Job Discussion Forums

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

Hi, I accepted an offer at a university in Anyang. This is my first time teaching in China.

A few questions:

1. The school is preparing the work permit. Will I need to visit the consulate in the USA prior to arriving in China to obtain the Z visa? Do they send me an offer letter? If not, is it ok just to arrive on my passport?

2. Is it ok to arrive on a one-way ticket?

3. Anybody been to Anyang? Feedback?

I was contacted by a recruiter in Korea but despite the better pay, a university in China seems more appealing. Any feedback on the comparison?

My apologies in advance if some of these answers are in the archives.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Its not always OK to arrive on a one-way ticket!

For example...if you have a 30 day tourist visa, an airline may ask for evidence of a return ticket to coincide with your visa. This is not a policy of customs and passport control on entry to China, but may be a condition of travel with the airline. I believe in the event of a deportation for overstaying, the airline may be liable for the return leg if they have flown you in on a short term visa without ensuring that you have either return or onward travel plans...

My housemate flew Quantas from London on a one way ticket and was refused boarding unless he bought an exit ticket that co-incided with the visa dates when we were both working in Hainan.

Its not common, but it does happen. Check the small print on your airline tickets/etickets. It is not a China thing, but an airline thing...and happens on lots of routes.

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

johntpartee,

Is the school able to send me the docs for the z visa via email or must I have originals?

If I understand you correctly, I take those docs to the Chinese Embassy in the USA and obtain the Z visa. Makes sense. thanks

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

Nick, sounds like I will be OK on a one-way with the z visa

LanGuTou · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 621 Location: Shandong

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

The school wrote that they will be sending me the work permit rather than an invitation and that I take the permit to the consulate in the usa.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

I've never heard of it being done like that. Let us know if it works.

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

Work permit is fine.

If you have Z visa you can fly no problem. If not, you may be refused by airlines. The are liable for your return expenses, (up to 25K, I was told by airline employee) if they let you in on a no follow on ticket.

Idea

Of course, you could buy a follow on ticket to Manila quite cheaply, then refund it upon arrival.

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

Yes, if you are not near a consulate you need to pay an agency to do it for you for a fee, like I have to do. Send your docs and passport with money and they do it for you, but be careful as to which one you use. They are not all reliable and good. I always get a one way flight now as I made the mistake of doing a round trip the first time and did not want to return. But I had to. I have heard some bad things about teaching in Korea, but I have not heard of your city in China.

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

thanks for all the replies.

So my game plan to wait on the work permit and then take that to the embassy to obtain the z visa and then buy a one-way ticket.

Regarding Korea, I was in Incheon a few years ago. The place is a cesspool but I am sure that there are nicer places to teach over there. On the plus side, I like the food.

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

The embassy informs me that I need the following docs:

1. A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit.
2. Work Permit for Aliens issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry.
3. Foreign Expert's License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.

Big Poppa Pump · Joined: 28 May 2010 Posts: 167

All of those things will be arranged by your school. Just send them the documents they request. If you are still in Korea and you need a medical there are enough International Clinics in Seoul to get you sorted. I used to go to the one in Itaewon. A bit expensive, the doctor looked like a deranged quack, but he sorted out the respiratory problems I was having.

I'm sure he could figure out how to fill out a Chinese medical form.

north_time · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 15

Quick question for you.

Has the school requested a medical exam be done, and sent you forms?