Job Discussion Forums

flicknut · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 8

I came to Beijing on a tourist visa on December 26th. My school promised me that they could change my L visa to a Z visa through an agency.

Today my school told me that the PSB just changed the Z visa regulations for Beijing. My school says that I must go back to my home country during the spring festival holiday, get my visa, and then return to China.

Is it really necessary for me to fly back to the United States just to get a Z visa? I might as well just stay there.

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

Sorry. Good example of why some posters insist that the only way to enter China if you plan to teach is with a Z visa.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

Sorry, posted to wrong thread.

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

The PSB are actually 'not meant to' to convert an L into a Z, I think. Often in the past, , if the employer had the necessary relationship with an high enough official in the PSB then the paperwork required to grant the potential employee legal status to be employed could be had. It is much more difficult these days for some reason. So you now in most if not all places you have to leave the country and re-enter with a Z visa, which of course requires certain paperwork. (The employer should pay all reasonable expenses for the Z visa application, though I don't suppose they'll fly you back to the States)

I really don't know if HK is granting Z's these days to other nationalities but for Americans it might be the rule at the moment that they can only apply for a Z from within the USA.

Kibbs · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 64

HK doesnt appear to be granting Z's right now, nor thailand, korea or vietnam. Anyone else got a z visa from HK recently?

PandaVisa.com offers international service but you have to send your passport overseas. There are two teachers at my school who used their service. It's quite expensive though.

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

Applying for a Z-visa will require two documents.

One is a formal 'letter of invitation' issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the other is an "Alien Employment License" issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Unfortunately, the letter of invitation will explicitly state in which country the invitee can apply for the Z-visa. I have been unsuccessful at convincing the Ministry of Commerce to allowing application from Hong Kong.... but your experience may vary.

The following is possible:
Fly to Hong Kong, book yourself a hotel for a few days ($$$$$$$$)
Courier your passport to your home country along with the two documents. (Risky)
Have a friend obtain your visa (I believe this can be done in 24 hours on rush service depending on country)
Courier passport back (Risky)

Warning: If you lose your passport, your embassy will most likely issue you a new one. HOWEVER, your government is not obliged to issue you a passport. For example, if you lose your passport twice they may think you are selling passports and therefore refuse to issue a full passport (but they will make sure you can at least get home).
Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert, I am not responsible for whatever legal problems/trouble may insue.

ozman2 · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Australia

I wrote to a tesol provider in Harbin who also offers a sponsorship deal with a school paying most of your fees for the course, and you work there for 6 months, pay is crap I think, the school replied "some schools are able to change you to a Z visa some others cant...hurry up and apply for the course and we will sort it then

I am a no nothing newbie just been reading lots and lots of threads to get a feel.....but given what I have read I will make sure I have a Z visa before I leave Australia

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

Pre-Olympics you could skip the Z-visa and directly have the residence/work permit printed onto your passport.

Around April of last years the government began clamping down on visa restrictions and since then I have not heard of anyone able to by-pass the Z-visa.

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

What a headache!

You might get by with Hong Kong or at the very works Japan or Korea.
Look forward to a stress filled vacation. hopefully you will have some friends to go with.

newguns · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 17 Location: china

anyone else confirm the HK is not giving Z visas???

Yes Sir I Can Bogey · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 201

I often pop down to Chungking Mansions in TST � home to many a visa agency � for a curry, and I seem to be forever meeting FTs from the Mainland who are there to have their Z visa processed. From those I have met at least, there have not been any problems since the time immediately before and after the Olympic Games.

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

My colleagues have been to HK recently for their visas and no problem yet. One went two weeks ago and one is there today.

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

I meant to add that if my colleague has any problems I'll post it on here and inform you