Ask Headmaster Ken

Dear Headmaster Ken,

I have been issued a Z-visa and Residence Permit for one year.

Can I leave the school where I am teaching and establish myself as an independent English language consultant? Can I hand out business cards and brochures stating I am an independent English language consultant?

How easy would it be to have the Z-visa extended for the second year? I am 65-years-old.

Thanks,

Mir

A Z visa is only good for thirty days and is only for the purpose of getting your FRP (Foreign Residence Permit) which is what allows you to live and work, as well as enter and exit China at will. You can only get an FRP from the agency that sponsored your Z visa. Your invitation letter has red numbers which match to other part of the perforated document your school holds that prove you are sponsored by them.

You must be sponsored by an agency that is SAFEA licensed to hire foreigners. It is through this agency you are allowed to live and work in China. When you sever this relationship, by leaving this company, you will have your visa changed to a 30 day tourist visa.

As long as you are sponsored by them, they are liable for your misfortunes such as accidents, legal entanglements, etc. Needless to say, your school will not desire to carry this responsibility for someone who no longer works for them. So, when you announce your departure, they will want, and are in fact required, to have your visa changed to a tourist visa.

The visa system in China is similar to that in most countries, it does not contemplate people coming over under employer sponsorship, then dropping the sponsorship and becoming independent operators.

Cheers.

Hello HM Ken

My employer ended my employment contract. He said a headmaster that we taught "had concerns about my teaching". I think it was largely to do with a conflict I had with a teaching assistant, but I have to move on.

The employer agreed to keep my visa open for two months and gave me a letter of release. It is proving difficult to find another full-time job in the same city, but I understand the visa remains valid until it is cancelled or expires.

I'm looking at getting married to my local girlfriend who tells me if I do so I won't need a work visa, and I can still do part time work.

I guess your advice to me would be that if I want to stay in China I had better find a new full-time contract as soon as possible?

If you intend to earn income from teaching, then I do suggest you find full time employment at a SAFEA licensed school that can legally hire you.

Your girlfriend, although doubtlessly well intentioned, is not seeing the full picture.

Working "part time," i.e., illegally, is not a career path in China. Sooner or later you will take someone's student and you'll be reported for working without a work visa: a spousal visa does not entitle you to work.

The worst case scenario is you get deported and your new bride cannot accompany you back to your home country.

There can be serious consequences beyond the monetary fines.

If you are going to marry someone, then you'll be wise to choose a path that protects, rather than jeopardizes, that relationship.

Cheers.