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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: Is possible for an ESL teacher to get a Z visa if he or she is 60 years old or older?
I just turned 60 this year and was hoping was looking forward to teaching in China this year only to discover there is now a maximum age limit. I am fit, heathy and have never missed a day of work due to illness that I can remember. On top of that I am a highly qualified and dedicated instructor. In light of how many highly unqualified ESL teachers I've met who are currently teaching overseas, setting an relatively low number for an age limit makes no sense whatsoever. Are there any exceptions and do I have any legal options?
12 years 45 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
Yes you can as long as you have a contract from a company who will employ you
The correct answer is yes and no.
Certain provinces are a definite NO and others will issue until age 75.
Try smaller less developed cities. Every region has different regulations.
NO - Liaoning, Fujian, Henan
YES - Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Harbin
Seriously dharma86 are you really trying to mislead people or are you really that misinformed?
atlantean:
He is correct; there is no regulation regarding maximum age for a Z visa, only an advisory from the SAFEA. It varys by province. I believe you are the one who is confused.
Hi Noonster!
It's a good question, and having done a little research on the net, it seems there is indeed an age limit of 58 years old. In other places I read a 60 year old age limit.
However, it also seems that it all depends on the candidate, and that this age limit may be circumvented if you are in good physical health, have a wealth of teaching experience, etc...
I definitely think schools try to go for younger candidates, however if you have a lot of experience, you could send your resume to adult schools and centers.
From experience living here, it seems pretty much anything can be done. Send your resumes over and give it a try. Some schools may very well be inclined to disregard age in favor of a qualified, healthy teacher.
Good luck!
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It is up to each Province.
55 is the limit in one, 60 in several, 70 in a couple and none in Shanghai and Beijing, unless they want to get rid of you and then there is an age limit and it is just one year younger than you.
If a school likes you and they really want to help, they will find a way to get around the age issue. You will required to have a medical once a year even in proviences that require only one medical. The further you get from the East Coast, the more lax the laws are.
This may be too late to be relelvant but here goes. I also am 60, with very similar qualifications. A friend of mine hired me from UAE where things weren't going so well with the promise of a z visa. When it came time to do the paperwork I was told that new regulations say not .Apparently to do with the ruling that foreign workers must now get health care..... Anyway, here I sit in Hongkong doing yet another visa run, and they are giving less and less time each renewal. Doesn't look good for being her full time. I'm from Canada . Schools are not the ones who issue visas, so I don't think that matters. If you are prepared for the bother and expense of in and out of the country each 3.5 months, it is worth a look see, but I wouldn't sell up just yet.
It is possable,there as been teachers were i work over 60 Aston English which is a very big school,you may need to get your own medical cover,but i think the school will pay you back about 1500 rmb if you finish your cotract
Yes, you can still get work, the biggest issue is the insurance. The premiums are much more expensive then for thoseunder 60 and most employers don't won't the pay the extra, so you get all sorts of excuses. Techezee is right, it all about whether your employer likes you or not and wants to go the extra yards for you.
provincial universities in shandong , work visas up to 70 for teachers i know here. in major cities harder to get.
It's a horrible hierarchy they have here when choosing a foreign teacher. Ageism and race issues determine the way they pick teachers. Don't let this affect you though personally.
Of course you can get a Z-Visa up until your 70, I know someone here at a university and she's 58. However, for China to place their 皮蛋 on a man with a declining ticker and lungs which will struggle with some second hand Chonghwa cigs then I think you'll find that 95% of the time they'll say no. Nothing against you dude, just natural decline.
You say you're a highly qualified instructor - unless you're suited and booted to your neck in at least a high school/university certification to teach in your country then you'll find it difficult. Good luck nonetheless.
I know some schools have an age limit. Some may not but some do. If a school is willing to accept you then you could get one. The head masters at most of these schools are probably around your age so you have an advantage there. if you can't get one for teaching you might want to look into getting a higher position. Teaching is not the highest position you can try and look for a position where you train other teachers or are responsible for writing the curriculum.
I am 61 years old. I have similar problem like ours. In some provinces it is 60 year old limit. Other provinces it is 65.
I heard the reason why the Chinese government lowered the age limit is that there are far too many foreign English teachers (Credential & non Credential License) in China. Anybody can be an English teacher as long as he is white. How many of the foreign teachers in China are Credential or Certified License teachers?
Exception to the 60 age limit is if the teacher is healthy & is a Certified license teacher
I am US Credential License Single Subject teacher in several academic subjects. I am teaching at an international high school.