Ask Headmaster Ken

Hello,

Looking for pointers on how to manage the visa status during transition. From the articles here, I gather that the school cannot hire foreign teachers for a year or two after opening formally. I have also read somewhere, that the school cannot hire its own owners as teachers (not sure how accurate this is). So, from the time one leaves a university position, till the time the new school can somehow employ the foreigner legally, what are the best types of visa to get? Are there any problems or things to look out for?

Thanks,

Sridhar

This is a problem that needs careful negotiation. You need to form an alliance with a public entity, (school, Labor dept., Women and Children's Ministry) etc. during the time you are waiting on a SAFEA license.

Never ally with a potential competitor - any private language training school.

Your ally will need to issue every employee's visa. A school can most certainly hire it's foreign management.

You need to be allied with an agency that can provide a Z visa and FRP.

Understand, there is no guarantee that you will be granted a SAFEA License after a year or two. I've seen schools denied five years running. Licenses can be a scarce commodity. You need to be able to make a case to the Province officials why your school deserves a licence.

That is where your strong, business experienced, well connected Chinese partner will be very much needed as an advocate for your school.

I've seen some schools try to skirt this process. They tend to fail. They are too exposed, legally, to defend themselves from the myriad legal challenges that suddenly, and inevitably, appear when they open or are about to open.

Your Chinese partner should be able to advise you on the ins and outs of the local situation. You should have a business plan and five year pro forma financials already completed. Finally, you should give consideration to hiring an expert to check out your plan if you or your team don't have experience n this field. You could save yourself a lot of money and heartache.

I wish you success.

Hello Ken,

Thanks for your reply. I am finding that I know how to teach and manage but am quite ignorant about the regulations. Time to learn!!

Thanks again,
Sridhar

Hi Ken,

Can you clarify further. What does "ally" mean? Is it some kind of a program started between the new school and a university? Or does it simply mean I work in a university, get a Z visa from them and run a school with the university's knowledge?

Perhaps, I can explain my situation. I now work in a University that has SAFEA, so they give me a Z-visa. At this point they don't know that I am starting my own school. I have a good relationship with them. So, if I tell them that I am also starting my own school, I don't see them as having a problem. Is that all that is required or do I have to fill out some government form that gives us permission to be allies? Not sure if my question clear.

I have been told that you are very busy, so I really do appreciate your time.
Sridhar