Job Discussion Forums

north_time · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 15

Does anyone happen to know if a Canadian medical exam is mandatory as part of the process to apply for a working visa in China?
Or does this vary according to province or jurisdiction in China?
Thanks!

hot_water_hillbilly · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 97

The medical clearance is now required to obtain the work permit and visa letter of invitation.

RBJfaraway · Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 27

hot_water_hillbilly · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 97

The Foreign Expert Bureau now requires the health clearance in order to issue a work permit and thus the letter of invitation, regardless of nationality. You can confirm it with your provincial authorities. As always in China, nothing is absolute of course. But this is the new process of as last year.

Sure, it's expensive, time consuming, and the like. But, other countries require it as well

RBJfaraway · Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 27

Well you didn't tell me what I wanted to hear, but I appreciate the insight. At least now I know to plan for a doctors appt. in the near future. Thanks for clearing that up HWH. Very Happy

hot_water_hillbilly · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 97

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

I'm from the States and arrived in China in 2010. I thought my school was just ignorant of the procedures when they insisted I get an exam in the US prior to getting the z-visa documents. It hadn't been my experience the other 3 times I worked in China. I was wrong.

Not only that, but the Chinese consulate in San Francisco insisted on having a copy of their medical form AND a copy of the supporting paperwork (lab tests, etc) to verify my exam, in order to grant me a z-visa. The last time I had gone there, they only wanted the work permit and visa notification. Period. I ended up giving them the originals since I was in a hurry and guessed correctly that I would be examined again in China.

For the US anyway, they don't have an approved list of doctors. Get the cheapest exam possible from any medical clinic. I skipped the x-ray and got away with it but got the others.

RBJfaraway · Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 27

Oh I didn't mean to suggest that you were unclear, just that it was bad news. Thanks again.

RBJfaraway · Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 27

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

university in yunnan province requires the med-cert in order to process the work permit.

china consulate in chiang mai, thailand requires the medical when applying for the z visa.

fortunately, the medical check will only cost around $30 locally.

why is the medical not required when renewing? is it because aids does not exist in china?

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

I just accepted a position at a school in the south of China and I had to get a med exam in the USA where I am now. I will use the Washingtion DC consulate. I think it is required for any school in China now for the invitation letter. This may pose a real problem in USA because it is difficult to get an appointment fast and it is very expensive for the exam here. I was lucky that my health insurance covered the $300!

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

Songbird · Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 4:17 am Post subject:

Interesting this info is finally drizzling into other provinces- it's not very widely known, and obviously causing confusion (hence the topic being started).

Therefore, this topic MUST BE MADE INTO A STICKY for newbies!!!

hot_water_hillbilly · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 97

A medical exam does not need to be repeated for contract renewals. In addition, a medical exam does not need to be repeated if you get a new job in the SAME province. If you leave the province, you may be required to get a new exam. Also, the final medical exam (if done in China) also comes with a new certificate a health clearance which is good for 6 months from the time of the exam - heeding the way to force a new exam each year.