China Work Visa – Dos and Don'ts

China Work Visa Advice – This piece of information is a request from a few site visitors who are planning to work and explore China at the same time. As I am not that well-versed about work visa in other fields, I would just focus on those who are trying to obtain a work visa to teach in China.

Here are some tips to follow to avoid being in trouble when you’re here in China.

1. Know as much details as possible about your employer/school before booking your ticket to China. Surf the web by google-ling your potential employer/school for information.

Read as much reviews or email to those who have been there. Be safe than sorry.

There are many con jobs happening in the education industry in China. Don’t be a victim. Do your due diligence!

2. One of the most important pieces of information - Does your potential employer handle the processing of your Work Visa? Be very specific about this when you are negotiating with them.

Some of them will tell you that it’s easy to do so here. Well, it’s easy when you are the one getting into troubles later on.

Precaution: It must be noted that not all Schools/Colleges in China have the license to hire foreign teachers. They cannot apply for a working permit for you even if they want to.

So, please check whether they have the license or just avoid them like plague (I am just playing it safe for you)

3. Usual Practice of such Schools - Your employer will tell you to leave China for a few days and travel to countries such as Hong Kong, Macao or Vietnam.

Then, you extend your travel visa and come back a few days later to China to teach again. It’s troublesome and illegal!

4. Some schools may tell you to fly to China using an F or L Visa(travel or business visa) and change it to a Z Visa (Work Visa) when you are in China. The government cannot really enforce this law but it is still illegal.

5. Best China Work Visa Tip for Teachers - To avoid any unnecessary problems, just obey Chinese law by obtaining a Z visa before you arrive.

If you are working without working visa, your job's rights will be in jeopardy and you land yourself to more ‘traps’ by your employers who may threaten you at times due to this issue. This is China! Be very careful!

Return from China Work Visa to Beijing China Guide Home Page