Ask Headmaster Ken

Hi there.

My girlfriend and I have been offered a job in a Nanchong high school. The man at the school wants to get the ball rolling to get us our Z visa, which is good in principle I think. However, he has e-mailed us a contract, and would like us to sign that. On this website, we are advised that only serial numbered original SAFEA contracts (often accompanied by an addendum specific to the school and job) are acceptable.

I am worried that if we sign something, scan it and send it back, and it is not original, our rights may be affected later on. I have offered to pay for postage of the original SAFEA contract in UK.

Should I insist on this? Or is it ok to be more flexible and sign an e-mailed contract to move things along?

Thanks in advance!

Ally.

Hi Ally,

The school does not need any form of contract to process the Z-visa paperwork. The school supplies an original and translated CV/resume, copies of passport, any relevant diplomas and certificates, and the application is submitted. The school is asking that you sign the addendum as some sort of assurance that you will show up before they go through the trouble and expense in processing your paperwork.

When you receive the letter of invitation and work certificate, check the documents carefully to verify that the school you will be working for is the actual sponsor. That is your best guarantee that everything will be fine once you arrive.

Best of luck,

Ken

Dear Ken,

Thanks for your advice. I had already e-mailed the school's foreign director, respectfully requesting that we be sent an official SEFEA contract! I have since e-mailed him apologising and asking him to send the e-mailed scan, and that we'll sign it.

One of the worrying things about all this is you want to trust the person and for it to be friendly, but you don't want to leave yourself open for exploitation, but then don't want to insult them by making demands! It's good to know that the best indication of trustworthiness is the successful delivery of a legitimate foreign experts certificate and letter of invitation that match up.

Thanks again,

Ally.