Ask Headmaster Ken

Hi there,

I need some info on the procedure for signing a new contract when in China and the time needed for the same.

I've just finished my contract with my present school. I am considering signing a new contract with the city college, which means I'll be staying in the same city.Can anyone please tell me the formalities or procedures needed to be accomplished by the college in order to extend my Residence permit (Z-visa). I have got about 15 days left before my permit expires, so I am concerned as to how long should I wait for them to be done with the procedures (or at least start the process) before I run out of time and have to return back to my country and do it all over again.

Also how long does it normally take for extension of the Z-visa? And how different is it from getting a new Z-visa for the first time?

And does my employee have to submit both the SAFEA contract and the contract addendum to the Foreign Expert Bureau to begin the process? Because I've heard that they can just submit the contract and the addendum isn't mandatory as it is prepared by the school (here I mean college) authorities. At present there is a delay in the application because the college officials are not yet ready with the addendum and they need some more time.

So how long can I wait before I should call it quits and go back for the summer? Is it possible for me to apply something like a week before the residency permit deadline and let the visa be in process? Would I be then overstaying my visa or not?

P.S. Please excuse me for the extensive text. I just want to make myself clear.

You should have little problem extending your FRP (Foreign Residence Permit); especially if you are staying within the same city.

You will need to have the FAO of your old school and new school coordinate with each other. Your new school should contact your old school for any documents they need, usually, but not always required are:

1. A copy of your medical exam results
2. Letter of Release
3. Letter of Recommendation
4. Copy of some pages of your Foreign Experts Certificate

You will need to provide your passport to the new school. The entire process takes less than a week usually.

You DO NOT have to leave China.

DO NOT accept, "We are working on it". Ask when you will receive a white receipt from the PSB. This shows your documents have really been submitted and stops the clock on your expiration. Be diligent and follow up, your time is short.