Job Discussion Forums

Munroe · Joined: 06 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

I have signed up to work in Shanghai starting in July, but the school doesn't seem to want to begin processing my Z visa until I arrive in person. They want me to work for up to two months on a tourist visa.

What should I do? I don't want to quit the job (it pays well), but I don't feel comfortable with this visa issue. What should I do or say to them to get this fixed?

Thanks!

themanymoonsofjupiter · Joined: 26 Jun 2005 Posts: 205 Location: The Big Link

if you come, don't count on them ever getting you a Z visa. what's their reason they told you for wanting to do it this way?

still, if you really want this job, you are at their mercy.

Munroe · Joined: 06 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

mike w · Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 11:38 pm Post subject:

Find another school who can supply you with the correct documentation so you can apply for the correct Z visa BEFORE you leave your home country.

Working on an L visa is illegal, no matter how they dress it up.

Munroe · Joined: 06 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

Thanks for the replies guys.

One more question:

Getting the Chinese Embassy to begin processing the Z-Visa costs $130. Is it customary for the teacher to initially pay that, and then be reimbursed when he arrives in China, or should they send me money to cover it?

gene · Joined: 03 Mar 2010 Posts: 187

thessy · Joined: 09 Nov 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Xi'an

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

Unlike in most other provinces of China, it is perfectly legal to convert a tourist visa to a residence permit in Shanghai. Although the OP would be right to be wary if a school asked him to do this elsewhere, in Shanghai it is the standard practice; the exception to the rule, if you will.

Munroe · Joined: 06 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

Even if I can switch the tourist visa over to the residence permit, I'm still being asked to work for up to 2 months on a tourist visa.

Munroe · Joined: 06 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

gene · Joined: 03 Mar 2010 Posts: 187

harsh toke....

negotiate your time on the "L" or request the "Z"

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

This employer is giving you a huge runaround. Forget them.

Munroe · Joined: 06 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

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

I think WEB are fairly established in Shanghai and elsewhere (not vouching for them as a work place...never been there) and this is there standard procedure at least in Shanghai, I believe. If the company seems like it's where you want to go then come over on a L visa, maybe a 3 month one if you can get it. You could ask them if you can email any current teachers just to verify their visa/RP status or ask around in www.shanghaiexpat.com. Some teachers who work at WEB are members there.

The two month thing might just be a way of sussing you out for a few weeks before they start the tiresome and costly business of investing time and money on you, in respect of helping you obtain the legal documents you wll need. Considering some of the muppets that come over here to teach English I can't say I blame them for having that policy. Not aimed at you, of course.

Optional_Toaster · Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 74 Location: Dong bei

I came on a tourist visa because they needed someone ASAP. I had my residence permit about a fortnight after. That was a uni and I ended up paying extra for the permit out of pocket, which was a bleep-move imo but I stayed with them for two years without a problem.

Of course, results may vary....greatly!