Job Discussion Forums

[tsyche]

Hey folks,

I finally got my letters from the school I will be teaching at this fall and now I will be submitting them with my passport for the Z visa. My problem is that I live in the swell state of South Dakota.

According to the Chinese Embassy website the consulate that has jurisdiction over my state is Washington D.C.; which is not exactly is quick or cheap trip.

I am planning to visit a friend in Los Angeles before I leave. My question is how much trouble, or is it possible to get my Z-visa from the LA consulate instead of the consulate that has jurisdiction over my region (Washington DC)? Will the consulate accommodate my situation if I give them advance notice? Has anyone else been in this situation? What solutions should I look into?

And thank you in advance for reading and responding.

[rogerwilco]

Search the internet for a visa service. You do not need to do this in person.

In the past I have used
www.mastervisaservice.com
1-800-515-2778

[Miles Smiles]

Try also Travel Document Services in Washington, D.C..

Voice: 1-800-874-5100
Local: 202-638-3800
Fax: 202-638-4674

I've been told by TDS that it doesn't matter if you obtain your visa out of your jurisdiction. Apparently, that was important when China required slightly different documentation from residents from different states. The Hague Agreement eliminated that.

You can go in person and save yourself about $75.00, but it is likely that you won't get same-day service. Go with a visa service. Turnaround is about a week to five days, though some services may still offer two day services.

[GeminiTiger]

i've used visarite.com services for 3 different visas. once as student, once for my z-visa and when i got a new passport for my second z-visa.

just mail them the right amount of cash, and the right forms and you will have no problems.

i also have a South Dakota birthplace-