Z Class China Visas experiences through Chinese embassy in Ireland

simonsez

Hi ,

I was wondering what experiences folk have have had with obtaining a Z visa for China. Has anyone gone through the process with the Chinese Embassy in Ireland.

SS:)

Brokentime

simonsez wrote: »

Hi ,

I was wondering what experiences folk have have had with obtaining a Z visa for China. Has anyone gone through the process with the Chinese Embassy in Ireland.

SS:)

When I was moving from Seoul to Shanghai, I just used an agency in Seoul. It was quick and painless. Can't imagine it's any different in Dublin.

simonsez

Brokentime wrote: »

When I was moving from Seoul to Shanghai, I just used an agency in Seoul. It was quick and painless. Can't imagine it's any different in Dublin.

Thanks but I would like to know what experience folk have had going through the Chinese embassy in Dublin.

SS:)

FCUM

simonsez wrote: »

Thanks but I would like to know what experience folk have had going through the Chinese embassy in Dublin.

SS:)

hi mate i replied in the other thread. i shall let you know when i do mine. it seems like a fairly straightforward process. just a hassle having to bring it and then going back for it, no postal applications. takes 5 working days but can get it done quicker too if youre in a rush

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

hi mate i replied in the other thread. i shall let you know when i do mine. it seems like a fairly straightforward process. just a hassle having to bring it and then going back for it, no postal applications. takes 5 working days but can get it done quicker too if youre in a rush

Cheers. Please let me know how you get on. I'm waiting for my invitation letter. I did live and work there before.

Like you I also have a British passport and have been residing since being a kid.

Previously, it was possible to initially go on a L visa and then fly to China before you started working and obtain a Z visa which then following a medical allowed you to get a residence permit.

I am hoping to go on a Z visa applying through the Chinese embassy in Dublin. I am assuming you are doing likewise?
Will you, following your invitation letter from your prospective employee be going for a medical before going to China?

What documentation are you supplying with your application?

How long does it normally take to get an invitation letter?
I did my interview at the end of May and got my contract in June.
ss

FCUM

i'm gonna apply via the embassy yeah. just need a bill or something to show proof of residence.

i already had my medical form filled in by my gp. my school asked for me to get it done.

it tells you what you need on the website i think but its passport, application form with passport photo attached, invitation and work permit i think. with something showing proof of residence as well.

as for how long the invitation letters take, how long is a piece of string haha. mine seems to be taking a long time and it seems to be the experience of a lot of other people waiting for them. china can be slow for such things apparently.

what work are you doing out there? make sure you keep asking about your employer about your invitation letter. dont just assume everything is happening.

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

i'm gonna apply via the embassy yeah. just need a bill or something to show proof of residence.

i already had my medical form filled in by my gp. my school asked for me to get it done.

it tells you what you need on the website i think but its passport, application form with passport photo attached, invitation and work permit i think. with something showing proof of residence as well.

as for how long the invitation letters take, how long is a piece of string haha. mine seems to be taking a long time and it seems to be the experience of a lot of other people waiting for them. china can be slow for such things apparently.

what work are you doing out there? make sure you keep asking about your employer about your invitation letter. dont just assume everything is happening.

As we used to say ,TIC (this is China)when things went in another direction then expected or planned. There is a flow that ya have to go with .

I think its a case of the unknown. Its the limbo waiting around. I have all my documentation ready. There is no such things as explaining the process because generally there is no answer.

Work? Teaching English. Nice one on the gp and the proof of residence . Are you supplying references with visa application?

FCUM

simonsez wrote: »

As we used to say ,TIC (this is China)when things went in another direction then expected or planned. There is a flow that ya have to go with .

I think its a case of the unknown. Its the limbo waiting around. I have all my documentation ready. There is no such things as explaining the process because generally there is no answer.

