Job Discussion Forums

Galum82 · Joined: 11 Sep 2004 Posts: 22 Location: NY, USA

I am signing a 6 month contract, is it ok to teach in Beijing with a F-visa? I am hearing mixed results. Someone PLEASE HELP!!

Also, doesn't the Chinese Consoluate decide on what kind of Visa they will be issuing you anyways?

The recruiting agency faxed me a Letter of Invitation to get a visa, so does that mean I am eligible for a F-visa and a Z-visa? What is the difference anyways?

Lee_Odden · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 172

Use the "Search" button and type in "Z-Visa." There will be volumes of information for you to read but all your questions will be answered.

You cannot legally work in China on a F-Visa. This topic is currently being discussed on this page (go back to this topic's main page and lower your eyes a few lines).

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

Yeh, ditto Lee.
Do a search and it's all there.

If the "school" cannot provide a Z visa for you (either before you arrive or converting from an "L"= tourist visa in China) then it's strictly illegal.

Simple? ....?

However, depending on where you are, many people teach English on L (= business) visas without problems from the PSB.
I never have - but so what...
(many do it in GZ/SZ, SH, BJ - I think you may be chancing your hand elsewhere though.)

Please do a search.

For example:
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?p=140048&highlight=#140048.

There you will see Spiderperson provides a link too:
http://www.chinajob.com/service/faq.php?news_id=82&faq_keyword=
Well, it's mostly true.
Some errors: (viz you can convert from a Z to an L in China and vice-versa.
Next; Z visas can be single, double or multile entry).

They manner in which visa regulations are enforced has regional variations.

M

Sinobear · Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Posts: 1269 Location: Purgatory

I, too, came to China on an "F" visa (which was then converted to a "Z" visa). I, too, got my visa via an invitation letter from the school. The big difference, and bear with me here people, was that I was being employed as a LECTURER, not a TEACHER. A LECTURER falls within the acceptable parameters of coming to China under an "F" visa.

Guangdong is more stringent about the rules (the more corrupt the organization - the more rules it has). Beijing, despite being the seat of power, is quite laissez-faire as long as your paperwork is in order (right chop in the right place).