Job Discussion Forums

[Hansen]

According to the local PSB, as of today, new regulations in Henan allow for six month visas to be given to foreign teachers. No visa longer than six months may be given to an FT. The issuance of the visa is based on the FEC, not the contract. Regardless of the length of the FEC, a visa may only be issued for six months.

In practical terms, this means that now, instead of one trip per yearly contract, three trips are necessary. This is due in part to the fact that visas do not go exactly for six months. My newest visa, obtained today, expires in mid December, even though the contract corresponds more closely to the school term.

Unless this is nationwide, I advise FTs to stay out of Henan, unless you have a specific reason for coming here. Sometimes the PSB will hold the visa for several weeks when applications are made for visa extensions or renewals. They can effectively destroy any winter or summer holiday plans you might have. You can not fly, even locally, without a passport. It can be difficult to get a hotel room without one as well.

Any information on other provinces would be appreciated.

[patsy]

Yes, it's the same in some areas of Xinjiang. What's real maddening is that the school didn't tell us first, they just take you to the psb as if to get your "year" resident permit and then surprise! its only good for 6 months.

A real pain , because the psb is 3 hour drive from the school. So ridiculous.

[Lipps]

How do you find Xinjiang? I am thinking about teaching in Urumqi. Worried about the reports of political unrest but I alo heard the country side is quite beautiful.

Any advice from someone who has lived there would be well received. Thanks!

[xiao51]

I can confirm that in Henan, indeed, the resident permits are being issued only for six-months a time.

[lchazl]

So this issue is only localized?

What about in the big cities like Shanghai?

[Jayray]

Hmmm...

Are the folks who are finding that their RPs are good for only six months recent arrivals or are they six-month contractees who are just now looking at their RPs? It seems a bit early for anyone to be applying for a new residence permit. Many public universities are still operating.

Are we talking about teachers who hold a Z visa, or are we talking about teachers who are teaching on other types of visas?

And are those affected working for public schools or private schools?

Something just doesn't seem right.

I was issued a one-year RP, less ten days.

[Sonnibarger]

i was issued a 364 day res permit last Friday in Wuhan.

[JGC458]

[Hansen]

Sounds like this is being confirmed for Henan and Xinjiang, denied for Hubei.

Again, in view of these developments and the possible impact on having passports in the hands of PSB during vacation periods, those considering Henan might want to consider other places first.

Although unconfirmed, it has been reported that this is part of a stepped up campaign in Henan to "manage" the FTs. The schools themselves are being required to provide new paperwork documenting their "management" of FTs.

Probably unrelated, but an FT dropped dead on the campus of a university in Henan a few weeks ago. He was an apparently healthy, 62 year old male. A well liked man who supported English learners in his community

Those in Henan may reasonably expect stricter enforcement of age limits on FTs as well.

[Jordean]

[JGC458]

[wangdaning]

I believe the Entry/Exit Bureau workers are in fact part of the PSB (Gongan Ju).

[JGC458]

[fitzgud]

I have today had my passport returned in Henan Province with a new Residents Permit for the full one year duration of my new contract, plus the normal few days grace at the end of of the contract.

[Hansen]

About 3 weeks ago, I was personally told by a PSB officer that 6 month visas are a new law for all FTs. I'll let you figure it out.