Job Discussion Forums

[Joe C.]

[ebolayatollah]

Why do you guys even bother going to such lengths arguing about this topic?

I would liken this subject to creationism vs. evolution. Since getting to Shanghai I've noticed the idea of "enforced rules" is entirely subjective on many levels. Same goes for the F or Z visa.

So my advice? Do your own research into your local areas and use that information. Oh, and don't listen to Roger.

[Roger]

[Mysterious Mark]

Noticed this recently: http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=10779

[Roger]

Page 275 in GUIDE TO EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN EXPERTS IN THE FIELDS OF CULTURE & EDUCATION:

Headline: III. Administration of Entyr & Exit (2)

4. How many types of visas are offered in China?

(Let's skip this; there are8 types listed; only two interest us, i.e. the 'F' type and the 'Z' type visas).

The text goes on as follows:

According to the above regulations, foreign experts who come to China for long-term service should apply for a Visa Z on their entry. Those who are invited to visit, teach or participate in the exchange of science, technology and culture and stay in China for a short term should apply for Visa F on entry.

Under 'III. Administration of Entry & Exit (3), I found the following clarificaion (if we want to accept it as such):

5. How to apply for Visa Z for the foreign experts who enter China for work?
According to the regulations, foreign experts who plan to work in China for more than 6 months should present their invitation letters, valid passports and certifications, and Confirmation for Invitation of Foreign Experts (original file) to Chinese diplomatic representative organization, consulate or other overseas organizations entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for application of Visa Z.

Source:
The book mentioned above is published by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, Beijing; the present copy dates from 2002.

I am aware, of course, of changes having taken place since such as the introduction of the Residence Permit sticker that takes care of the visa itself.

[clark.w.griswald]

Thanks for following through on this Roger. Too often people state things as being fact on this forum yet fail to follow through.

I think that the text that you have quoted from that book is pretty much the same as what you will find on any government website dealing with the issue of visas to China.

I am not sure that the quoted text really answers the question with any degree of certainty however. I can see your point of view and what you base this upon, however my interpretation of the legislation is different from your own.

It seems that Roger's interpretation is based upon two points listed in the F visa requirements:

1. teaching;

2 and the fact that the work must be less than six months in duration

My own interpretation is as follows:

An F visa could be used for the purposes of teaching for a visiting professor for example. He or she is not likely to be here for more than six months but is not really a business person in the true sense of the word. This person does not likely hold down a full time job here and remains employed by an organization back home who pays his or her wages back home. No doubt the schools here would give the lecturer some sort of stipend but not a salary as such as the lecturer is not considered an employee but instead a guest. If that lecturer remained in China for more than six months then he or she would be considered a resident and would therefore be required to obtain a Z visa.

A Z visa is for anyone who comes here to accept employment and draw a wage locally. I believe that this would apply to every industry with some specfic exceptions such as consular staff. Most teachers live here, work full time, are no longer employed by a company back home, and derive their wages here in China. This makes them residents for the purposes of employment and as such they are required to obtain a Z visa in order to be completely legal here.

[Joe C.]

[Super Mario]

Roger's quotes from the relevant authority contain interesting modals of obligation. "Should" does not mean "must".
So, is this merely a recommendation from the Chinese government, or did they mean it to be a directive?

[Joe C.]

[Spiderman Too]

Check out this site:- http://www.efl-law.com/China_ImmigrationLaw.php

.... and a couple of quotes;

[Roger]

[vikdk]

[Joe C.]

[Roger]

[vikdk]

still no expose on that goverment official - who is it Rog