Job Discussion Forums

dejv68 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 3

I have accepted a position at a college, but the company that I was working for will not give me a release letter. My visa expires in four days. I have been told that if I have the paper work that I am able to go to Hong Kong and get my Z visa there. I was also told that you can arrange this at the airport. Is this true or do I need to go to the Chinese consulate? Are you able to get the visa in a day or must I wait? I have been told that citizens from the US are having a difficult time getting visa. What is the cost of the visa and because Spring festival is ending does anyone have any idea if people are doing visa business this week? If iI have to stay in Hong Kong for a few days does anyone know a cheap hotel. I am on a tight budget. Any information that anyone can give me would be appreciated. Thank you

Dejv

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

the first ? everyone is gonna ask..is why is the other school not giving you a R.L.

As to the embargo on Americans..that concerns an F visa...
Although it may be a breeze to simple take new paperwork there..the embassy may ask where your release letter is..or they may not..truth is no one knows..and even after your success or failure there is no assurances for the next guy..

always call ahead of any service your using or for embassy hours...and then call back several times to insure the person on the line wasn't just shooting a bunch of "who shot john"....

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

It may surprise you to learn that there is no Chinese consulate in HK; a work visa can be obtained from the Chinese government Visa Section in Wanchai; no, they have no branch at the airport.

It will take more than one day; prepare for a 3-day stay!

KES · Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 722

I take it you want to extend a Z visa.

Why you would go to Hong Kong seems unclear. Your school can have the paperwork to "stop the clock" within 24-48 hours. If they have a good relationship with the PSB, a even few days over can be overlooked.

You will need your letter of Invitation from the School and the Province as well as the Official certificate via the local Govt. office, to show in Hong Kong.

Being American won't make a difference for a Z visa usually. I have seen where the Provincal invitation letter was waived for Canadians, but nowadays pretty much every westerner needs it for a Z.

You can do it all in one day if you have all the paperwork. The visa section opens around 0900 and you have to come back that afternoon.

Don't know where SteppenRoger gets his three days info, maybe he coordinates with local officials, arranges travel and paperwork and pays for these trips more than most of us do. Or maybe he's a kindy teacher talking outta his hat - you decide.

The point you seem to be missing is that lacking a release letter is not solved by going to Hong Kong for a Z Visa. The paperwork for a Z Visa is pre-processed before the documents are given to you. If the school wanting to hire you submits your packet to the local PSB, and they demand a release letter, going to HK will not solve that problem. The local PSB will not allow you to get the invitation docs.

I'm guessing you are in N.E. China. Maybe Changchun. If so, you are lucky. The local PSB there are fairly good about pressuring schools to provide a release letter (regardless of circumstances of departure) if the school is within their jurisdiction (Jilin Province); and you make a complaint.

Good luck.

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769