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Posts: 118

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Q: Paying for Visa renewal/medical exam.

 

This is my fifth year working in the college district of the city, and have worked at three different three year colleges. The first one I liked, and wanted to hire me for a fourth year, but the school couldn't for some reason, was referred to another college which I sort of disliked and left on mutual terms and then wound up where I am now.

 

This school required that I pay for my medical exam and my work visa. This ran 1300 RMB. This is the first time in 15 years that I had to pay for the visa, and this includes some training schools and businesses. As far as I know this is a public, government college that should take care of everything. I will pick up my passport on Tuesday and told my FAO, and told her I should not have to pay this, and she gets all snippy saying that it was in the contract, but honestly she did not mention that. First I heard about money was her telling me to meet for the medical and bring 500 RMB with me going "Huh, why?"

 

Has anyone else ever had to pay for their own medical and work visa? I always thought this was a SAFEA rule that the school should provide housing and pay for these expenses. Probably not. I hope this place won't be a fucking "horror show" of bullshit. I really liked my college I worked at for three years, they left me alone and paid for my upkeep. Anyone else have to pay?

7 years 37 weeks ago in  Visa & Legalities - China

 
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Emperor

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...You didn't read your contract?

Spiderboenz:

You should always carefully read your contract. 

 

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Shining_brow:

Yeah..... Especially a new place! EVERY little dot and cross!!!!

7 years 37 weeks ago
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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
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Posts: 2855

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...You didn't read your contract?

Spiderboenz:

You should always carefully read your contract. 

 

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Shining_brow:

Yeah..... Especially a new place! EVERY little dot and cross!!!!

7 years 37 weeks ago
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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1198

Shifu

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I wouldn't sign a contract that didn't specifically mention that they're paying for everything.

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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
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You are the idiot. Learn to read a contract. Each school has their own contract. And you claim you've been here for 15 years? 

Englteachted:

Oh and by the way, the first school didn't really want you, why else would they let you go. 

And Santa Claus isn't real

7 years 37 weeks ago
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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
Posts: 118

Governor

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I am the idiot. True dat.

 

In my defense, the woman did not tell me of this beforehand, although she claims that she did. The first I heard of it was the day before the medical exam, and she said I needed 500 RMB, with me going "Huh?" This is when I found out that I had to pay the money, and by then, it was basically too late to go back to Square One and look for something else. Since 2013, I have been concerned with getting my renewal, and work for these colleges because they usually can cut through the red tape and hassle.

 

I have never been asked to foot the bill for the medical/residence permit, so I didn't ask. Basically I needed a job to continue my visa, and this place hired me. It is a public government school, so again, I did not see the need to ask about would I need to pay for shit, because it was never asked of me. The only other time I had to incur a cost for my visa was a private training school, and was told by the director if I stayed for a certain time, I would get my money back and I did, but he really had no obligation to pay up since I was basically working there illegally and my visa was given to me from their head office in Shanghai.

 

Not a complete fail, the school provides me with a place to live with an air conditioner which could freeze sides of beef, and what I term "strong Wifi", and free electricity.

 

 

Shining_brow:

Nope - no defence at all!

 

You didn't read the contract... end of story!

 

And what they say don't mean shit! (for that matter, often what they write in the contract don't mean shit either...).

 

However - if you're happy with the deal, maybe you just got lucky in learning  your lesson the (not too hard) way!

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Englteachted:

You're still the idiot for that lame excuse. What Shining said .

7 years 37 weeks ago
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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1198

Shifu

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Right now there is a severe foreign teacher drought. FT's have the upper hand in any negotiations, especially if they are qualified and native speakers.

I'm currently looking to hire two FT's paying up to 18,000/month with free accommodation for what is essentially a very easy job. We can't find anyone. So when it comes to signing a contract remember you have the power.

Quinn68:

That's because 18,000 is a joke. I wouldn't work in this sorry country for anything less than 30,000.

7 years 37 weeks ago
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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
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I had to pay the first time but they paid every other year. Only needed to do the medical check once in 2008. So 8 years only Y800 each renewal, but they pay and I get the 800 back if I leave.

 

Not sure if you've got a new HR or the school staff just want some taobao money for making you pay the Y1300. Sounds fishy, better step into the HR office and ask WHY!?

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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
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Firstly for the medical - sometimes yes, sometimes no. Price was 400. Not a huge loss for a job that's paying many times more than this!

 

For the visa - I've only paid for it once - the most recent year, and that was because they were uncertain if they wanted me or not, and I said I'd pay for it just so it doesn't stuff me around. But, it was about 800, cos it was 10 days over the 365 for the 400RMB 1-year visa. That sucked! Payment is calculated from date of application - not date of start of visa! Bastards!!!

