Job Discussion Forums

[JCast015]

I have received an offer from DD Dragon saying they will provide me with an F Visa and then apply for a Z Visa once I get there. From what I heard, this was illegal. Is this true? If so, how should I go about politely asking for a Z Visa instead. Thank you for your help!

[dean_a_jones]

You are not meant to enter China with the intent to work on anything but a z visa. Technically, if you come over, then before you start your job you make a visa run, then enter again and start work, that is technically ok. However, as they are putting on you an F visa, that might suggest they expect you to work for a while first (or worse, want to check you out, have you do a few classes and then decide if they want to hire you).

This point is a tricky one, generally speaking it is best if a school will provide you with the z-visa paperwork before you leave so you can apply properly (this is the safest options as the school has to jump through hoops and pay money to get this stuff). I would ask firmly why they want you to come over on a different visa, and explain to them that you want to apply for a working visa in your home country. Be firm if that is how you feel, but also realise that they may not want you (which might actually be a good thing for you).

In terms of reasons why they want you to come over first on a business visa, some schools might want to get you over ASAP and then have you do a HK run, as it can save a few weeks (the time it takes them to apply for and receive the paperwork, then physically send it to you, have you apply for the visa, get the visa, book a flight and come over). If they lost a teacher, and classes are starting, 2-3 weeks is a long time to delay the students.

The danger you have on entering on anything other than a z visa is that if for whatever reason when you arrive they don't want you, there is nothing you can do about it. You are in a country on your own, with no housing (as it was tied to the job) and no job. You might be able to find another one, but the time spent searching will mean hotels and no pay. What this means is that if you take this option, make sure you have some decent savings (at least 2 to 3 times your expected monthly salary) in case you have to stick around and find something else. Otherwise have enough to pay for your own flight back home (and I would have this set aside anyway, it is always useful to have sitting there). Even if they do want you, they might never provide the paperwork for the z visa, and trap you into working on your business visa. If you have multiple entries, you will have to pay to leave and reenter, which is an added expense. You also risk getting caught, and when they screw you over on something like your pay, allowances, housing, you cannot complain as you are working illegally.

Speaking to another FT at the school can help clue you into the general working practices of the school itself, and possibly the specific situation in terms of why they want you over so quickly. It might also let you know if they do this often. Ask to be put in touch ASAP with a teacher or two to find out, but remember they may give you someone who says what they want them to say.

Sniff around, ask why they want you to come over so quickly and you might be able to get a feeling about if they are really being honest or not. It is always a guess, but how they treat and answer all questions, speak to you, how open they are, if they are willing to provide a teacher or two to speak to, should generally give you a feeling about the place.

The only other thing to consider with this is the visa run itself if you do decide to come over on a non z visa. Unless you agree otherwise, expect to have to pay for this extra trip to Hong Kong or wherever to apply for the visa (and pay again for another visa) yourself. This will include a hotel stay, trains or flights etc. and is not necessarily that cheap.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Dean is 100% right.