Job Discussion Forums

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

Hello everybody,

I am applying for a F visa to Beijing from NY and I was wondering if the Consulate would approve my application if the letter of invitation from the school was faxed to me...

Also, I have this situation where the school sent me 2 letters of invitation- one in English and one in Chinese. The problem is that the one in English has a slight error on it- the date is wrong- it says, 20/30/90. However, on the Chinese letter the date is correct...Is it okay that I just submit the Chinese invitation letter when applying for a visa or do I have to give in both English and Chinese letters?

2 over lee · Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 1:49 pm Post subject: F visa

Why is the school getting you an F visa? How long is the visa for? You do realise the school should be getting you a Z visa!

I�d start asking this school some hard questionsfrom NY, to save trouble when you et to the PRC.

On the issue of the letters just submitt them both and you�ll be fine.

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

Well, I went through a recruiting agency in Beijing called the Beijing Orient Symbol Culture Exchange Co., Ltd. I found the place through That's Beijing Magazine.

I know the safest way to go to China would be on a Z-visa and I also know that it's sorta sketchy that the recruiter insists that a F-visa is okay. But, I am just assuming that's because I am going through a recruiter and not directly dealing with the school?? He also said something about in Beijing only Public schools give Z-visas but this one that I would be teaching at is a Private institution. But, I don't really believe in that bullshit anyways...haha. I am just assuming that since I only signed for a 6 month contract, that is why he is giving me a F visa. I think I have read somewhere in this Discussion Board that it was OK to teach on a F visa if its for half a year...?? I also remember when I studied abroad in Beijing, the students that were only going to be in China for half a semester were all issued a F-visa while the students that were going to stay for a year were issued X-visas.

I was suspicious at first, but it took me a LONG time to actually find a school that would take me WITHOUT asking for a photo to be sent to them first. I am Chinese-American so that should explain it all...I am just sick of not hearing replies after the fact that I email a photo to the school. So, yes, I am acting a bit rashly...

But, I mean everything sounds fishy in China...so I guess I am just going to go with the flow...I'll treat it like a vacation if the job offer doesn't go through...hey, I got to look on the bright side.... Question

mike w · Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 3:16 pm Post subject:

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

I am SOOO CONFUSED...I have to leave by Oct. 13 and I still don't even know what kind of Visa I am suppose to be obtaining. I read somewhere that F-visas are usually granted if you sign a 6 month contract. Here's what it says:

Lee_Odden · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 172

Galum - this question has been answered to death on this forum. Do a search on "Z-Visa" and read what has been written.

The short answer to your question is that it is illegal to work in China on a F-Visa for any amount of time and I don't believe faxed documents or e-mail attachments are acceptable. At least when I applied, original documents were required.

Your first mistake was in using a recruitment service. Deal directly with the foreign affairs officer of a school you are interested in and only come to China on a work, i.e., Z-Visa.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

Oh for pete's sake. Just get your F-visa now and your school must get it changed to a Z-visa when you get here. I'm sure the school doesn't want to buy you a Z-visa now, before you arrive, as they don't want to shell out the money in case you are a no-show or you end up going somewhere else. It is standard practice for the teacher to get their own F visa (and USUALLY their own plane ticket) and the school changes the visa (and reimburses the plane fare at the end of the contract). They should email you a copy of your contract and it should be right in there for you to see.

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

Kudos, Kev!

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

I wish people would just bloody answer the question for once!

An invitation letter IS required for an F visa. A faxed version is usually fine (ask the consulate). Originals are only required for some countries like Phillipines, Japan etc.

Submitt the Chinese invitation letter as the consulate will understand Chinese.

Get your F visa and come to China. Do you six months on an F visa. Many people do it and don't have problems but remember there are minor risks.

As long as you understand the risks it all fine.

Lee_Odden · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 172

You may also want to try shoplifting while you are still in the States. There are minor risks but, what the hell, most people get away with it. Good luck.

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

What's up with all the sarcasm? Confused

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

Some people post what they think they know to be true, others post based on experience. Some have concrete information that is relevant to their locale, some have inside knowledge that allows them to bypass normal procedures. Some posters have had the PSB or other officials scrutinize every document in their possession or drop by their schools, others have not had more trouble than a quick chop in their passport while at the airport.

The most accurate information related here is that circumstances and local laws differ. If the Chinese Embassy/consulate in your area accepts your invitation letter and issues you an "F" visa to come to China...then you have no worries (just make sure that you will have your medical and "Z" visa issued pdq)

Talkdoc · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 696

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

You have already received a tonne of good advice; I can only point out that the Chinese consulate is not suposed to issue you with a business visa if you apply to work as a teacher in Peking.
You ought to have a registered business to be eligible for a business visa; I can't believe the Chinese will waive this rule in your case.
In Hong Kong, you are most likely to get a business visa without major hassles.

But then again, why bother to get a business visa if you can get an ordinary tourist visa without such uncertainties?

It costs about the same, and it probably is valid for the same period of time - at least in some places you can get 6 month tourist visas, in some even one-year visas.

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

Roger:

So what if I apply as a "lecturer" in Beijing? Because, simply speaking, I am going to Beijing to give English language "lectures" in the institution. So, if anything I would at least have a legit answer if someone does ask...

Also, are you suggesting that I apply for a tourist visa instead? Wouldn't that be even worse if I were to work and get caught? I have never heard of toursit visas for up to a year, only 3 months. But, hey what do I know...

Shocked