Job Discussion Forums

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Here's my deal: finishing first year in China. Live in Shenzhen teaching oral English. Got a job next year in Fujian province at an intl school. My current contract ends June 30th, and I"m flying out that day for the US. Be back Aug 13th. I'm super confused about the visa process. I'm sure my school won't give me the release letter until my contract is up. I'm not sure what exactly needs to happen to my FEC, but pretty sure it also won't happen until the contract ends. If they cancel the FEC, does that automatically cancel my residency permit? My new school is helping me, but because I will be leaving right at my contract ends and then be gone for the summer, I am not sure how best to approach the visa transfer. I would appreciate any insight or experiences from anyone. Thank you.

zacharybilton · Joined: 23 Apr 2015 Posts: 118

You never thought to raise this question with your new/future employer? Since they issue the credentials, why would you refuse to communicate with them?

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Of course I'm in communication with them. It's just all confusing to me, and I'm not entirely sure that the new school knows either. So I'm here looking for help. The fact that I'm leaving before I can get much of the paperwork complicates things. The new school's main point was to for me to ask my current school not to cancel my residency permit and just let it expire. Otherwise I can't reenter and will need to start the whole process over, needing to leave the country. But if we can do this right we can just transfer everything. This is my first time doing this, so a bit nervous and want to do it right. The new school is asking for paperwork that I think I can't get until my contract is finished, but I'll be gone that very day, so I'm worried I can't do what needs to be done.

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

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Mine expires at the end of August. So if they don't cancel it I should be able to reenter and process the paperwork. No, I haven't approached my school yet. Not sure who to ask exactly. Everybody wants to pass responsibility on to someone else, and I can't get in front of true decision makers. I'm guessing you all know what I'm talking about. If they release me early, I think they are gonna think I'm just going to jump ship. Guess it can't hurt to ask if I could just find out WHO to ask.

Deats · Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Posts: 503

Surely you would just ask your FAO or head of English department?

Whoever hired you is the person who you probably want to deal with.

It seems a bit silly that you have booked all your tickets even though you may not have all your paperwork... why would you leave on the same day that you finish working?

As suggested above, it also sounds like you would be better getting your current employer to talk directly with your future employer. I'm guessing your current employer knows you are leaving? Or is this why you haven't asked them!?

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

I got the tickets before this situation arose, and like I said, this is my first time doing all this, so how would I know? I am attempting all those paths, but am asking for input here. Actually, the new school just contacted me and told me they were wrong about a number of things. So I was misinformed. All they need is the recommendation letter and for them to not cancel my FEC or residency permit while I'm gone. I booked the ticket on that day because the cost of the ticket rose over $200 the very next day. Sound reasonable?

Deats · Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Posts: 503

Each to their own. For example if my lessons finished on the 30th, I would give 4 days to a week in case I was asked to put some marks into the system or just needed to generally pack my things and make sure everything was in order before leaving. Make sure I had my salary, money converted etc etc.

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

We actually are done teaching about a week before that so all the kids can get tested, and not by me. I have no responsibilities that week. Not to say I would not do it differently now; it was a few months ago when I was trying to catch a good deal early on tickets. But it is what it is.

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Anyone have thoughts about this recommendation letter? I hear there are 3 categories, super, good and ok. (loose translation) If they give you ok then you're done in China. True? But I also hear that you got to mess royally to get that evaluation, since schools know it means they've ended you're career here.