 

As said above - you didn't read your contract!

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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
Posts: 308

Governor

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The ones bashing you here are genuinely insincere because they both state the contract is a valid document and an invalid one in China.:.They are fully aware the admin is taking advantage of you...yes you are correct the med/visa are commonly paid for...it is a given...it is dubious that that clause would be omitted from a university contract...regardless of its validity...You are 100% correct in coming here to question the schools integrity as you should also question the integrity of any responders here who are trying to fault you...if the university is charging you and being deviant about it ...you can begin to question the solvency of that department....the perks they are allotted you are those that fall under the universities operational costs...so they cost the department nothing...

Englteachted:

If you are employed legally and the contract clearly states that these expenses are to be paid by the school SAFEA can intervene and make them pay. So you are another idiot who thinks things magically happen. You must make sure things are clearly stated in any contract. 

Before I came to China I searched online for info and advice, this was number one on every website. Grow up and take responsibility for what you agree to.

7 years 37 weeks ago
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seansarto:

You don't seem too listen too well...This person stated that no mention was made of a contractual obligation..paying med/visa ...was made...Granted, this person could have asked.. But if you are not an idiot or FOB in China...it is well known that those expenses are MORE OFTEN THAN NOT paid for by the school,..I don't know who you are trying to protect, bum but you best get off yer high horse...It is more tan reasonable to expect those stipulations as an EFL teacher in at a college in China...THAT HAS BEEN THE NORM FOR A LONG TIME...their being omitted without pointing it out is yet another face saving gesture or entrapment ...this is something clearly they would know and you would not and it is dubious...When I 1st went to china, I had to pay for my physical in the States, then they paid for theirs..that way there were assured I was in good health..after that the schools paid for the exams..with the exception of training centers...I was reimbursed for visa costs the 1st time...After that, they paid...Should this person have read the contract?sure...but let me ask you, bum...do you read every line to  the terms of agreement for using websites and online services?....probably don't. This person has some experience in China...the expectations they had were normal...the contract reeks of a department trying to whip up some more cash using foreigners as the means to do so...the retards saying "read the contract" are stool piles and cock suckers who are trying to help save face... Because their asses depend perhaps on the con...We call these f*ckers "enablers"..because they know damn well..even "reading" the damn thing, a contract in china isn't always reliable REGARDLESS of what it says because the courts can turn on you on a dime...besides in theory, the medical and the visa are there to protect Chinese interests not foreign ones.

7 years 37 weeks ago
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icnif77:

Try me with that Q&advice: 'read the Contract!'

Tits and others are right: 'read the Contract and ask questions, before you sign it!'

What else could I tell OP/you? Call your mom? 

Chinese will take an advantage of foreigner by pretending their English understanding is different than ours is. In their way 'they just negotiate'. There's nothing wrong with 'negotiating' in China. However, we (I do) understand that as 'cheating'.

I seek Gov.'s help very often! Too often, since I am an English teacher without any Contract disrespect in 7 years of working in China. Why do I need Gov.'s help in Contract respect, if I perform without flops? There are only two parties on the Contract. By my assumption, if B honors Contract, A should do the same.

Latest example at my full-time gig: 'I arrived to the office half an hour before scheduled classes, and rep. told me I am excused from work for 3 following days. 15' before my scheduled classes, I am told classes are canceled. Good, but I must receive full pay same as I would attend classes.

Rep's reply: 'Chinese teachers at our School are paid per classes they perform, so you also won't get paid, because School canceled classes!' He didn't mention '... canceled classes on time', what I wouldn't necessary object, if I would get notice at least a week before.

Now, management can do that to Chinese and other foreigners similar to OP and you, but not to me! I read and understand Contract, and get everything it belongs to me. School is now aware, that they are better off, if they schedule my classes elsewhere, because pay for not working by School's wish is warranted by Contract.

I am required by present Contract to resign for any reason with 3-m RN. OK, but that also means I must receive School's notice about renewing the Contract in April or 3 months before the RP expiration, not 10 days before RP expiration as it's Schools custom in China. Try and find new RP sponsor in 10 days, me being Non-native English....Looking forward to that 'show' in April next year. School just demand 3-m RN, but they aren't aware of 'mirror effect' of that requirement.

In my previous Contract, I sat in my room for 30 days, because School's excuse: 'managers are too busy to assemble your timetable'. OK, but I received full pay for the entire month of not working. At chat with SAFEA, I told Gov. that is School's Contract violation, and I can resign, because party A promised with Contract I will have 60 classes per month with what SAFEA agreed. 

