomber]

Your university may be able to give you a copy of your transcript earlier. If they can, you could use this to apply.

[Jayray]

[happigur1]

[kungfupanda]

[johntpartee]

Yeah, I don't get what you mean, either, happigur1.

[Jayray]

It's a matter of timing so that you don't arrive in China too soon, or that you don't apply for the visa too soon, receive it, and then have it expire on you. The Z visa is good for 3 months.

Suppose you accept a contract with a school in March 15th to begin work on September 1st.

Then suppose you get your Letter of Invitation in two weeks, then send that (and whatever other paperwork the consulate requires from you) and get a two-week turnaround on that. That puts you in the middle of April--- for argument's sake, let's say April 15th. That visa goes into effect the moment the consulate activates it.

Count three months from April 15th.

That puts you in the middle of July. Unless the school wants you to arrive on or before July 15th, your visa will have expired.

You won't receive the letter from your school (actually, the Ministry of Education via the school) until it is impossible for your Z visa to expire before you arrive and have been processed.

That's what the wait is all about.

[sheepgotoheaven]

Hey, I just wanted to say you're not alone. My college is sending my diploma late as well. It kinda worries me.