Job Discussion Forums

[BeanSprout]

Hi,

I know that there is a lot of information about visas and residence permits posted already, but I can't seem to find any clear-cut information about my specific problem. Okay, here is the problem....

Right now I work at a kindergarten, and also at a business school (but only part-time). I obtained a single-entry Z visa with sponsorship from the kindergarten before I came to China. When I got here, I got my Residence Permit, which is valid until February 20th, 2006. My contract at the kindergarten is up on January 20th, and I will continue to work only at the business school on a part-time basis until the middle of April. Here's where it gets a little more complicated....

From January 31st to February 15th, I will be going on a vacation to Hawaii, and then returning to China to work part-time for two months only (February 16th-April 16th). Then I will be travelling to Thailand for the two weeks at the end of April, and heading back to China so I can go back to Canada (my flight home is from Shanghai).

Does anyone know what documentation I will need to leave China for my trips to Hawaii and Thailand?...Is a valid residence permit and passport all that I need?

If so, my Residence Permit expires February 20th, and it will need to be renewed/extended. My part-time employer says that I should ask the kindergarten to extend my RP until the beginning of May. If this is how it needs to be done, I need to figure it out soon, since I only have a few weeks left at the kindergarten. Does anyone know if employers are likely to do this for you, even after you stop working for them? Also, do you know approx. how long it takes?

Sorry to sound so long-winded, but I'm really confused and looking for some concrete answers (not easy to get over here!!). Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

[Spiderman Too]

Firstly it is very important to establish whether your Foreigner Residence Permit is the old (greenish-color) booklet or the new sticker-in-your-passport. The latter allows multiple exits / re-entries, the former requires you to obtain a re-entry permit.

Assuming you have the new F.R.P., you can exit China on January 31 and re-enter on February 15, no problem. But beyond February 20, you have a problem.

I would be very surprised if your kindergarten agrees to extend the visa for you. You would have to sign a bogus contract for them to submit to the PBS to have the F.R.P. extended.

Between February 15 - 20 you could go to the PBS yourself and have your F.R.P. changed to an 'L' tourist visa with a duration of 1 month.

Of course, it would be illegal to work on an 'L' visa but you're already working illegally at the business school (see this thread http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?p=336665&highlight=#336665 ).

If I were in your shoes I would return to China (on February 15) via Hong Kong and obtain a 6 month multiple entry 'F' visa. Not perfect but best in the circumstances.

Why can't you change your return flight from Shanghai - Canada to Bangkok - Canada?