Job Discussion Forums

coffeepresto · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 18

Hey everyone, I believe there is another thread below that is somewhat related, on changing visas once you are in China. Because they don't have enough time to process the Z visa, my school wants me to arrive on an F visa and then have it changed when I arrived. They have said nothing about a) the costs b) the process c) when it will get done.

I'm not so comfortable with this, even though this a Canadian-owned language company. What do you China Hands think? Is it worth it or is it sketchy? Can someone also please tell me how much it costs to change an F visa to a Z visa?

Thanks!

AdrianG4 · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 160 Location: Harbin, China

There are sketchy pratcices in China, practices that one must go with the flow with ..
but this one seems especially sketchy. Arriving with an F visa .. so theyre going to send you a letter of invitation for an F visa? I think they want you to go snag a tourist VISA, then convert that to an F visa in China ..and then maybe they'll send you to hong kong for the Z visa

dean_a_jones · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 1151 Location: Wuhan, China

It happens, but in order to get the right visa when you arrive, you will have to leave the country (usually Hong Kong). Don't expect to school to pay for the trip, hotels, visa etc. Depending on where you are, getting to HK is not always cheap. And of course, they could just try to convince you to work without the proper visa when you arrive, or decide they do not need you. So you come with no protection on the job front. But as I said, it happens, and for some it works out fine, for others not. It is a judgement call on your part, in a situation where you don't really know the facts, but that is not to say it can't work out. There is a long sticky thread on this one, which will go through all the arguments for and against arriving on the wrong visa.

coffeepresto · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 18

Thank you for the input. I saw the sticky - as well as the Middle Kingdom website essays - but I am still undecided.... However, you were right, Adrian - now they want me to apply for a tourist visa instead. When I asked about the costs, they said that we would discuss it when I arrive. I don't like this at all. I also don't think that I can afford a trip to Hong Kong right now.

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

Yes, I have the same problem. I have been waiting forever for the invitation letter from the school. I have a flight booked for Aug. 24 and I dont know what to do. I am very skeptical of coming on a tour visa, but? I want the school to pay for the trip to HK for the Z visa. Its either come on a tour visa, or cancel flight, pay penalty to book later. Question is, when do I book it for? They cant tell me when I will get the documents from them??

AdrianG4 · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 160 Location: Harbin, China

The school will probably pay for your the conversion of your F visa, but I doubt they'll cover any costs to get your Z visa if that's the case (they both cost the school, I think .. so why would they make this one expensive for one teacher)

You will probably end up working on an F VISA. How comfortable yoi are with that, I'm not sure ..

Plenty do it, plenty don't get caught ..