Ask Headmaster Ken

Question: I have tried to find this situation in the articles and Guide, but I was unsuccessful.

I have a one year contract, but my work/residency permit is only for one year... it expires in two weeks. I think my school plans on renewing it, but is a six-month visa for a one-year contract a breach of contract? Can I leave this school since I don't have the one year permit and go to another school before the last two weeks is up?

Unless your SAFEA contract addendum clearly states that you will receive a one-year residency permit, the school is not in breach of contract.

Many private and public schools, including universities, are now issuing less than 12-month residency permits at a time because the cost is considerably cheaper. The PSB charges one set price for any duration of less than 12 months and then more than double the amount for a 12-month residence permit.

While it is possible for a school to request and pay for a 13-month residence permit, the residence permit typically expires the same month the contract does.

Because of the significant price differential that Ken mentioned above, the foreign affairs office at Jinan University in Guangzhou provides 11-month residency permits only for all their foreign faculty, teachers, and students.

What if I leave the province and get a job elsewhere in China before the permit expires? And what if I am blacklisted by this employer? What are the consequences?

Should you leave your school by breaching your contract you will face some issues.

First, your new employer will ask to see your Letter of Release/Recommendation from your previous employer? What will you present?

Second, the national database will show you are currently under contract to another employer. How will you explain that?

If you want to do things legally, find another employer and have them coordinate with your new employer to transfer your FRP.


Your employer can extend your FRP to fill any gaps between your contract end date and your FRP end date.

It is not unusual to have differing dates between the contract and the FRP. Your school just needs to ensure your FRP covers all of your contract period.


If you would like to discuss this further, please provide the effective dates of your contract and your FRP as your post does not make your situation entirely clear.