Job Discussion Forums

naturalcauses · Joined: 13 Nov 2013 Posts: 11

Is an S2 as easy to change to a Z as an L is?

I'm coming to visit a friend but mostly to find a job... the embassy gave me a S2 visa for "visiting someone" instead of an L Confused

Is this something to worry about? Will l I have to do something ridiculous like convert it to an L then a Z (in HK)?

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I've no direct knowledge but theoretically is should be easier.
An L generally precludes anything even vaguely work related including prospecting for a job.
Whether an S2 could be converted to Z in China is moot though. It may require a run to HK, so are you any better off?

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

Is an S2 as easy to change to a Z as an L is?

Who says that it's easy to change an L to a Z?

OP, do some homework. there are varying anecdotes about this. If you are qualified to teach, and your spouse is in China, why not just cut out all the BS and directly apply for a job in your spouse's city?

Same for a parent, sibling or offspring.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I'm using 'easier' in a relative sense.
Not to be confused with 'easy'.
I agree though Bud that OP and a lot of others to and fro on Dave's, when they should be applying and using Dave's to get feedback on offers.

naturalcauses · Joined: 13 Nov 2013 Posts: 11

Like Non said (thanks by the way), I know L to Z is not "easy" but its common practice. To keep my post simple I omitted a long story of the circumstances as to why I am going over there like this, I know its better to come on a Z.

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with the S2, and specifically I've seen rules that say L & F need to apply out of country for the Z, but I can't find anything about S2 to Z. Daves has 0 results about S2. Thanks

teenoso · Joined: 18 Sep 2013 Posts: 365 Location: south china

It may have been common in the past to convert other visas to an RP inisde China , or to go to HK to get a Z visa,
but most recent threads here suggest that only a few cities and provinces allow this now.
Your visa has been given under the 'new' (2013) regulations , so that is why there may be very little info/discussion on Dave's, and your circs may be unusual - most foreign visitors here will still get an L visa , I reckon.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Thanks for clarification.
I've never heard S2 mentioned on Daves as precursor to a Z in HK or other over the border location - Japan, Korea.
Best

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

When a spouse wants to accompany another spouse to China , it's best for him tp apply at the same time with a marriage license and necessary paperwork. (At least, that was how it was done last time i looked).

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

This list and definition of visa classes doesn't mention conversion but my reading suggests S2 is a better option than L for the OPs intended purpose.
http://www.chinaembassy.org.nz/eng/lsqz/prcd/t39420.htm