Job Discussion Forums

Sam1 · Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 18

and saying to go to Hong Kong and get Z visa.

Here is the exact wording from email - "For teachers who teach in China first time can come to China with a tourist visa, then prepare documents such as resume/photo/passport/degree/physical exam report etc to apply for working permit and invitation letter. Then go to HK to get Z visa. After back from HK, school will apply foreign expert permit and one year residence permit for teachers. Work visa done."

Illegal to work in China on Tourist Visa. I know that.

Is this deal done like this? Sounds like BS.

Also, I remember reading on here recently that HK is not playing this game any more.

Details from those who have been there, please?

Thanks.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

Can be done and has been done, but it is still a bit sketchy.

My employer did this, though I was already in country. Some were saying I would have to go back to the US, which they were going to pay for, but I kept insisting they could cut cost by sending me to HK (which they did, and gave me a nice bit of cash for the trip Smile

).

It is still fine to go to HK if your docs say that is where you will apply.

Maybe ask the school if they have done it before, and if so ask if you can talk with someone who has done it.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

Alexis009 · Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 15 Location: Nanjing

Yeah, I'm in a similar situation.... Because of my age (23) my new employer says that I have to come to China on an F visa, and convert to Z visa "no problem" stay in province they do it all the time they say... They have good connections in Beijing I assume. But they would cover cost to HK if needed.

I read somewhere, I think on a shanghai expat forum, that China doesn't allow anyone under the age of 24 to get a Z visa... And i've been turned down before by FAO of a province since I was too young and little experience... So I assume that my ONLY option is to go over on the F visa and convert in country.

My point is that you should be fine, as long as your employer has good "connections" with visa agents. Many people do this.

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

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

I know what he meant and that's what i replied to, I could have been more clear on that. You can be in the mainland on a tourist visa, leave and go to HK and as long as your papers are in order, get a Z visa. Where you came from before you apply for the Z visa is irrelevant.

flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China

BE CAREFUL:

So many employers tell you they will pay for you to go to HK for a Z visa and to come on a tourist or f visa BUT when you get here they tell you that YOU MUST pay for it and they will reimburse at the end of the contract.

The crap place I work at DELTER said this. I got here and it became YOU PAY for the visa AND expenses and trip ,we pay you at the end. Only after I told them I'm leaving did they pay BUT they didn't pay enough and choose the cheapest possible shithole of a hotel.

It's a trap, really.

And you still are working illegally ( not that anyone really cares truthfully ).

sistercream · Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 497 Location: Pearl River Delta

Z visa is *supposed* to be a business visa - even if you come to HK to get one, it's the luck of the draw (or which side the officials got out of bed that morning) whether you get on for 6 or 12 months, and whether it's unlimited stay or max. 30 days per stay.

And it's illegal to teach on a Z visa anyway. It's true that some areas are pretty flexible about the rules, but I was in one of those and then the provincial government decided there were too many laowai around and told the PSB to get rid of 1/3 of us. I was OK, but all the teachers on Z, X or F visas were outta there in 48 hours flat.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

sistercream, you don't know what you are talking about. Rolling Eyes

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

Mrs McClusky · Joined: 09 Jun 2010 Posts: 133

Run........... Now

clownshow · Joined: 19 Dec 2010 Posts: 181

Z visas are also issued to those who are arriving in country to apply for an Alien Worker's permit.

flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China

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

OP, it is possible that your prospective employer is able to send you down to HK for a z-visa and that they do this all of the time. It is also possible that they are lying and don't really know what they are doing. It's a no-risk situation for them, and a potentially expensive headache for you.

1 Each visa you get costs money. There is no discount for subsequent or renewals or anything like that. Will the employer pay for at least the second visa? If from the US, that's $130 or equivalent each time.

2. The no-risk part is because, say you arrive on a tourist or business visa. And say the employer found somebody in the meantime that they like better than you, or they don't think you are as handsome/pretty as your picture. Or not as "American-looking". They will apologize for the misunderstanding and send you on your way. You are now out airfare, the visa cost, and may not have any other prospects. Perhaps some shark will smell blood in the water and offer you a less than ideal package that you might feel desperate enough to take. Or perhaps you head back to your country a little lighter in the wallet.

Obviously, I advise against taking this offer.