Work? Teaching English. Nice one on the gp and the proof of residence . Are you supplying references with visa application?

yeah have come to realise this ha

ah right where you off?

i'm not not, don't think they are required as far as i know. think i'm gonna ring the embassy once i know when i'm going to double check what i need. fingers crossed i'll be going soon

Brokentime

FCUM wrote: »

yeah have come to realise this ha

ah right where you off?

i'm not not, don't think they are required as far as i know. think i'm gonna ring the embassy once i know when i'm going to double check what i need. fingers crossed i'll be going soon

Most of what you need seems to be online.

http://ie.china-embassy.org/eng/Consular/AboutVisa/t112836.htm

I really can't imagine you'll have any problem; if even a fraction of the officiousness and love of bureaucracy that exists in China today has seeped into the embassy in Dublin, then you'll be fine. Over here in China, it's a cut and dried situation - if you have the documents you need, you get the visa. No shades of grey.

When are you coming over here, and to where, for what? (sorry for the questions)

simonsez

Brokentime wrote: »

Most of what you need seems to be online.

http://ie.china-embassy.org/eng/Consular/AboutVisa/t112836.htm

I really can't imagine you'll have any problem; if even a fraction of the officiousness and love of bureaucracy that exists in China today has seeped into the embassy in Dublin, then you'll be fine. Over here in China, it's a cut and dried situation - if you have the documents you need, you get the visa. No shades of grey.

When are you coming over here, and to where, for what? (sorry for the questions)

Thanks for the link. However my issue is not with what is required as I have previously prepared my documents, medical, etc etc.

My issue is what is a reasonable amount of time to expect a letter of invitation ?

Previously, I went to China on the Land then got my Z visa processed in Hong Kong.

This time I'm applying through the Embassy in Dublin. They should issue a z visa. I go to China. I do a medical over there. If I don't have any communicable diseases I get my residential stamp.

Has anyone gone through this process through the Embassy in Dublin? Or have folk done the L flew to HK and got the Z?

PS Zhejiang, Supposed to be September and teaching to answer the questions.

pps Where you? What do you do? how long have you been there?

Brokentime

simonsez wrote: »

My issue is what is a reasonable amount of time to expect a letter of invitation ?

I'm pretty sure they are able to process that letter and chop (stamp) it in Dublin, so maybe 3 weeks maximum for the process, I'd say.

simonsez wrote: »

Has anyone gone through this process through the Embassy in Dublin? Or have folk done the L flew to HK and got the Z?

As I think I mentioned before, I applied for the tourist visa when I Seoul in Korea, and got it after 3 days, at which point I went to China and converted it to a Z. I've also done the HK hop. Seems like nobody has done this process before, though, so I guess you're a guinea pig for us all. But realistically, can't take that long. You could always contact the embassy and ask them, I suppose.

simonsez wrote: »

PS Zhejiang, Supposed to be September and teaching to answer the questions. Where you? What do you do? how long have you been there?

I'm in Shanghai, been here over 2 years, and work as a lecturer (economics and English) in a University. What kind of school you going to?

simonsez

Brokentime wrote: »

I'm pretty sure they are able to process that letter and chop (stamp) it in Dublin, so maybe 3 weeks maximum for the process, I'd say.



As I think I mentioned before, I applied for the tourist visa when I Seoul in Korea, and got it after 3 days, at which point I went to China and converted it to a Z. I've also done the HK hop. Seems like nobody has done this process before, though, so I guess you're a guinea pig for us all. But realistically, can't take that long. You could always contact the embassy and ask them, I suppose.



I'm in Shanghai, been here over 2 years, and work as a lecturer (economics and English) in a University. What kind of school you going to?

Cheers

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

i'm gonna apply via the embassy yeah. just need a bill or something to show proof of residence.

i already had my medical form filled in by my gp. my school asked for me to get it done.

it tells you what you need on the website i think but its passport, application form with passport photo attached, invitation and work permit i think. with something showing proof of residence as well.

as for how long the invitation letters take, how long is a piece of string haha. mine seems to be taking a long time and it seems to be the experience of a lot of other people waiting for them. china can be slow for such things apparently.

what work are you doing out there? make sure you keep asking about your employer about your invitation letter. dont just assume everything is happening.

Ok FCUM just to keep ya posted. Contacted the recruitment agent. They were waiting for documents from all the teachers that will starting this Autumn. They just got them on Friday. They will be sending them in on Monday. It usually takes a week and then all going well they will send an invitation letter by courier to my home address. However they do not risk getting on the wrong side of SAFEA so if they had any issues or felt that they would not be able to process my application they would have said so.

