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bluetortilla
Joined: 18 Apr 2006
Posts: 815
Location: Henan
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 Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 6:12 am Post subject: Z visa Blues |
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Maybe I haven't read the stickies carefully enough, but what's all this about having to return to (in my case) the U.S. to apply for the z visa? I live and have been living in Japan for the last 20 years (US citizen) and it would take a great deal of time, effort, and hard earned money to go all the back there to apply for a visa just to come right back here again.
The first school that said I needed to do this was in Chongqing, because it is a special economic zone (I didn't understand either). I turned it down, and it seemed like a fluke not affecting the other zones. Now I'm going through the visa process in Guangzhou, and though they haven't stipulated yet that I have to go back to the U.S. to apply, they've asked me if that is what I intend to do. I said 'no' and I'm waiting to hear what they will say next.
Does anyone know about any of this? The first rep in Chongqing said things were getting strict from this year. |
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jayjjasper
Joined: 27 Aug 2011
Posts: 344
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 6:55 am Post subject: |
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Actually I have heard the same although I haven't seen examples of this yet but some of the international schools report having a hard time to get RPS and work permits...
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| The first rep in Chongqing said things were getting strict from this year. |
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askiptochina
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 488
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 7:54 am Post subject: |
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| Maybe I haven't read the stickies carefully enough, but what's all this about having to return to (in my case) the U.S. to apply for the z visa? |
China in general doesn't do things efficiently. Until I see otherwise, you can get a tourist visa, go to China, get your documents, do a visa run in Hong Kong or Korea, and then return with a Z visa. Here is a link with some information backing this up.
http://sohoholiday.com/soho/visa-information/
"If you have visited China within past 2 years and there is an entry record to China on your passport
you are eligible to apply for a new visa to China" |
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bluetortilla
Joined: 18 Apr 2006
Posts: 815
Location: Henan
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 8:18 am Post subject: |
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| askiptochina wrote: |
China in general doesn't do things efficiently. Until I see otherwise, you can get a tourist visa, go to China, get your documents, do a visa run in Hong Kong or Korea, and then return with a Z visa. Here is a link with some information backing this up.
http://sohoholiday.com/soho/visa-information/
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Hmm...Thanks for the help, but I don't understand why I can't just get the documents at the Chinese Consulate in Fukuoka, Japan and do it here. A visa run to Hong Kong from Guangzhou wouldn't be bad at all, but what if you don't get your visa? Then you've given up your former life and possessions and are stuck with a tourist visa!
That's the way the moon cake crumbles? |
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kimo50
Joined: 24 Aug 2011
Posts: 119
Location: Guam
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 8:56 am Post subject: Z Visa Process |
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I am an American and just received my Z visa from the Embassy in Manila, Philippines. Going back to the US to apply was never discussed or hinted. As a matter of fact there is a procedure for applying in a country of residence other than your own.
There is a supplementary form to the visa application which is for applications made in a location other than home country. If you go on an embassy website you can locate the supplementary form.Some of the information asked pertains to your immigration status in the guest country ...ie... your immigration status, resident card number, home address, etc.
My advice would be to check with the Embassy in Japan as to their procedure. My understanding is that unless you may need some permanent resident immigration status in the guest country? But to be sure go visit the embassy or consulate in your location.
Additionally, the visa notification form you receive from the Chinese employer will need to specify where you are making application for the visa. Mine specified PRC Embassy in Manila.
Good luck. |
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bluetortilla
Joined: 18 Apr 2006
Posts: 815
Location: Henan
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 9:05 am Post subject: Re: Z Visa Process |
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| kimo50 wrote: |
I am an American and just received my Z visa from the Embassy in Manila, Philippines. Going back to the US to apply was never discussed or hinted. As a matter of fact there is a procedure for applying in a country of residence other than your own.
There is a supplementary form to the visa application which is for applications made in a location other than home country. If you go on an embassy website you can locate the supplementary form.Some of the information asked pertains to your immigration status in the guest country ...ie... your immigration status, resident card number, home address, etc.
My advice would be to check with the Embassy in Japan as to their procedure. My understanding is that unless you may need some permanent resident immigration status in the guest country? But to be sure go visit the embassy or consulate in your location.
