Ask Headmaster Ken

Hello,

While I have found many helpful tips and Q&A's here regarding people presently in China with expired visas or with the "wrong" visas, I am wondering how things might fare for future prospects in the aftermath of such problems.

I taught in a Chinese university before and traveled on a tourist visa afterward. I misunderstood the validity of the visa (foolishly thinking it was OK when many checked it without incident after expiration) and ended up overstaying by four months. After I turned myself into immigration and much trouble, I was "led" out of the mainland into Hong Kong, which was probably the best-case scenario.

My old L-visa had a "cancelled" stamp and they gave me a special "bad" visa with a white bottom and the words "requested to leave within ten days."

But that was years ago and now I want a fresh start in another university. I have been simultaneously offered university posts in Guangzhou and a smaller city in Jiangsu, so am wondering which I should go for. The Guangzhou one is certainly the better post, but if it really is unreachable I don't want to waste valuable time or waste the Jiangsu job.

1. I know GZ has the 3rd or 4th most strict regulations in China, so might past overstay be more of a concern there in applying for another Z-visa?

2. Also, I have a BA, one year of related teaching experience and about one more year of non-teaching related experience (a series of mostly work-at-home government studies that I probably couldn't give full official documentation for if asked.) But the Guangdong regulations say you should have two years of teaching experience. For my case would it be more of an "in principle" thing?

3. Finally, I remember the visa application form asks "Have you ever been deported?" As I was "escorted" on my way out to the airport by guards with a visa that "requested to leave within 10 days," I'm guessing that this is not the same as being officially deported? Semantics are important here, as saying I wasn't if I was or that I was deported when I wasn't could be unhelpful.

Much thanks for any input and sorry for even having to ask (I think) such complicated questions.

The easiest way to determine if you can reenter China and work in the city you desire is to simply apply for the job. If the school can secure you a visa, you will be sent an invitation letter.

You are prequalified by the government before you are issued a Z-visa. If you are able to get a Z-visa, then you have met entry requirements.

Okay, thanks.

Is question #3 uncertain? Under my circumstances, should I answer that I was never deported on the visa application?

You should answer the question truthfully to the best of your knowledge. If you were told you were being deported, report that yes, you were deported.

In the end, it matters not what your recollection is, if the Chinese show you as being deported, then you were deported.

The only way to know if you are allowed entry into China is to apply for entry/employment. There will be an unequivocal yes or no response to your employer. If your employer sends you your visa documents, then you have been cleared for entry.