Job Discussion Forums

Tegan Jenkins · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 6

I would like to hear from people that have gotten an F visa. What steps did you take to get it? Who helped you? How much did the entire process cost? Where can you get it done in Guangdong Province (Zhuhai area)? From what I understand the first 2X you get an F visa they can only be for 3-months & the third you get it you are able to get it for 1 or 2 years. Is this correct? Is there any way to get a 1 or 2 year visa on your first application? Also want to know how about adding dependents that are a different nationality.

I would be especially grateful to get a reply from 'Mr English' or 'time to teach'...I am unable to private message you guys at the moment because I am new to the site.

Thanks to anyone who's got helpful advice for me Smile

west2east · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 120 Location: China

May I ask why you seek an F visa? If you are planning to teach in China, then I'd question why you'd need an F visa rather than a Z visa. Whilst an F visa might cut it in some very special circumstances, usually Z is the way to go.

I know people at some school that teach on an F visa, but that's because the schools concerned are not authorized to apply for Z visas, which means they make their teachers work illegally.

An F visa requires an invitation from a Chinese organization that needs to explain who they are, why they are inviting you and how long they will sponsor you. If all is 'in order', then an F visa can be granted in just a few days.

Whatever your reasons, tread carefully.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

Contact these guys:

Forever Bright Travel Hong Kong

They're reliable and will tell you all you need to know.

w.melon56 · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 31

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

you really want to bring over and support dependents on a teaching
salary, with a visa that gives you no legal protection at all? a visa
where you must constantly do visa runs, and where approval is subject
to the whims of the underpaid lackey on duty that day? where you
(and your family) be subject to deportation and fine?

china doesn't do 'anchor babies.'

peewee1979 · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:41 am Post subject:

^ Wow you put it so skillfully!

But maybe some people can come to China, make some money AND still collect welfare in their home country?

Mr. English · Joined: 25 Nov 2009 Posts: 298 Location: Nakuru, Kenya

I sent you a PM as to some of your questions. I have found that PMs sometimes take a little time to move from the outbox to the sent box, so you might not have it yet. As to some others:
If you use an agent here in China you can get whatever length they are able to get at that time for your nationality; I don't think how many F visas you have had before matters. During the build-up to the Asian Games here in Guangzhou one year was the best I could get, but after they ended I got a 2-year. Dependents: hopeless I think, but talk to an agent. Also you will of course be doing visa runs, not a great thing with a family.

Mr. English · Joined: 25 Nov 2009 Posts: 298 Location: Nakuru, Kenya

One other possibility that I did not think to mention in the last post: What will your spouse be up to (your wife I assume, but I apologize if I guess wrong)? If she will not be working, and if you can afford it, she could go to school full-time, study Chinese? not terribly unuseful, and get an X visa. Like Z visa holders, X visa holders get residence permits. I know for certain that Z visa holders can bring in spouses and children under their visa. I don't know for certain about X visa holders, but possibly it is the same. If this is the case, she could get an X visa and bring you and the children in. You could not legally work, but in this land of great corruption this is not an issue. Attending college or university in China is not dirt cheap, but is much cheaper than it is in western countries.

A ploy that I do not recommend as the Chinese are on to it and have begun to crack down on is to sign up for school yourself, get your X visa, and then don't attend school. From what I understand the residence permits that are issued to X visa holders are only good for 6 months even though the visa is for a year, and if you are skipping school too much you might not get the second 6 months, among other problems.

LanGuTou · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 621 Location: Shandong

Of course, before you walk into this head first, you may want to consider the consequences just in case you end up one of the "unlucky" ones:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world/asia/31briefs-China.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=china%20guangdang%20immigration&st=cse

Guangdong Province in southern China is tightening rules on foreigners living and working in the province as part of what it calls a clampdown on �illegal immigration,� according to the official China Daily. A new regulation that takes effect on May 1 asks people to report �malpractice� involving foreigners, including overstaying visas, illegal entry and working without permits. Guangdong has been one of the most open provinces to foreigners; many foreign-run factories are in the Pearl River Delta area.

You could, of course, work illegally and assume that you will get away with it. That is your choice, but it is no use sulking if it turns pear shaped!

Working in any foreign nation without the correct permit to do so is illegal and is a crime.