Chinese Working Visa (Z-Visa)
SAFEA | Public Security Bureau | Residence Permit Procedure and Application | Consulate Locations
ChinaVisaService.org | Apply Now
If you are seeking to obtain your own visa, you should calculate the processing fees and costs of travel to your local Chinese consulate. There is no mail service to the Chinese consulate and all require the physical presence of someone to present your application documents. In many cases it would be much cheaper to have a qualified visa processing company process your visa for you. These companies charge fees, but often you'll find the fees are much less expensive then the cost of traveling to your consular district and processing them yourself. www.ChinaVisaService.org is a very good web page for finding detailed information abouthow to obtain your Chinese Visa, they even have visa processing, group and rush service available..
I. YOUR REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
1. Passport and Scan of Passport (Valid for six months beyond expected return)
2. 2 Visa Size Photos
3. 2 Letters of Reference
4. Resume
5. Copy of University Diploma, College Transcripts (And/or) TEFL License or Certification
6. Physical Examination Form (Form Q2)
7. Aids Test Results (For Multi-Year Candidates)
8. Signed Contract with Legally Qualified School or Company
9. Visa Application Form (Form Q1)
II. SCHOOL / COMPANY INVITATION APPLICATION PROCESS
School must process your documents with the authorized Chinese unit.
1. Applies to SAFEA for Invitation Letter.
2. Applies to the Local Government/ Labor Ministry for Invitation Letter.
3. School / Company Mails Original Invitation Letters to you
III. Z-VISA APPLICATION PROCESSED AND APPROVED
Visa Application is presented at the Chinese Consulate for Processing.
1. Invitation Letters Received.
2. All required Documentation brought to Chinese Consulate for Processing.
3. Pickup of Z-Visa
4. Register with your Embassy as a citizen abroad.
IV. ARRIVE IN CHINA
Present your travel documents (passport, Entry Form, Customs Declaration) to the Customs Agent.
V. ARRIVE AT SCHOOL / BUSINESS LOCATION
Your employer must register you at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 48 hours of your arrival at your working location.
VI. SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICAL EVALUATION
In most cases you will have to partake in a non-invasive medical evaluation within a month after arriving at your location of employment. Since 2003 and as the result of SARS, your employer will take you to the hospital where you will likely wait in line for several hours before having your temperature taken and perhaps some blood drawn with an X-ray for good measure. This is usually required to proceed on to the next step.
VII. OBTAIN RESIDENCE PERMIT (YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL)
Your school / company will do this for you. It involves the use of your original passport at the local public security bureau and at the provincial SAFEA (State Administration of Foreign Experts) department. Once the bureaucratic process has been confirmed and satisfied you will be issued a Residence Permit Sticker in your Passport.
See these other useful topics for working and teaching in China.
Invitation Letters: SAFEA, Public Security Bureau