Thats all for now will keep ya posted as it happens

SS:)

FCUM

Brokentime wrote: »

Most of what you need seems to be online.

http://ie.china-embassy.org/eng/Consular/AboutVisa/t112836.htm

I really can't imagine you'll have any problem; if even a fraction of the officiousness and love of bureaucracy that exists in China today has seeped into the embassy in Dublin, then you'll be fine. Over here in China, it's a cut and dried situation - if you have the documents you need, you get the visa. No shades of grey.

When are you coming over here, and to where, for what? (sorry for the questions)

yep, I was just worried about what I need due to having a British passport. Dont think it will be a problem though.

Still waiting for my invitation letter though which is getting stressful. The school is being quite slow and unresponsive at present. Getting a bit anxious as I fly out on the 9th of August.

I will be teaching in a school in Suzhou btw (well hopefully anyway!)

I know I can go on a tourist visa if things go wrong but does anyone know if you have to show a return flight for this application. I've only booked a one way so this could mess me up.

FCUM

simonsez wrote: »

Ok FCUM just to keep ya posted. Contacted the recruitment agent. They were waiting for documents from all the teachers that will starting this Autumn. They just got them on Friday. They will be sending them in on Monday. It usually takes a week and then all going well they will send an invitation letter by courier to my home address. However they do not risk getting on the wrong side of SAFEA so if they had any issues or felt that they would not be able to process my application they would have said so.

Thats all for now will keep ya posted as it happens

SS:)

Cheers pal, I'll let you know when I do mine. Still waiting for my invitation letter to be sent, unsure as to what is the hold up. I'm thinking of doing the rush service for the visa once I get the letter. Stay over in Dublin (they cant do it in one day). Will save the hassle of going twice.

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

yep, I was just worried about what I need due to having a British passport. Dont think it will be a problem though.

Still waiting for my invitation letter though which is getting stressful. The school is being quite slow and unresponsive at present. Getting a bit anxious as I fly out on the 9th of August.

I will be teaching in a school in Suzhou btw (well hopefully anyway!)

I know I can go on a tourist visa if things go wrong but does anyone know if you have to show a return flight for this application. I've only booked a one way so this could mess me up.

When applying for my tourist visa I needed a return ticket and accommodation itinerary. Thats just my experience

FCUM

simonsez wrote: »

When applying for my tourist visa I needed a return ticket and accommodation itinerary. Thats just my experience

bollocks

thanks for the info

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

bollocks

thanks for the info

you calling me a bollocks lol.

Public or private school have you been to China before?

Brokentime

FCUM wrote: »

Cheers pal, I'll let you know when I do mine. Still waiting for my invitation letter to be sent, unsure as to what is the hold up. I'm thinking of doing the rush service for the visa once I get the letter. Stay over in Dublin (they cant do it in one day). Will save the hassle of going twice.

Any update on this? Or the Chinese embassy experiences?

FCUM

simonsez wrote: »

you calling me a bollocks lol.

Public or private school have you been to China before?

private, and no i haven't, quite looking forward to it now.

just found out my invitation letter etc. should be here by wednesday which is great news. i'm going to ring the embassy later (apparently the visa enquiry line is only open 3-5) and sort out what i need and how much of a bank draft i'll need. bear in mind they dont take cash as far as i know. actually i just checked and it seems they do. i'll double check later and let you know.

looking at the invitation letter they've put down the 15th as the date of first entry. i'm flying in on the 9th though, will this cause me problems. also i'm confused as to what type of visa to apply for. theyve put number of entries as 1. but do i get a 6 month one or what?

simonsez

looking at the invitation letter they've put down the 15th as the date of first entry. i'm flying in on the 9th though, will this cause me problems. also i'm confused as to what type of visa to apply for. theyve put number of entries as 1. but do i get a 6 month one or what?[/QUOTE]

If you are going working in China. The z visa is the one that is required. Then you do a medical in China and passing that you apply for a resident permit. The school usually does this.

I don't know if the date thing will be an issue.