I submitted Resignation notice in the middle of 2nd year's Contract and:

- kept my RP intact;

- received all necessary docs. from the School (with SAFEA's help) for RP transfer to the new employer;

- got some 20k in late pay from the School.

That all was just because I am aware of the Contract meaning, which I also respect 100%. How's my English?

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Shining_brow:

"and she gets all snippy saying that it was in the contract, but honestly she did not mention that."

 

So, there's a 'he said/she said' situation, and you're going to automatically take the side of the FT?

 

Granted, it's probably a sane thing to do - but it's in the contract and that's ALL that needs to be said!

 

As for such expenses normally being paid for by the school.... maybe many years ago, but not now! These days, it's hard even getting airfares reimbursed, let alone having them pay for utilities! Some do, some don't. That's when you ask questions and read the contract !!!

7 years 37 weeks ago
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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
Posts: 5156

Emperor

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A school's integrity should not be questioned if they don't do what they didn't agree to do. Understand?

 

7 years 37 weeks ago
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seansarto:

If you don't know and they do...they are withholding pertinent information...."well we could tell them that but then we either won't get the teacher..or have to pay"

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Englteachted:

Are you an idiot? If the contract does not mention it, nothing else matters. It does not matter if everyone else does. Grow up

7 years 37 weeks ago
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seansarto:

It's ibvious yer with the sketchy crowd...I read yer stuff and see how you lean, bum...if it is a common stipulation for a contract..and it is omitted..than it is ethical to inform the signee and disclose that detail...not hide it. It is unethical which is synonymous with " immature" ...it is the same immaturity as "haha" 

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Shining_brow:

Except - OP states that the school DID mention this, and it IS in the contract...!!!!

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Englteachted:

"This school required that I pay for my medical exam and my work visa. This ran 1300 RMB. This is the first time in 15 years that I had to pay for the visa, and this includes some training schools and businesses. As far as I know this is a public, government college that should take care of everything. I will pick up my passport on Tuesday and told my FAO, and told her I should not have to pay this, and she gets all snippy saying that it was in the contract, but honestly she did not mention that. First I heard about money was her telling me to meet for the medical and bring 500 RMB with me going "Huh, why?""

Good catch Shining. Not only am I riygh, I'm very right.

7 years 37 weeks ago
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seansarto:

Where do you see even any implication in that passage that it was mentioned PRIOR to the contract? The OP clearly states in their 15 YEAR HISTORY it has never happened.  

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Englteachted:

God you're dense. 15 years, not at the same school . They email you a copy of the contract, that is them telling you what is in the contract moron. It is not the school's fault you're illiterate yet working as an English teacher. When you first arrive at the school, you sign the official copy, again they give you the contract, that is them telling you what is in the contract.

Where are you from? Go there and use your dumb excuse in court and see what happens.

7 years 37 weeks ago
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icnif77:

I usually always get Contract to my email box for view and signature. After I go through the Contract, I return edited Contract (my changes/wishes and correction of Contract irregularities) to the School. If School agrees with my corrections, they return edited Contract, which I sign.

School can then apply for new FEC with signed Contract and I supply necessary docs. afterwards.

That's how it works with new Contracts at mine.

I won't travel anywhere, if I don't receive Contract beforehand. My current place asked me to resign first, get Release letter, and then she was willing to show me offered Contract.

It didn't happened that way, because after I would resign RP sponsor, she could offered me any kind of Contract, and I would be forced to sign it or exit China.

I negotiated few things on the Contract, before I ink it, one was 'apartment off the Campus'. At my arrival, I lived some 20 days in small room on Campus with hot water in shower only here and there. If I would see Contract first time at my arrival, I would be forced to live 1-year in that room. I live now in 50m2 apartment of the Campus with all amenities.

7 years 37 weeks ago
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Shining_brow:

"and she gets all snippy saying that it was in the contract, but honestly she did not mention that."

 

Sheez - flogging a dead horse!

 

A school is under NO obligation to presume what you are used to! It is solely the responsibility of the FT to read the contract. Anything said or 'explained' is irrelevant.

7 years 37 weeks ago
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7 years 37 weeks ago
 
Posts: 86

Governor

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I've signed my second contract at a public college. There is nothing about Medical exam and visa renewal fees in the contract. However, I was told to bring cash. After 2 or 3 weeks they gave it back in the envelope ( salary is always transffered to a bank account).  

 

Maybe your college does same thing

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7 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77