Job Discussion Forums

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

Well, after using the good ole search function, I've become more frustrated than I was before I...well, I'm frustrated.

Can anyone please detail the steps to getting an 'L' visa changed to a 'Z' or 'F' visa in HK? What paperwork is required? How much time is required? How much cash should the person bring?

This is for another teacher who is scared s**tless about the process.

Thanks in advance!

SB

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I don't get your question, man! Nobody goes to Hong Kong in order to CHANGE THEIR VISA from a tourist visa into another visa; you go to HK in order to obtain a NEW visa.

If your employer can provide the relevant supporting docs you can go to the Visa Section of the Chinese GOvernment Hk Branch - just like applying for a new visa back home.

The Visa ASection is in the China Resources Building, 5th floor, 18 Harbour Rd., Wanchai.

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

Thanks, Roger, and Badtyndale. As I said, it's not for me, but another teacher here who is in a bit of a bind.

burnsie · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 489 Location: Beijing

In Beijing you do otherwise you pay large fees 3,000-5,000 yuan.

It's virtually impossible to change over your L visa to a Z visa in Beijing but it does happen through schools and companies that do it not in the professional way and sponsor the teacher through their school/training centre and not employ them.

It's illegal of course but if small schools are not registered, don't have the employers certificates to employ foreigners the school cannot register a teacher.

I am currently doing some research into the companies that offer this service in Beijing. Funny enough the FE Bureau asked me to do it for them! Why don't they do spot checks on the offenders themselves with a FE teacher is employed or not. I really think they are going to open up a can of worms if they crackdown on this practice.

Sorry to answer your question (though I have never done a runner to HK for a visa) but I think it's painless. You can turn around a visa application in a day if you turn up early when the office opens. You need an invitation letter, your passport and a couple of photos. Best to check the HK immigration website and give them a call.