Job Discussion Forums

coratheexplorer · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 32

I was offered a job in China that seemed to be just what I wanted. I accepted and we did a bunch of paperwork and they said they would contact me when it was time for me to go to the Chinese embassy here. However I have been waiting almost 6 weeks! I wrote to him to check in last week and he replied something like, "We will definitely get but needs waiting."

Is this common? It was/is only a 6 month position to begin with. Part of why it was so perfect for me. Feel like I should be halfway to finished by now but haven't even started! Some other teachers I met online said I should keep applying for other work. But I really wanted that job. What do you think people of Dave's?

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

If the job begins in September, and the visa (which merely gets you into the country) is a 30-day visa, you don't need it until the beginning of August. If you receive your visa, it will expire before you arrive. Hence, the wait. And no, you won't be allowed to kick around china for a few months before you get your residence permit.

This question is asked almost every other day. Did you bother to look in the stickies and the search engine?

coratheexplorer · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 32

Yes I did look around. Of course. I must have missed it, or else maybe I am misunderstanding everything here. For example, what you have described doesn't apply to my situation. Could you or someone else try answering again without putting layers of assumptions on it.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

How about explaining your situation better? I can't read your mind.

eihpos · Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 331

I just received my invitation letter last week. Is that what you are waiting for? It took 3 - 4 weeks and the school advised me of this. 6 weeks does sound kind of long. Maybe just say to them, look, I'm kind of worried as I was hoping to start as soon as possible? It sounds like you would like to start the 6 month contract soon.

By the way, if you didn't have to submit a medical already make sure you have it to take to the embassy. That's what is delaying me now!

shadowrider · Joined: 05 Feb 2012 Posts: 208

and if you are like my school that I'm leaving in a few months,you will get your paperwork at the end of August and expect to be there pretty much the day after the visa is approved...

Schools here seem to not realize or care that:
1. we can't book our tickets until the visa is approved, and
2. last-minute flights are expensive.

they think all FTs here are on retirement and are rolling in money.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

You can book your tickets without the visa. Just get a refundable one.

knight4ever · Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Posts: 49 Location: Shenzhen

The visa process in my situation took over 2 months. I was not alone because other teachers who came over at the same time said they had waited since December for their visas (we got our invitation letters and Z visas in March). Much of it depends on where in China you will be working and the local authorities.

Where is the school you are applying to (city/province)?

coratheexplorer · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 32

Well thank you for your help. Out of the blue a school I applied to in Japan over a month ago has replied to my application and offered me the job. I am going to go forward with that offer because it is very desirable too. The Chinese school has just been strange and too opaque with their communications. It is unreasonable. All this waiting and no sense of what is going on or what is yet to come. The Japanese hiring official on the other hand speaks excellent English and explained in detail the timeline and procedure involved. He gave me a clear sense of my responsibilities and stuff I will have to do, etc. So I'm headed to Chiba it looks like. Close to China just off by one consonant! Japan was my first choice anyway. I'm glad.

TechTeacher · Joined: 07 Feb 2012 Posts: 20 Location: Beijing

Here is the deal guys.

BEAR in mind that you will not receive your invitationa letter earlier than 3 months from the day that you suppose to be in China...
The Z visa is valid for 3 months, that is why your schools do not send it any earlier.
If I have to be in China on August 1st then it doesnt make sense to have the Z Visa in February... It will expire...

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

Fully refundable tickets cost a lot more than non refundable ones. Change fees can be $100-$200, or more. If a teacher buys a ticket that can be changed but not refunded and he/she never receives the invitation letter, they're left with a ticket of minimal value... it can be changed but maybe the airline only flies to China. Not so great if you're now headed to Japan. It's not as straight forward as some would suggest. Lots of things to consider.

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