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Q: Do I need to leave China to change my family reunion residency permit to work permit?
Hi, Does anybody know if i need to leave china to apply for a z visa even if i already hold a family reunion residency permit here in China? My prospective employer will provide all normal documents for z visa. If so, can i apply in South Korea? I am an Australian citizen
9 years 11 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
You can't apply for Z visa in China. The closest city for Z is Chinese Embassy in HK, but most likely you'll be required to apply in Ozz.
Co./School in China must apply for Working permit and Invitation letter at SAFEA (Foreign Expert Bureau).
On the Invitation letter must be stated, where do you want to pick-up Z, i.e. HK or Korea, and that must be approved by SAFEA.
You'll need both original documents, when you'll apply for Z in Chinese Embassy.
You can't apply for Z visa in China. The closest city for Z is Chinese Embassy in HK, but most likely you'll be required to apply in Ozz.
Co./School in China must apply for Working permit and Invitation letter at SAFEA (Foreign Expert Bureau).
On the Invitation letter must be stated, where do you want to pick-up Z, i.e. HK or Korea, and that must be approved by SAFEA.
You'll need both original documents, when you'll apply for Z in Chinese Embassy.
icnif77 is correct. You have to return to your home country now to apply for a work visa. I work in HR and have to deal with visa applications on a regular basis.
icnif77:
'Return to your home country or no' depends on the city/Province employer applies for WP. In May 2014, I got HK pick-up in Fujian, and in Dec. same year in Henan, I had to return home.
ironman510:
In Shenzhen we address a letter to Hong Kong Gov and send them there to get the Z visa. Still works with the correct letter addressed correctly.
icnif77:
@iron: I'm not entirely sure, who decides on Z pick-up spot. I'm guessing, your school probably has good connections at SAFEA.
Both of my recent employers wanted HK pick-up. I told both sponsors, I fancy HK, because it's faster and cheaper than EU. I'm sure, both schools wrote HK as Z pick-up on Invitation letter. Henan school was even responsible for Z traveling cost, but I had to return to EU.
Makes you feel really welcome don't it?
I'd like to change my visa to work legally so I can support my family.....
Back home for you Jonny Laowai!
Why is everything such a ball-aching uphill struggle?
Thank you everybody. Here's hoping my school has a good relationship with SAFEA!
If you go to "Chinese-forums", they have a sticky thread under "visas" all about applying for a z visa in Hong Kong. Some posts go into great detail.
Yeah, its probably against this forum rule to point people to another site in an answer, but all the info you need is there 
