Clarification about Z-Visa and work permit requirements

Member since 03 November 2018

MichaelJKMember03 November 2018 14:44:55

My name is Michael Kleynhans, and I reside in Gauteng, South Africa.

I want to inquire about working in China and the legal requirements.

I am 32 years old, my highest qualification is a masters degree in human physiology, I work as a senior technical assistant at the University of Pretoria and I have 9 years of experience in research, community projects, teaching, curriculum design, blended learning, and learning management, I’m also a qualified assessor. Although I enjoy the academic and research environment, I feel that the time has come for me to take on new challenges and I am considering taking my experience abroad. I checked my scoring for a Chinese Z-Visa and I score 84 (this includes the 10 points added for the location you will be working in if you move to China).

This is something me and my partner have discussed for a while now and it’s a journey we would like to take together around within the next 4 to 7 months. There is, however, one challenge which I would like to get some advice on.

As it stands I know I will satisfy the requirements to teach abroad or for other types of positions as well, but my partner might have a challenge. She will be 25 by then, but she completed a Higher Certificate in Exercise Science and followed it up with an Advanced certificate, and together equals a 2-year diploma, and she also possesses the same assessor qualification. She has been teaching at a private fitness academy for various courses for 2 years and functioned as an assessor as well. She’s also been actively involved in some of our research groups projects and presented workshops for one of our FET courses at the university’s business unit. Recently she finished a training course at the Steiner Academy and is currently working in the US on a cruise liner for a 7-month contract as a fitness instructor. When she returns in March she plans on completing a TEFL certificate (I already have a TEFL certificate) and applying together for positions. This may happen between April and July 2019. I checked her score for a Z-Visa, based on her work experience, current income and the extra credit working for a fortune 500 company she scores 56 without a 4-year degree (once again this includes the 10 points for location), next year November she will be 26, along with the extra year's experience that will add another 6 points to her score which will make it 62.

I am just concerned that her only a having a 2-year qualification and not a 4-year degree will prevent her from obtaining the required working permit. As a fitness and exercise specialist with 5 years of experience, with teaching experience and multiple years of sales rep experience as well, will she qualify as a foreign expert?

Information regarding this has been very polarising, some saying someone can not work without a degree at all, while others are saying the permit can be obtained when certain conditions are met.

I would appreciate any advice to address this concern and what correct and legal (this is very important to me) avenues can be followed before we start applying for any positions in China and apply for a Z-Visa.

VANNROX China Expert

Member since 12 August 2017

VANNROXChina Expert04 November 2018 04:14:00

632

I would suggest that you come to China as a teacher with a Z-visa. Work at a university, and as part of your negotiations see that your partner could become a student at the university. They could work two years on getting a four year diploma.

The result would be a free education for your GF. Your employment while this is going on, and the promise of her employment and switch to a z-visa upon graduation. Employed, you would have free housing, and subsided food for both of you two.

I would ask. If you do not ask the answer would always be no. Best regards.

MichaelJK Member

Member since 03 November 2018

MichaelJKMember04 November 2018 07:19:43

Thank you so much.

I honestly did not think in that direction, it might actually be an ideal solution as she does intend to study further.

I will definitely start looking into this option.

Kind regards

Denielle Member

Member since 05 November 2018

DenielleMember05 November 2018 18:24:31

Hi ,

My name is Denielle . I've lived in China for 6 years. You should really inquire about this "free education" - because there really isn't any free education in China - unless you have a government funded scholarship - which only God knows how South African citizens get this "scholarship" from our glorious government.

Your partner should definitely convert the diploma into a degree - maybe enrol to do related modules- just to get the entry visa - whilst enrolled one can apply for bursaries / scholarships within the university or institution.

The main thing to think about is the visa . A student requires an x visa . There are 2 types. X1 and x2 visas have different requirements - One is a short term visa for 6 months and the other is extended up to 2 to 3 years ( depends on the institution ).

Don't make the mistake of going on an L- visa (visitor visa) and trying to convert it in China - institutions sometimes give out that advice - which inevitably leads to a whole lot of kak to deal with on that end of the globe.

I've studied in China - trust me all foreign students pay like 5000 times more for everything . Just giving you the honest facts - So that you're not misled to believe otherwise .

China has become more and more stringent about their requirements for visas- especially for saffas.

Does your partner also want to teach ? Parts of Thailand employs without holding a degree.

Kind regards ,
South African Durbanite

VANNROX China Expert

Member since 12 August 2017

VANNROXChina Expert06 November 2018 10:43:35

632

Denielle iis correct, except for one thing...

Most schools permit the families of their employees to have free education at the facility. I know that this was true in all the Universities where I attended school in the States, and at a handful of Chinese universities. Whether or not your spouse can qualify for this benefit is determined by the employment contract that the school will provide. Since this is China, it is very easy to add this requirement into the contract.

If your partner is NOT your spouse, then you will have a difficult time proceeding with this suggestion.