Job Discussion Forums

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

I need to get a z visa. The problem is I live in Taiwan and have no plans to go back to north American between now and moving to China. Taiwan, as you know, has no diplomatic relations with China. I still have 4 months before I start work, so I am not in dire straights, just mostly confused. You can not mail your passport and paperwork to the consult, it has to be hand delivered. I can find nothing that says I can go to HK and process my visa. Any suggestions or advise?

Spiderman Too · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:55 pm Post subject:

You can't simply apply for a 'Z' visa. Firstly you need to have signed an employment contract with a mainland based employer. Secondly, your new employer must have a 'licence' to employ foreigners. Thirdly, your new employer must submit copies of your resume and education/qualification certificates to the provincial Foreign Affairs Office and obtain a pre-approval letter (that is, pre-approving your employment). Actually, when I did it there were two letters from the Foreign Affairs Office (although 1 may have been from the PSB). Your new employer will then send the 2 letters, and their own letter of invitation to you for you to submit to a Chinese consulate/embassy. Some, but not all, Chinese consulates/embassies will insist that you have a thorough medical examination before they will issue the 'Z' visa. At the Chinese embassy in Bangkok the visa processing clerk, and her supervisor (both Thai nationals) insisted that I get a medical report but when I politely but firmly requested to speak with a Chinese person (and I'm not actually sure what his position was), he agreed that I could have the medical examination in China.

So, if you do all of the above, you can get a 'Z' visa in Hong Kong.

With regards to getting an 'L' tourist visa or an 'F' business visa in Hong Kong (both of which are quick and easy to obtain) and then having the visa converted to a 'Z' after you arrive, well that's a 'hot potato' at present. On this forum you will find as many people who say that you can do it, as those who say you cannot. Apparently it depends on which province you attempt to do so, with the exception of Beijing; a definite 'no'.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Entirely correct! The OP failed to state clearly why he or she tought he or she could obtain a work visa from the Chinese consulate in the U.S.A. This visa is available only to people that are officially sponsored by a Chinese employer who in turn must verify your credentials.

Hong Kong would be a convenient enough place for you to apply for a work visa - provided you qualify, have an invitation letter and a contract.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

The school does not wish to process the visa for me. I was given all the paperwork and told to get a z-visa.

Thanks Spiderman Too.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

i guess i've been really lucky with both of the schools i've worked at. both got the Z visa for me no problems, and i've never been ripped off yet. in fact, things are going too well for me at times, get paid early, working less hours than stated in contract, no office time, no headaches at all to speak of. hope this lucky streak continues.....