Job Discussion Forums

whitethunder10 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 22

- can I stay and work in the country?
- does immigration get involved?
- can I come back and work in the country at a later date?

west2east · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 120 Location: China

What do the terms of your current contract state with regards to ending a contract prematurely? Best advice I can give is to follow what it says to prevent any problems in the future.

When you negotiate your leaving, make sure your current employer agrees to write a release letter and to state when you will get that release letter. Do not leave your current employer with out it. You may also need a letter of recommendation for your next job. Again, do not leave your current employer without one. Get your employer to email you exactly how you have agreed a departure.

Failing to acquire the release letter is highly likely to hamper your chances of work with another employer as your RP will still be associated with the old employer. Only a release letter can discharge you and your transfer to the new employer will be complete. Fail this and you will be working illegally. You will still need a release letter if you leave China and return way into the future with the intention to work.

Recap: Get your employer to give you a release letter no later than the last day of your employment. Do things in accordance with your current contract. Be nice.

Hope that helps.

DixieCat · Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 263

west2east · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 120 Location: China

@ DixieCat

I am inclined to think that what you say is not the 'norm' and potentially flawed and possibly cause a greater risk to the OP. However I'd be enlightened to be corrected and to read up on the official line. Given your knowledge in this field, could you possibly direct us to that official line? Thanks.

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

During the last 1.5 years, three teachers left our school on good terms planning to transfer their FEC to a new employer.

In each case, when offered a release letter/letter of recommendations, they replied, "Not necessary, the school I'm going to will take care of things.", or words to that effect.

In each and every case, at three different different schools in widely different locations, they later contacted our school because their new school, for whatever reason, now needed the letter of release.

So, YMMV, but don't take it as gospel you don't need a letter.

Cheers.

DixieCat · Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 263

west2east · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 120 Location: China

@ DixieCat

You can mince specifics as much as you like. Now perhaps, given your knowledge in this field direct us to the official line? If not, and I am increasingly led to believe you can't, perhaps you could take a more passive role in giving information.

DixieCat · Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 263

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

Before an FT receives a work permit (invitation letter) SAFEA's database requires an answer to this question, "Have you previously worked in China?" If the answer is yes, the the person is asked to specify when and where.

You can verify this by asking your FAO to show you the (password protected) school account with SAFEA.

You can connect the dots, or not.

DixieCat · Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 263

So is your assertion that if the person answers yes, then a release letter is required or is this just an inference designed to imply a release letter is required.

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

No assertion was made.

Simply provided an easily verifiable fact.

Inferences are left for the reader to draw, or not.

west2east · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 120 Location: China

DixieCat, any chance of providing a viable source anytime soon?

DixieCat · Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 263

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

Dixie dear Dixie,

You dismiss any information offered as merely "opinion" and then, when offered an easily verifiable fact, characterize it as "manipulation".

I offered a fact you could easily verify. As you tend to dismiss anything one posts as opinion, here is something, finally, you could sink your teeth in.

And instead of reveling in the joy of a real fact, you instead demand it be wrapped in an "assertion" and liberally sprinkled with "inference".

Let's keep it simple. Is it a fact the SAFEA requires the question about prior China work experience (as shown on the "Basic Information" screen of the SAFEA database currently in use) in order to issue an Invitation Letter/Work Permit?

Just a simple question.

west2east · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 120 Location: China

DixieCat. I hold my hands up and say it's a fair cop, my givings are based on what I know to be true in my experience. Despite my efforts, I find it impossible to find reliable sources. I guess what I do offer ESL teachers with questions is something that is least likely to cause them grief.

It seems that you too are unable to back up anything you say, rather you feel empowered to split hairs on anything that is said and not to move a thread forward.

If having the final response in this thread in public is important to you, then you have my blessing. However I do stand by my initial request for you to back up what you advise with a reliable source or retract what you say. Please feel free to message me in private if you feel the need.

Thanks.