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Q: Going to China on a tourist visa and converting it to a work visa
I am a TEFL certified Canadian with a four year degree.
This is what my recrutier in China suggested I do since they need someone quick.
He told me that I just need to take my authenticated degree and criminal record check in order to convert to a working visa inside China.
Does anyone have a similar experience?
Also, if there are any Canadians out there who can suggest agencies that can help with the process of taking documents to the Chinese consulate or embassy in Canada, please provide some guidance. Thanks.
5 years 27 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
"...need someone quick." and "convert to a working visa inside China." are the words that tell us that you will probably run into problems. In western Canada you can go to the Chinese consulate in Calgary to get your Z visa. Why you may have a problem is because the school needs to process the invitation papers for the Z visa. Then when you get here they need to process more paper work to get you the Resident (Work) permit. This means the company might not even have the legal ability to hire a foregn teacher. Get your Z visa while in Canada.
Don't do it!
You'll be required to return to Canada and apply for Z/Working visa in Chinese Embassy there.
You cannot apply for Z visa in China! Your best bet is to get it in Hong Kong, but I read that possibility was taken off the table few months ago, especially for first shot at Z visa.
Agency?
Try ForeverBright in HK:
It can be done Giia way if the job is in Shanghai & MAYBE in Beijing or Guangzhou. Otherwise you’ll need to exit China to get the Z-visa
ScotsAlan:
Yup. But I think it is only for Nobel prize winners and Olympic gold medalists ha ha. But anyway, its only in specific development districts. High tech. I think the GZ one is in Foshan.
Yeah, I think if you are on regular tourist visa you have to leave china first and apply in Canada. As for the chinese embassy thing, it depends on your home province. Im from the east coast and I had to send my documents to an agency in ottawa since Ottawa is the location where all east coast visas are processed. Just google where to send your documents depending on what province youre from and there are agents who can do it for you. Other than that I dont know what else to tell you.And Hotwater is right about only certain cities can do work visas but you still need your documents done although that can be done all by the mail, so no need to leave china for that.
"...need someone quick." and "convert to a working visa inside China." are the words that tell us that you will probably run into problems. In western Canada you can go to the Chinese consulate in Calgary to get your Z visa. Why you may have a problem is because the school needs to process the invitation papers for the Z visa. Then when you get here they need to process more paper work to get you the Resident (Work) permit. This means the company might not even have the legal ability to hire a foregn teacher. Get your Z visa while in Canada.
You need to have the work visa in your passport before you get on the plane to China. Your recruiter is making you promises in order to get his commission from the school which will be half your salary each month. Proceed at your own risk.
I get my z visa in cambodia. I enter cambodia on a business visa. I then extend it for 6 months. Then I can go to the Chinese consulate and apply for visas as I can legally apply for visas in a country i have permission to stay for at least 90 days. It is always nice to have a cambodian girlfriend as she drives me everywhere including crazy at times
Stiggs:
You get a Z visa but come into China on a business visa and extend the business visa?
How do you manage to get two different types of visa and why get a Z visa if you don't convert it to an RP once in China?
