Job Discussion Forums

phoreel · Joined: 17 Aug 2015 Posts: 1

I've accepted a teaching position in China. It's with a smaller organization. The school applied for the visa on July 10th. They've told me several dates it would be ready and they would fedex it to me, but all those dates have come and gone and I'm still waiting. I've had regular communication with the school and they've put me in touch with my new team mates.

Realistically, what are some guesses as to when it will arrive?
How normal is this?

tony87 · Joined: 21 Jul 2015 Posts: 43

I sympathise as I've been through this exact situation. I did get the work permit sent through in the end, but they took a huge amount of time to do it (I gave them all the documents by mid-May, I have only just got the permit sent now).

If they're still in contact that's a good sign. I remember being told that as well though and it didn't really calm my nerves! But my experience if that you will get it in the end, and I've heard from a few others that had long visa wait times too.

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

It isn't normal, but it isn't uncommon. When do classes start?

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Don't want to be the resident pedant but what the employer sends you isn't the visa. They send a valid job offer which you use to get the visa from the local Chinese consulate.
Once in China on that visa the school converts it to a residence permit.
My point is that newbes reading this could get the wrong impression.
Re Bud's comment there was mention of this recently.
Once the school has sent the offer they will expect you to arrive tomorrow and start teaching the day after.