Job Discussion Forums

[the dakota kid]

I have just accepted a teaching job at an international school in Shanghai. I sent them my medical examination letter from my doctor/hospital. I am expected to be there in about 30 days. How long will it take for my work visa invitation to be processed? I know I will need about 7+ days in the US to have my visa issued via a processing agent. Does this sound feasible or possible?

tdk

[Teatime of Soul]

In person, 1 day.

Use an agent, 5 to 8 days (fa$ter cost$ more).

[the dakota kid]

Teatime,

are you referring to the time it will take my school to arrange the paperwork or for me to get the visa? My school said they will need about 30 days to get all of the paperwork completed for my visa request... I think I will run out of time before that happens tho! I will book my ticket nonetheless, as they are much cheaper now than 3 days before I leave

tdk

[cormac]

depending on where the school is there is different paperwork, but generally speaking all you need from them is a letter stating that you're to be employed by them, and then you go to the embassy with the other docs. The actual embassy took 3 days on priority for me, and the school shouldn't need a month.

Ask them why its taking so long.

[mnguy29]

Yes, I am waiting now also for my invitation letter from my school. They are saying maybe mid August. I also have to use an agent for the visa process, so I will have to do a RUSH order which is expensive($270). Like you say, it is cheaper for flights the longer lead time so I will book it as soon as the school says they have sent me the letter. This letter has to be a hard copy, so must be sent by airmail from school to us. You need to send it with your visa application and passport, money. Its all a little risky but hopefully it works out!

[Miles Smiles]

[mnguy29]

In Fujian. Its been about two weeks sofar. Its not a University but a Canadian run school so I have a little more faith in the dates, etc.

[Gilka]

I think the time it takes depends on how motivated the FAO is and what relationships the school has with the people in charge of the whole mess.

I accepted a job rather late as well, so I could be in a better position for negotiating, and I'm a bit nervous. The FAO said that she should have my letter by the end of this week, and then I'll go ahead and book a ticket. If something fishy happens, I guess I'll just have a lovely vacation in Nanjing.

[roadwalker]

The school has to get a work permit for you and a visa notification from the province (invitation letter). How long it takes depends on the province and the relationship between the school and the province. They can't apply for them at the same time, I believe they need the work permit first in order to get the visa notification.

Don't risk your own money to save the school a few bucks! You really can't be sure when you have the documents in hand. So I would hold off on buying the cheaper airline ticket ahead of time unless it is refundable or exchangeable for a reasonable fee. Is the school promising to refund the ticket? Or do they have a ceiling as to how much they will refund? If the latter, I would wait until after receiving the ticket and then buy the first affordable ticket even if that means showing up late.

[Teatime of Soul]

Schools take from six days to six weeks depending upon the efficiency of the FAO and the relationship with local bureaus. Thirty days seems about average.

Calculate three to ten days for "express" shipping and then, if you have everything done on your end, the time for visa processing (3-8 days using a service).