Job Discussion Forums

Leon Purvis · Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 5:00 am Post subject: Re: Work Visa after arrival?

[quote="englishgibsonBY THE WAY, A RESIDENCY PERMIT STICKER IN THE PASSPORT IS A REPLACEMENT OF OLD "Z" WORK VISA TO CLARIFY SOME DISCUSSIONS HERE.
quote]

I returned in February on a Z visa. I have a residency permit in my Passport.

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

KarenB · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 227 Location: Hainan

No the new work permit DOES replace the Z visa. I haven't had a Z visa in more than a year, but have left and re-entered China 3 times with just my multi-entry work permit (which is pasted in my passport).

I know teachers who have entered on an F visa and then gotten the Work Permit; however, it has often been problematic, and I would not recommend it. One teacher I know who entered in late August 2005 had an F visa that was good for 3 months. However, her school decided to wait until it was almost expired before bothering to go about getting the work permit -- she did finally get it after threatening to leave. Another couple (who came to our school) was not able to get their visa converted for some reason, and they had to leave. The same thing happened a few years earlier.

Personally, I wouldn't consider coming to a school that had not even sent you a contract yet. Sure, if that job doesn't work out, you could probably find something else, but if you're a "newbie" that might be hard to do since you don't know how to work the system, plus the good jobs will all be taken, so you'll be stuck with some job no one else wants.

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

Let's get some perspective on this. Why would a prospective teacher come to China without the proper documentation? Because the school needs you to get there quick (due to lack of planning on their part, teachers doing a "midnight run" for some reason unknown to you, or whatever)? Excuse me, but that's THEIR problem - not yours! It will become your problem, however, if you are credulous enough to do whatever they ask. Tell them to get you the proper invitation letters, etc. to enable you to get a work visa in your own country (you're in no hurry). If they can't, then you should accept a job from someone who can. There'll be plenty of opportunities for you to try more exotic ways to get your visa in the years after starting your career here, if you're so inclined.

Calories · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 361 Location: Chinese Food Hell

No way, I came in on a L visa because it was lack of planning on my part. I didn't even have a passport until 2 days before I left!

Jelson · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 5

Should I make sure it is written into my contract that the school will provide me with a visa? They say they will, but should I get it in writing?

Bayden · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 988

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

My God, how many times a month do we have to go over the whole Z visa issue? Here it is in simple terms:

If you intend to come to China to work, you need a Z visa, this is what gets you into the country. Within 30 days of arrival the Z visa should be converted into a Residence Permit. In the past this was a green booklet, nowdays its a sticker in the passport. After getting this your Z visa is no longer required and therefore becomes null and void.

Obviously there is always an exception. It is possible in some cities and provinces to enter on a L or F visa and have this converted to the residence permit, but it is not guaranteed. Do not trust anybody who says they can do this for you.

If your contract is for less than 6 months, it is possible for you to work with a F visa. This is not exactly legal but at the same time the chances of you having any problems are slim to none.

stil · Joined: 23 Jun 2003 Posts: 259 Location: Hunan

boxcarwilly · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 85

I don't accept anything other than strictly legal, and my experience is get the Z visa before entering China. I did and so can you. Yes, a medical form needs to be completed and bloodwork done. Because EF operates in different provinces and the practical enforcement of the rules varies, it is possible they could send you to a different province to have the visa converted if that is the only option you have. My college routinely does this with teachers from Beijing where this option is not available. One possible reason for the school not wanting to get you the proper visa is that it requires more work and more up front cost on the school's part. They may want to limit their risk in case things don't work out with you. This of course means that your options are severely limited if things don't work out because you would be here illegally. EF knows the proper things that need to be done and I view their position as a negative in the Ben Franklin close. You may find that something as simple as the correct visa is a deal breaker for them. It's all about the margins. I am never a "good guy" with employers; I am strong, knowledgable and capable in negotiation. Not everybody loves me but they do respect me.

lollercauster · Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 418 Location: Inside-Out NYC

I'm arriving with a tourist's visa, so it's far too late to set-up a z-visa now. I don't want to be locked into a position anyway.

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

Well, then you might want to get ready for that Hong Kong trip.

Boxcarwilly, I couldn’t agree more.