Job Discussion Forums

Ciara · Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:24 am Post subject: VISA Problem

Ok, so I have my residence permit and I have my expert certificate with employment etc. What I DON'T have is my Z Visa (Work). The school which is state run, says that I do not need it, and when I leave the country, all I have to do is give them my passport and they will get me another L Visa?!

IS THIS OK!?

I feel like I should get the Z Visa just in case...but then the school said that to get a Z Visa for the year, will be $600RMB!? I'm kind of confused because in Canada it will only cost $30 or so.

What is your opinion? Can I work legally without a Z Visa? Any suggestions would be good. Does this mean I cannot leave the country on my L Visa (which has expired a couple of weeks ago...)

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

Yes, as long as your residence permit is valid, you do not need a visa in your passport to live and travel within China.
If you want to leave China for a holiday and then return, you ask your school to get the visa processed in your passport. Some schools will pay for the visa, others make you pay for it (check your contract).

Cheers!

Ciara · Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 4:13 am Post subject:

Someone said NO, I MUST have it. How do I verify this information? I trust them, they have been nice so far etc.

If I want to go to HK, do I need a Visa? When I come back into China, can I get a Visa for myself?

Thanks,

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

A visa is your permission to enter China and stay here for a specified time. The residence permit is your permission to live and work in China for the time (usually in 1-year increments) specified. You need a re-entry visa in your passport to go to HK and return.
I've lived in China and travelled within China for the past 6 years WITHOUT a visa in my passport. I had to get a new passport through the GZ consulate...it is devoid of any visa.

You can go here http://www.speedbusiness.com.cn/ and look at the Expatriates section.

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

Ciara · Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 8:17 am Post subject:

If I don't have a Z Visa (they are willing to process, just that they are being lazy....and it will cost a lot I guess), does that mean I'm not bound to the contract since I'm not "legally" able to work in China? LOL....just wondering. I will do some checking around I guess, thanks for your inputs....

Ciara · Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 8:19 am Post subject:

What's the PSB?

This is a legit school, I had that checked before I signed the contract.

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

Sorry I use accronyms now because I'm an old hand!!! Haha.

PSB - Public Security Bureau.

Also it sounds like they are legit as you have the right certificates it's just they are cheap, they don't want to pay for the multiple entry. Well actually my school doesn't pay for it also (they are cheap too) so I had to pay for the multiple entry.

Just one more point, as I said, the Z visa is just to get into the country, no other fact.

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

Wasai!

The PSB (Public Security Bureau) is a section of local gov't with similiar powers to the police (I was going to say gestapo). They control a local person's hukou (work permit) and maintain records on who's living where. For foreigners, the PSB is responsible for insuring that you are in a legal residence (which, they say, is for your protection) and that you are legally working in China.
The residence permit is only issued to you once you are approved for the 'Z' visa - therefore, you must qualify for the 'Z' visa in the first place! The residence permit supercedes the 'Z' visa is your passport. You are still fully bound by all of your contract terms and conditions. You are still considered (moreso) to be working legally. My goodness, I need a drink!

Do call your local PSB office and say that you are interested in starting a "Flee Turbot - Full Lawn Goon" chapter in your neighborhood. They will be most happy to come and take with you.

Cheers!