Job Discussion Forums

[wave5]

I have a question concerning changing to a new job while in China.

If I have a work visa with one employer (Private school) and I want to leave early, half-way through the contract to work for a new employer (Chinese University), do I need to get a reference from my first Chinese employer for immigration to change my visa over/get a new visa for the new employer?

[Teatime of Soul]

That's the rule. You should have your old and new employers coordinate transferring of your FRP to your new employer.

Just so there is no confusion and your current employer mistakenly issues you a 30 day tourist visa instead, express mail your FRP and passport to your new employer and have them contact the old employer.

Cheers

[wave5]

Thanks TofS,

What if my first employer is being difficult because I'm leaving early, even if I gave two months notice?

Cheers

[daCabbie]

What does your contract say about leaving? Did you give notice two months ago (in writing) and get a response (in writing)?

I wouldn't be happy about it either. You are costing them money and creating more work for them.

You have two choices: 1) kiss your present employers backside and get the documents (this will most likely involve a breach of contract payment) or 2) go to your new employer and ask them to get the documents (if they really want you, they will do it).

Your other option is off the grid. Not recommended.

How long is left on your contract? What type of schools? You got any guanxi?

[askiptochina]

[wave5]

If Contract doesn't say anything about leaving. If it just has dates of employment from December 2010 - December 2011 and I gave notice nearly two months ago in writing, have no written reply. What then?

[choudoufu]

page 3 of your official SAFEA contract specifies when you
as party B can terminate your contract early.

page 4 specifies the breach penalties.

you did receive and sign a copy of this from your employer?
or did they only give you their addendum?

[Non Sequitur]

What OP is doing is basically a semi legit 'runner'.
I've done the same thing and I agree with another poster that your best ally is the FAO at your new school.
In my case the new uni had clout (tier one) and all the difficulties over paperwork evaporated when they got on the case.

[dakelei]

Offer to help your present school find a replacement for you. Sometimes that helps. They're less likely to give you a problem if they have someone lined up to take your job.

[mat chen]

Tread carefully. You may end up personna non grata. Not something you need if you want to travel again in another foreign country. Many people here tell you everything will be alright. Easy for them to say but they have nothing to lose/

[Alexis009]

This post is helpful for me as well, as I may or may not try and switch to a University in the same city, half way thru my private mill contract...

I may be able to just extend my current F visa to 6 months then start all over for Z visa with Uni?

Or allow the private mill to switch my F visa to a Z visa, then 6 months later just put in a month notice and hope for the best...

I foresee much frustration if I try to switch jobs in China mid contract. But it's worth it if I can move to a sweet Uni job from the private slog.

[daCabbie]

If you are on an F visa, then it's a different story. An F will leave you the option to walk away without a letter of rec/release.

If you are gonna run do it before the school switches your F to a Z.

A Z requires the employer to register your employment and contract with the government. Since an F is technically illegal, the employer cannot seek retribution through the authorities without buying a favor.

Best advice: Don't put your self in a questionable situation without knowing where the back door is!

[wangdaning]

I have a related question to this. Is it really just as easy as submitting your FRP and the official letter from your previous employer?

What other documents will need to be submitted? Does changing provinces make things more difficult?

I am considering a move from Sichuan to Jiangsu. The issue is I have 3+ years of experience, but no CELTA. I have been hearing that Jiangsu requires a CELTA or equivilant. Would having a current FRP in my passport override this?

Any help would be appriciated. Not trying to hijack this thread, but it was pretty much dead anyway.

[Timer]

Figured I'd bump this thread rather than starting a new one. I am also interested in changing jobs, however my contract hasn't actually started yet. I don't have a resident permit or a foreign expert certificate yet, but I do have the Z Visa and I'm currently in China. Am I going to run into similar problems with release letters and what not?

[dean_a_jones]

So you have arrived in China, entered with your school sponsored Z visa, but found what you consider a better job after arriving so want to switch? How long have you been here for?

If the above is true, I would not expect too much friendly cooperation.