Job Discussion Forums

gdn35 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 23

I signed a contract with a school 4 weeks ago. They said they would provide a work visa (still no signs of that happening). They have told me to work first (before the visa is issued, therefore work illegally) then go and sort the work visa after.

I want to break the contract because they are not providing a work visa at the moment. They say that they will, but I've waited long enough.

I want to go to another school for an interview next week (one that is reputable and will supply a work visa), do you think there will be any legal implications for me breaking the contract with the current school?

I think that because I have written proof they want me to work illegally AND they have not given me a work visa or FEC, then this contract (despite signed and stamped) is not legal?

P.S. I'm currently on a Q visa as my wife is Chinese (my previous job finished in June).

Also, does this apply to my situation too?
(I have an 'L' or 'F' visa and have signed a contract with the school. I'm bound to its terms, right?
Absolutely not! If a teacher is working on an 'L' or 'F' visa and has signed a contract with the school, it's not worth the paper it is written on. Aside from working illegally, the teacher is not bound to any kind of contract with the school and is free to up-and-leave at any moment in time There are absolutely no consequences in any shape or form if the teacher 'breaks' any of the 'terms' of the 'contract'. Any threats of reporting the teacher to the authorities is a falsehood as all that would serve is to do is expose the 'school' as being an illegal operation.)

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

They have told me to work first (before the visa is issued, therefore work illegally) then go and sort the work visa after.

Any agreement that you had was predicated upon legal employment. The school does not want to obtain the necessary permit for you to obtain a Z visa. Any prior agreement is null and void. The school CAN'T do anything to you because it probably can't legally hire foreign teachers.

Move on and say goodbye. There are plenty of schools that can hire foreign teachers AND procure a letter of invitation for you to present to your local consulate in order to obtain a legal work permit.