Additionally, the visa notification form you receive from the Chinese employer will need to specify where you are making application for the visa. Mine specified PRC Embassy in Manila.
Good luck. |
Yes, I'm not sure what the Chongqing requirement was all about, but I hope it was just a fluke....
My rep in Guangzhou iust contacted me now and said I would apply for the Z visa here in Japan at the Chinese Consulate in Fukuoka. That's a huge relief. Don't want to be a wandering foreigner with nothing but a passport and the clothes in his bag! |
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askiptochina
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 488
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 10:39 am Post subject: |
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I don't know about Japan's situation, but you might want to look at this thread http://forum.gaijinpot.com/showthread.php?112954-Chinese-tourist-visa-by-airmail
It appears they are saying you can get one through a travel agent. There are some rules in Korea, but I don't know about Japan. The above address is the best I could find after some lengthy research. |
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kimo50
Joined: 24 Aug 2011
Posts: 119
Location: Guam
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 12:45 pm Post subject: visa |
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| The issue at hand is a Z visa...not a tourist visa |
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askiptochina
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 488
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 2:20 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, but a tourist visa can be a stepping stone to getting a student visa, business visa, or Z (working) visa. Also, if you get a tourist visa, come to China, and find out your living arrangements are terrible (cockroaches, smelly bathroom, dirty neighborhood, sewer smells, etc...), work conditions are terrible (requiring you to work 6 days with 5 classes spread out from 8am to 5pm), and no suitable stores within walking distance, you can opt out and find another school without trying to get a release letter.
Last edited by askiptochina on Fri Nov 04, 2011 2:23 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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kimo50
Joined: 24 Aug 2011
Posts: 119
Location: Guam
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 2:23 pm Post subject: Z Visa Process |
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| If you are coming to work, get a Z visa. Plain and simple - its the law. |
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askiptochina
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 488
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 2:24 pm Post subject: Re: Z Visa Process |
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| kimo50 wrote: |
| If you are coming to work, get a Z visa. Plain and simple - its the law. |
There is no law that states you can't visit a school on a tourist visa. Get your documents, and then do a visa run if the school is acceptable. |
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bluetortilla
Joined: 18 Apr 2006
Posts: 815
Location: Henan
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Z Visa Process |
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| askiptochina wrote: |
| kimo50 wrote: |
| If you are coming to work, get a Z visa. Plain and simple - its the law. |
There is no law that states you can't visit a school on a tourist visa. Get your documents, and then do a visa run if the school is acceptable. |
My rep wrote, "...apply for your visa in Japan. That is how things work."
Having said that, I would have some caveats. First, mine is a reputable uni, so I'm not too worried about the working/living conditions (tho I may be naive). Personally, I like to have things in order before I start hopping around countries in search of work and don't have that much cash on hand to mess around with. Going in on a tourist visa is the last thing I want to do.
But I too would think it wise to check out a private school and the conditions before jumping in.
So, what does happen if the school you get a job at turns out to be a nightmare? Can't you give notice to break your contract and look elsewhere? |
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kimo50
Joined: 24 Aug 2011
Posts: 119
Location: Guam
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| Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 2:33 pm Post subject: Z Visa Process |
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Yes you are correct.
So you find a school then sit in a hotel for a month while the required docs are secured so that you can apply for a Z visa?
Much easier to get it before you come...IMHO. |
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Mister Al
Joined: 28 Jun 2004
Posts: 840
Location: In there
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| Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 4:34 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| the visa notification form you receive from the Chinese employer will need to specify where you are making application for the visa. |
This |
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askiptochina
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 488
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 8:11 am Post subject: Re: Z Visa Process |
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| kimo50 wrote: |
Yes you are correct.
So you find a school then sit in a hotel for a month while the required docs are secured so that you can apply for a Z visa?
Much easier to get it before you come...IMHO. |
I have never had to sit in a hotel. I am at my 3rd school, and I have always checked the schools out first before signing a contract. I turned down about 10 jobs after interviewing with schools and meeting with recruiters. Then together I went with the schools I have chosen to the police station and after that the PSB. They ok'd it.
I would rather deal with the issues, especially in China, in person. If you sign a contract blindly not knowing where you will live, who you will work for, and where you will work, you only have yourself to blame when things go bad. |
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