Job Discussion Forums

[Nano]

Hey guys,

So I've been in China for about 3 months now and was notified today that my 3 month residence permit is about to expire. Now that I need to renew it, I was told via text message from a coworker that I would have to pay 400 yuan.

This school paid for everything regarding my 3 month residence permit but I was under the impression that all this is their responsibility for the entire contract year. The contract doesn't mention they will pay for both residence permits so they aren't breaching it but I have a feeling that this is something they should be paying for.

Is this typical?

[coldcucumber]

You're on an F Visa then? Z Visa converts to work permit, which is attached to a 1 year residence permit.

[jm21]

Normally the residence permits should be good for a year.

[Nano]

[roadwalker]

I'm guessing that the school has you on a probationary period of some kind, officially by the contract, or otherwise. If you didn't work out, at least they wouldn't be responsible for your being in China past Dec. 17.

It's all negotiable, but for me and teachers I knew, teacher paid to get into China and school paid once inside. Of course, I never knew anyone with a 3-month RP. Is this a university? At any rate, decide if this is a battle you want to fight. Pay it and there may be more costs that suddenly become yours. Don't pay it and they call your bluff and you have to leave. If you plan to renew with the same school, you could make it up in a raise for next year or with other remunerations this year or next. If you pay it, let them know, in a friendly, non-threatening way, that you don't think it's right that you have to pay it. I.e., don't be a doormat, but don't get visibly angry or continue to whine/whinge about it, either.

[Shanghai Noon]

I have gotten a 3 month Residence Permit before. I got the FEC which was valid for one year, but the Shanghai Public Security Bureau only gave me a Residence Permit that was valid until the day my school's education license expired. The Public Security Bureau was actually legally in the wrong to do this, but there's no way to argue it with them. I remember coming home and throwing my passport across my apartment because I was so mad.

To the OP: This is not normal. There is some problem that is not yours, and you should not have to pay to fix it. In two years, I have had a total of 8 visas/residence permits, and I paid for only four of them. I paid for my first residence permit when I came to China, and two when I worked at the worst gaokao-dodge program in Shanghai (passport expiry in the middle of my employment), but no others. I think Roadwalker has the best advice. Wait until after you get the residence permit back, and then take whatever action you think is appropriate.

[BleedingBlue]

1. There is no law that determines who pays for the resident permit. It is the choice of the employer. A great percentage pay it, while a smaller percetage forces the employee to pay. There is nothing illegal about it. It is a valid point of negotiation and benefits. You are responsible for clearing it with the potential employee. It is not a right.

2. You entered the country illegally, with an F visa, for purpose for other than what was stated = you are already on shaky ground.

3. Different types of schools issue permits of varying length. Public universities get 2 years and private universities and colleges get only a 5 month permit at a time. There are more differences depending on the type of facility.

Get facts straight and stop guessing folks.

Of real note, you alone committed yourself to working illegally and knocked your feet out from under you. By working illegally on an F visa and receiving a salary for that work, you are in violation and have no legal foot to stand on to demand much in the future - let alone use the "justice system" to your advantage.

[Bud Powell]

Blood,

I have worked mostly public universities, and I have never been issued or offered a 2 year residence permit; teachers who had been at public universities for four or more years and intended to stay considerably longer always went to the PSB to get a yearly permit. I've been offered five-year contracts, and I know others who have been offered and accepted them. They had one year residence permits.

Who told you about two-year residence permits?

[roadwalker]

[jm21]

I am at a private uni and it was a 1 year RP. Never heard of a 5 month RP.

[lionheartuk]

There are 2 year residency permits issued. Depends on what you are teaching. There are two Filipino teachers here - private school- who are issued a 2 year permit because they teach science as a main subject