Ask Headmaster Ken

Hi Ken,

I was interested to read your response to the question of whether a signed contract is required for a Z-visa. I am in a similar situation. A school has offered me a position and wants me to sign a faxed (rather than emailed) copy of the contract before they start the process for the Z visa. I understand that they need assurance that I will show up before they go through the trouble and expense in processing my paperwork. However, I am slightly concerned that if I were to sign a faxed contract prior to arrival in China (without having seen the school/accommodation etc) it might make it difficult for me should I arrive and encounter a problem.

Please could you let me know if a signed faxed contract has the same status as a scanned emailed contract.

Thank you for your help.

Let me first state that I am not a lawyer so please consider this practical, rather than legal advice.

Understand that Chinese believe that foreigners are more likely to follow through on a course of action if they sign a contract. It really doesn't matter what form of contract, (faxed, emailed, etc.) if it is signed prior to arrival.

The purpose of signing is to ensure you will arrive. It has no purpose after you arrive. You almost certainly will be presented with a new contract after you arrive.

The problems you speak of potentially encountering are neither better nor worsened by having signed a contract. You will be in China on THEIR 30 day visa, it is not transferable to another employer.

So, if you don't like the deal, you'll need to leave China. Contract or no contract, the outcome is essentially the same. If you believe the school has grossly and materially misrepresented the situation, to the point of outright fraud, then that's when you resort to the return ticket option.

The time to negotiate and clarify expectations is before you sign the new contract presented after your arrival.

Remember to do your due diligence and either call or e-mail a current, and, preferably, also a former foreign teacher at the school. This simple precaution can save you a world of grief.

Dear Ken,

Many thanks for taking the time to respond to my question, your reply was very helpful.