Job Discussion Forums

[phantomquill]

Hello all,

I was offered a job by the Chinese International Teachers' Association in Shenzhen to work in a public school. According to their website, they are a non-profit working with the government to provide schools and universities (not training centers) with foreign teachers.

I accepted the job in May, starting in September. I was just told that my work visa documents were rejected, four times. Reason: I don't have 2 years of teaching experience and my place of birth is a sensitive subject (born in the Middle East).

The organization says they still want me to teach in Shenzhen. They are proposing that I come on a Tourist Visa, while they apply for my Z Visa documents in Beijing now (as opposed to Shenzhen). They said Shenzhen is more 'strict,' making it sound as if it will be easier to get my work visa documents in Beijing. Then they propose I go to Hong Kong to get my official Z Visa.

I have read the awesome post on this forum on Z Visas, Tourist Visas and possible scams (thank you to all who contributed): Z Visas and Resident Permits

I have also read this related post on the same subject (thank you to all who contributed): Teaching on a tourist visa

In one of my interviews with this organization, I talked to an American national who had previously been teaching in China for 5 years, and is currently helping the organization build their ESL curriculum. My conversation with him alleviated any previous misgivings I had about the organization. However, they're back now.

1. Has anyone heard of or worked with this organization in the past? Or is working with them currently? Can I take them on their word? (Yes, I've done the Google searches. Nothing sketchy.)

2. If my work visa documents were rejected in Shenzhen, why would it be any easier for them to pass in Beijing? Does that make any sense to people who have experience with China and work visas?

Sorry for the long post. Thank you to anyone who can provide helpful information.

[Bud Powell]

Give up. You're toast.

[Piper2]

OP, I agree with Bud on this. (Though I am not so sure you are that poster with the scary avatar who has gone M.I.A or maybe (Mr)K.I.A.)

Since the tightening of visa regulations in July of 2013, regulations have been tightened all over China. Having two years experience is a basic requirement. Having a passport from an English-speaking country is increasingly a must.

I personally do not understand why this CITA (says) it is trying so hard to employ you. It would make more sense to (give up and) employ someone else.

Try somewhere else.

[phantomquill]

Thanks for your replies.

I currently hold a Canadian passport. I believed (was led to?) that my current experience and qualifications would be enough.

If anyone else can chime in with their thoughts, I'd appreciate it. Whatever happens, I'll post an update in this thread.

Thanks.

[mike w]

Arriving on a tourist visa = one big red flag - run!!!

If they cannot supply the corrrect documents now, you being in Shenzhen will not make any difference.

I suspect that they intend to employ you illegally.

[Non Sequitur]

There are legit provincial-level organisations trying to recruit for groups of schools in their home provinces, which are likely to be the hard-to-staff ones.
They themselves are not authorised to hire and in fact they probably don't know which school you will be assigned to if you go to China under their auspices.
You meet these people at places like the Beijing Employment Fair.
The guy I spoke to in BJ had a very sketchy idea of the visa process although I found him honest and well-intentioned.
The point is though 'Why should we take a chance?'
It's up to the employer or provincial government to get their stuff together before they start talking to teachers.

[jimpellow]

"It's up to the employer or provincial government to get their stuff together before they start talking to teachers."

Well said NS!

I would have to say they are off in fantasy land for saying Beijing is easier than Shenzhen. Shenzhen is not easy now, but Beijing was perhaps the worst until recently when they lightened up a bit. Still Beijing is right up there as one of the most difficult. I would pass. They have little to lose in attempting this route, whereas you have much to lose.

Schools are extra desperate now that a year of these new regulations are having an adverse effect on the supply of teachers. Raising salaries would be the logical answer. Yet there is resistance to this, along with the hefty overhead schools must pay for the social insurance contribution. Point being the schools are in a bind, and the job seeker should be extra wary now.

[phantomquill]

Hey Jim, Sequitur, Mike,

Thanks for your replies. I talked to another teacher working for CITA. He's been there for a year. He said he was in the same boat as me, but he ended up getting his work visa. As far as he knows (and he admitted his knowledge was limited) the organization does employ everyone on legal work visa. I know this doesn't guarantee anything.

I'm still negotiating the details. Whatever happens, I'll post it up here.

Thanks again.

[Shroob]

[thechangling]

CITA based in Shenzhen are advertising yet again for teachers (which in itself is often a red flag in China I know) so I'd like to know from anyone out there if they are good to work for.
I've read the visa horror stories that a couple of other posters talked about, so can anyone give some more details on what it's like to work for this outfit overall?

[talentedcrayon]

Do not work on a tourist visa. Get the necessary experience and reapply OP.

I wanted to teach ESL overseas since I was in high school. It sucked having to wait until I was qualified, especially knowing that there were many unqualified teachers doing it, but I don't regret it.

I don't think your place of birth is the real issue. The real problem is the experience.

[MrWright]

I work for CITA. They are a mixed bag. I've only been here since late sept. I am on a tourist visa. I know, I know. I just got the new 10 year one. But they say they are moving on my work visa. They do drag their feet and wait till the last possible moment, but they do get people work visas. This is only their 2nd year doing this, and they are still learning. Nice people. Love my school. Not the most efficient organization, but they are legit.

[ESL104]