Ask Headmaster Ken

Hi Ken,

I want to apply for a deferment of my student loans in the U.S. while I'm teaching in China, but I need to get proof of what my salary will be as this will qualify me for the hardship deferment. With that said, is it okay if I request a scanned copy of the contract addendum signed by me and the university? If it is okay, should I explain to my contact at the university that I need a copy of the signed contract addendum as proof of employment and salary to apply for a loan deferment, or should I be somewhat guarded about announcing I have student loans back home?

If it isn't okay to request a scanned copy of the signed contract addendum from the university, are you aware of other documents that can establish proof of employment and salary, which I can provide with a loan deferment application?

Notes: I currently hold a Z-visa with the school I will be teaching with. I also have a copy of the yellow work certification provided by SAFEA, and I have the copy of the contract signed by me, but not by the university.

Thank you very much, Ken!

Sincerely,
Eric

You cannot depend upon FAOs at your new employer to be of much, if any, assistance in this matter.

I suggest you approach the matter in two steps:

1. First, request a loan deferment, in which you notify your lender that you have accepted employment abroad and state your employer name and provide their contact information. Attach the documentation that you have on hand. State that you will provide copy of signed contract with school seal after your arrival.

2. After you have the final documents in hand, scan and send them to your lender.

Unless there is a good reason not to do so, I think it would be easier to do all of this after your arrival. Things can change between agreeing to employment and actually commencing work.

Finally, the MOST IMPORTANT thing is that you send your documents via Certified Return Receipt mail or, have proof of delivery and keep copies of everything.

Eric,

One thing I would suggest and have always done in the past was to request a scanned copy of the signature page with the university's signature and official stamp before applying for my Z-visa for I always thought and believed that the Z-visa would guarantee a job once I arrive in China.

rswagner wrote:Eric,

One thing I would suggest and have always done in the past was to request a scanned copy of the signature page with the university's signature and official stamp before applying for my Z-visa for I always thought and believed that the Z-visa would guarantee a job once I arrive in China.

Hi Rswagner,

I was thinking about requesting a scanned copy of the contract addendum just to prove what my salary will be so that I can request a loan deferment, but I have been a bit hesitant to request the scanned copy from the FAO as I don't know how she will react knowing I have student debt at home. That is my major concern.

Thanks for your input!