SS

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

private, and no i haven't, quite looking forward to it now.

just found out my invitation letter etc. should be here by wednesday which is great news. i'm going to ring the embassy later (apparently the visa enquiry line is only open 3-5) and sort out what i need and how much of a bank draft i'll need. bear in mind they dont take cash as far as i know. actually i just checked and it seems they do. i'll double check later and let you know.

looking at the invitation letter they've put down the 15th as the date of first entry. i'm flying in on the 9th though, will this cause me problems. also i'm confused as to what type of visa to apply for. theyve put number of entries as 1. but do i get a 6 month one or what?

FCUM

Are you any the wiser as they say in the military . Whats your 'sitcon'?

ss:)

FCUM

I'm going up tomorrow pal so will let you know. I'm crossing my fingers they'll tell me I can get it done same day but I'm not too optimistic. Will probably have to stop over. My girlfriend was able to get hers done same day in the embassy in DC but their visa section is open all day

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

I'm going up tomorrow pal so will let you know. I'm crossing my fingers they'll tell me I can get it done same day but I'm not too optimistic. Will probably have to stop over. My girlfriend was able to get hers done same day in the embassy in DC but their visa section is open all day

Good luck,

Apart from your invitation letter from your prospective employers/ SAFEA what documents are you submitting?

SS

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

I'm going up tomorrow pal so will let you know. I'm crossing my fingers they'll tell me I can get it done same day but I'm not too optimistic. Will probably have to stop over. My girlfriend was able to get hers done same day in the embassy in DC but their visa section is open all day

Howd ya get on FCUM?

FCUM

ok went in today and no hassle, all very easy. was there at 9, queued for 10 mins.

things i needed are

photocopy of work permit (she told me to keep the original for when im there so make sure you have a copy. if not theres a machine to do it there. invitation letter. the two application forms (remember to sign) and staple or glue picture. im trying to think of what else she took. passport obviously. she asked where i lived but didnt ask for proof but bring some just in case.

im doing rush service so picking it up tomorrow morning. can only play by bank draft from BOI or AIB. or postal order. she tells you how much it is and you pay when you collect.

think thats everything. double check on the website obviously. any qs just ask

Brokentime

FCUM wrote: »

ok went in today and no hassle, all very easy. was there at 9, queued for 10 mins.

things i needed are

photocopy of work permit (she told me to keep the original for when im there so make sure you have a copy. if not theres a machine to do it there. invitation letter. the two application forms (remember to sign) and staple or glue picture. im trying to think of what else she took. passport obviously. she asked where i lived but didnt ask for proof but bring some just in case.

im doing rush service so picking it up tomorrow morning. can only play by bank draft from BOI or AIB. or postal order. she tells you how much it is and you pay when you collect.

think thats everything. double check on the website obviously. any qs just ask

Great success, sounds like

FCUM

Brokentime wrote: »

Great success, sounds like

yep! picked it up today and now im all ready to go. am a couple of hundered quid lighter due to having to go up and stay over.

ah well can start getting excited now

FCUM

cheers for your help btw brokentime. and good luck with yours simonsez, i'm sure it will go smoothly! gimme a shout if you have more questions

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

cheers for your help btw brokentime. and good luck with yours simonsez, i'm sure it will go smoothly! gimme a shout if you have more questions

Congrats FCUM and thanks for getting back to me. Good luck in China . Suzhou?
Well I'm just waiting for letter of invitation. Thanks for info have all my documents lined up. Hunnan food rocks , hope there is good one where you live!!

SS:)

FCUM

no worries mate. and yep Suzhou if you're ever in that direction give me a shout?

are you going to Hunan province then? that food sounds right up my street!

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

no worries mate. and yep Suzhou if you're ever in that direction give me a shout?

are you going to Hunan province then? that food sounds right up my street!

Nay I be going to Zhejiang but, Hunan food rocks. Sichuan too !!

FCUM

ah right, you're not too far away from me

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

ah right, you're not too far away from me

Suzhou I think they 'call it little shanghai?' I will be based in the Hangzhou area am planning to take a boating trip on the Grand canal. Hangzhou to Suzhou

Fcum, I apologies in advance. The impression you are giving is that it appears to be a painless process...............

question question questions!!!!!!!!!!!!

1) Do you now have Z visa stamp on passport?
2) When submitting application did you provide
degree parchment, CV, and letters of reference? Did you translate them into Chinese.
3) How much did it cost you excluding over night staying, just for visa processing?

