Job Discussion Forums

[Volodiya]

Posters to this forum have reported their visa converted, in country, to a Z visa, and seperate resident permit- or, to a Foreign Residence Permit stamp, placed in their passport- since new rules, placing restrictions on this process, came into effect on January 1, 2005.


The following tables are based on the information they provided:


REPORTEDLY CONVERTING-- you may not have to leave the country to obtain a Z visa

Inner Mongolia (Alex_P);
Fujian (jeffinflorida);
Guangdong (clomper);
Jiangsu (amanda_barrick);
Lianoning (Alex_P);
Sichuan (ekirving, phillipl);
Zhejiang (dyslexic_dcuk)


REPORTEDLY NOT CONVERTING- high probability that you will have to leave the country to obtain Z visa

Anhui (randyj);
Hainan (talkdoc);
Heibei (nolefan);
Hunan (Nauczyciel);
Yunnan (no_exit)




For further details regarding the experiences of the posters who provided the information on which the tables are based, see-

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=22363

If you have had experience with this process in these or other provinces, since January 1, 2005, please add your information; or, if your information was used, and you now have something new, or different to report, please update, as necessary, to keep this information current.

[To those outside of China- this information is based mainly on the personal experiences of the posters: it can only be used as a guide, not a guarantee, as to what may happen in your case, should you choose to come to China to work. Obtaining a Z visa before you enter China to work provides you a reasonable assurance that your employer has the capacity to employ you, lawfully: this will require proof that you are qualified to teach, under the standards set by Chinese law and, that your prospective employer has obtained permission to hire foreigners.]

[ResiWorld]

I had mine converted in Shandong, but that was in November 2004.

[Volodiya]

You're right, ResiWorld- it makes a difference when it was, because the new limitations on this process came into effect, according to all reports, after the first of the year.

[danielb]

My wife and I both had visas converted from L to Z on 23 April. It did take longer than was expected (about five weeks) because of the new system. We are in Guangdong.

[Volodiya]

Thanks, danielb, for the update on Guangdong.

Now, let's hear from some of the provinces out there, please, that we've yet to hear from.

[hermoine]

You can convert in Fujian province, but it may take up to 2 months. The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in your country will probably tell you you can't.