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Q: steps in the visa process
Can some kind soul list all the steps, everything in getting a visa for working in china
9 years 3 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
I have an abreviated version on my home laptop. The full version is on my work PC.
Here is the quick version:
Step 1: Submit and apply for approval
Step 2: Medical Exam and get the result
Step 3: Apply for the Alien Employment License
Step 4: Apply for the Invitation Letter
Step 5: Apply for Employment visa (Z visa) to enter into China (home country)
Step 6: Apply for <Registration form of Temporary Residence for Visitors> with Z visa (China, local police).
Step 7: Apply for Alien Employment Permit within 15 days after entering China with Z visa( labour department-China)
Step 8: Apply for Alien Residence Permit (within 30 days after entering China with Z visa)--Need interview PSB China.
Step 3 is where you need to show why you are qualified. The toughest one.
ScotsAlan:
I should add, step one was to submit an application to an agent. At the time the company I worked for did not have a license to employ foreigners, but the company applied for the license at the same time as I was doing my Z visa. I got my Z visa first, so I'm not actually sure who I work for, the company or the agent.
But hey ho, I got a three year RP, which is due up in May. I probably only got a 3 year RP because maybe the agent took a commission on my wage, so me getting a three year RP was in their interest.
it is a pity the Search function is no longer working on this site 
My employer sent me 3 documents in my home country to be presented to the Chinese embassy when applying for the Z Visa:
Invitation letter
Confirmation Letter of Invitation
Working Permit
I gave these 3 into the embassy along with my passport, China address and flight details (and the appropriate fee).
a few days later, the 'Z' was in my passport
I brought these 3 documents with me as they are needed in China
on arrival in China, I got a Heath Check and a red book from the hospital.
this Health book, my passport and documents (noted above) were dropped by my employer into the local PSB who issued the RP and FEC
icnif77:
'SAFEA issues WP &FEC', not PSB.
PSB has to 'work' on RP, only. Search is broken, you're saying?
I have an abreviated version on my home laptop. The full version is on my work PC.
Here is the quick version:
Step 1: Submit and apply for approval
Step 2: Medical Exam and get the result
Step 3: Apply for the Alien Employment License
Step 4: Apply for the Invitation Letter
Step 5: Apply for Employment visa (Z visa) to enter into China (home country)
Step 6: Apply for <Registration form of Temporary Residence for Visitors> with Z visa (China, local police).
Step 7: Apply for Alien Employment Permit within 15 days after entering China with Z visa( labour department-China)
Step 8: Apply for Alien Residence Permit (within 30 days after entering China with Z visa)--Need interview PSB China.
Step 3 is where you need to show why you are qualified. The toughest one.
ScotsAlan:
I should add, step one was to submit an application to an agent. At the time the company I worked for did not have a license to employ foreigners, but the company applied for the license at the same time as I was doing my Z visa. I got my Z visa first, so I'm not actually sure who I work for, the company or the agent.
But hey ho, I got a three year RP, which is due up in May. I probably only got a 3 year RP because maybe the agent took a commission on my wage, so me getting a three year RP was in their interest.
My 'swanky'
Yahoo-gle:
http://www.visarite.com/China_work_visa.htm
and 7 brazzilion other links on 'Chinese Z visa requirements&how to apply'. Pay attn. to no. 2:
'If form isn't filled (right) and printed online, you'll be rejected. Hand written remarks on the form aren't allowed/accepted!'
That's new requirement from late 2014.
IF the company is able to provide you with a work visa, then the company's HR should be able to take care of all the paperwork or guide you on the process. The fact that you're asking how to do all this yourself tells me your company isn't qualified to get you a work visa.
icnif77:
Can't do Z/WP yourself!
Chinese Co., authorized for foreign hire must apply for WP and Invitation letter at SAFEA (Foreign Expert Bureau).
This 2 docs. must be submitted in original at Chinese Embassy (HK or home country) with online filled Z application form, passport, photo....
The biggest PIA is application form, because 'filled&printed online'. Many people get rejected just because of mistakes on the form. Must go back to the computer with printer, and correct mistakes, then back in cue.
hi2u:
Ya, I've made the mistake of filling in the application form by hand. Had to go back home to print it out.
Also is SAFEA only for applying for English teaching jobs?
icnif77:
English name of SAFEA is 'Foreign Expert Bureau', so I guess it's Gov. for all foreigners. I've never looked into any other parts of SAFEA's web link, but 'contact us'.
Last May, I filled application with pen, while standing in the cue of some 150 applicants in HK.
Lucky you, 'cause you have home printer. 'My' printer is in 'public library'.
In Dec. last year, I applied in my home city. I filled online application OK, but I glued my photo on the L side, instead on R. I was at the Embassy on Dec. 30th. Was sent away, and ''return with new form and proper 'glue spot' after NY holidays''.
Chinese clerk rejected 8 of 10 people standing in the cue. Visa form is PIA.
Just to add, if you are already in China go ahead and get an invitation letter address to the Hong Kong gov and get your Z visa there, we do that in Shenzhen for new teachers still.
icnif77:
I guess, grant on HK pick-up is Provincial SAFEA's decision. It wasn't problem in Fujian in April last year to get Invitation letter with HK pick-up. In Henan, School told me in I must fly home, HK wasn't an option (Sep, 2014).
I just went through the process and got my Z visa, flying out next week.
Company has to apply for FEC and work permit on your behalf. They send invitation letter and work permit to you. This is used by you for visa application in your home country, nothing else, just the two documents and application form.
Of course to get a FEC, then work permit, you have to jump through unimaginable hoops, in my case lots of references to prove experience, general knowledge and aptitude on-line test, full medical, etc.