Cheers in advance, and there will be no more questions but wishing you luck and hope you have a cracking time.

SS:)

FCUM

yeah it's supposed to be very nice. no worries

1) yep i have a sticker on one of the pages.

2) didnt need any of those. i needed to submit them to my school for them to get my invitation letter though. no translation though

it cost 56 euro overall. 23 of that was for getting it in one day. they'll tell you how much to bring back to pay for it. pay on collection, bank draft or postal order only

good luck!

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

yeah it's supposed to be very nice. no worries

1) yep i have a sticker on one of the pages.

2) didnt need any of those. i needed to submit them to my school for them to get my invitation letter though. no translation though

it cost 56 euro overall. 23 of that was for getting it in one day. they'll tell you how much to bring back to pay for it. pay on collection, bank draft or postal order only

good luck!

FCUM ,

Cheers . Will let you know when i'm in China. Cant wait!!

SS

Brokentime

simonsez wrote: »

Suzhou I think they 'call it little shanghai?'

Having been to both, I can happily say that Suzhou is no little Shanghai

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

yeah it's supposed to be very nice. no worries

1) yep i have a sticker on one of the pages.

2) didnt need any of those. i needed to submit them to my school for them to get my invitation letter though. no translation though

it cost 56 euro overall. 23 of that was for getting it in one day. they'll tell you how much to bring back to pay for it. pay on collection, bank draft or postal order only

good luck!

1) You will probably shoot me FCUM !!!! You say you have a sticker on visa page. Is it 'Z' or 'L'? sticker.

2)When you get to China you wont have to fly to Hong Kong , the rest of your processing will be done in Suzhou?

Cheers in advance

ps: Yes Im being a stickler for detail FCUM I blame it on bad experience before. Once bitten and all that Jazz

SS

FCUM

simonsez wrote: »

1) You will probably shoot me FCUM !!!! You say you have a sticker on visa page. Is it 'Z' or 'L'? sticker.

2)When you get to China you wont have to fly to Hong Kong , the rest of your processing will be done in Suzhou?

Cheers in advance

ps: Yes Im being a stickler for detail FCUM I blame it on bad experience before. Once bitten and all that Jazz

SS

it's a Z one. don't know what an L one is

no, i have to get a residency permit within 30 days but the school will organise this for me

FCUM

Brokentime wrote: »

Having been to both, I can happily say that Suzhou is no little Shanghai

what was your impression of it mate?

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

it's a Z one. don't know what an L one is

no, i have to get a residency permit within 30 days but the school will organise this for me

Cheers ,

L is a tourist visa.

That's music to my ears!!! and thanks for thy patience.

On a side note who be thee flying with?

SS:)

FCUM

going with Emirates, booked a one way.

two weeks today

Brokentime

FCUM wrote: »

what was your impression of it mate?

Suzhou is a much more Chinese city than Shanghai. Small (relatively), picturesque, dainty, with an abundance of traditional Chinese architecture, it has a nice vibe and a more authentic middle kingdom feel to it.

Shanghai... at risk of coming across all 'Beautiful South', it could be anywhere. That said, it is this weirdness and schizoid personality that make it a good place to live. Far more fierce and rewarding than other places I've been.

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

going with Emirates, booked a one way.

two weeks today

Just got confirmation by email that the invitation letter is being sent this week.

FCUM

nice one pal

simonsez

FCUM wrote: »

i'm gonna apply via the embassy yeah. just need a bill or something to show proof of residence.

i already had my medical form filled in by my gp. my school asked for me to get it done.

it tells you what you need on the website i think but its passport, application form with passport photo attached, invitation and work permit i think. with something showing proof of residence as well.

as for how long the invitation letters take, how long is a piece of string haha. mine seems to be taking a long time and it seems to be the experience of a lot of other people waiting for them. china can be slow for such things apparently.

what work are you doing out there? make sure you keep asking about your employer about your invitation letter. dont just assume everything is happening.

Hi FCUM,

Well just got my invitation letter and have filled out the forms. I have a question how did you approach gp ? I understand that we will have to have another medical when we get to China . How indepth was your medical check here with your GP ?

Thanks in advance

SS

Curious Fox

Simonsez,

Following on from your last post, I'm just wondering if you could let me know how you approached medical check:
Did you go with your GP or public hospital or private clinic and where?

I'm going to apply for a z-visa too, my employer asked me to forward a physical examination report and specifically states that it should be issued by a public hospital with official stamp and that if it's done in private hospital, the report needs to be notarised. Chinese Embassy Dublin can't provide any info and only said that it will have be notarised by Department of Foreign Affairs, if it's done through private clinic.

Your previous posts referred to a GP check up? How did you get around the above or did yours have the same requirements?

BTW, presumably you got your z-visa and that you are in China now - jealous!

simonsez

Curious Fox wrote: »

Simonsez,

Following on from your last post, I'm just wondering if you could let me know how you approached medical check:
Did you go with your GP or public hospital or private clinic and where?

I'm going to apply for a z-visa too, my employer asked me to forward a physical examination report and specifically states that it should be issued by a public hospital with official stamp and that if it's done in private hospital, the report needs to be notarised. Chinese Embassy Dublin can't provide any info and only said that it will have be notarised by Department of Foreign Affairs, if it's done through private clinic.

Your previous posts referred to a GP check up? How did you get around the above or did yours have the same requirements?



BTW, presumably you got your z-visa and that you are in China now - jealous!

Hi Curious Fox,

I empahtise CF. I am not sure what your time frame is.

My story. My employer sent me the foreign expert invitation. This allows me to apply for the Z visa. The Z visa allows me 30 days entry in China to apply for residence permit. The residence permit is issued upon passing medical.

I did medical in China. Passed it and got residence permit.

Good Luck.

SS

Curious Fox

Thanks SS,

Yours sounds a bit different than mine. My employer asked me to provide a number of docs, including degree certificate, resume, 2 year work experience cert (presumably a reference letter will do?), medical check report and some photos. Once I post all of these to them, they will apply - alien employment licence (different than yours?), invitation letter and medical check verification, then post them out to me. They told me that with these docs, I'll have to go to Chinese Embassy Dublin to apply for a Z visa. I was told I can then go to China and apply residence permit within 30 days - that part is similar to what you said above.

I'm flying out on 20 January, which I doubt all of the above will be done.

I think mine is a bit different than your story above, any thoughts? Have they changed how they deal with Z visa since you applied? This medical check up is doing my head in. Know anybody else have to do it?

How is life in China?

With thanks,

CF

simonsez

Curious Fox wrote: »

Thanks SS,

Yours sounds a bit different than mine. My employer asked me to provide a number of docs, including degree certificate, resume, 2 year work experience cert (presumably a reference letter will do?), medical check report and some photos. Once I post all of these to them, they will apply - alien employment licence (different than yours?), invitation letter and medical check verification, then post them out to me. They told me that with these docs, I'll have to go to Chinese Embassy Dublin to apply for a Z visa. I was told I can then go to China and apply residence permit within 30 days - that part is similar to what you said above.

I'm flying out on 20 January, which I doubt all of the above will be done.

I think mine is a bit different than your story above, any thoughts? Have they changed how they deal with Z visa since you applied? This medical check up is doing my head in. Know anybody else have to do it?

How is life in China?

With thanks,

CF

Nay CF what you have said above is what I had to do .

CF, like you I forwarded via email required docs vis a vis qualifications and letters of reference.

Medically, go to your gp explain you are going to China and he/she will arrange with hospital (private or public). Allow a month for bloods, xray to come back. Let your employer know, when results are back.

When they get all docs, reference and medical stuff back they ask for permission to invite you . Once they get permission then they should send a letter of invitation to you. Which you bring to the Chinese embassy. They will, all going well give you a Z visa . (I did my interview in May and got my letter of invitation in August!!) The Z visa allows you enter China and gives you 30 days to get residence permit.

When, you get to China you will have to do another medical and when you pass,the school will bring you to the local police . The PSB(police), will then issue you with a residence permit.

China? China is China CF.

Good luck.

simonsez

How is life in China?

With thanks,

CF[/QUOTE]

CF, Life in China? Great Walls, 5000 years of culture.............

Check out Episode 1 Series 1 "An Idiot Abroad" (2010), with Karl Pilkington it shows China from a diferent perspective............

Good Luck CF