Hi,

I gave the required documents to my manager about one month ago to apply for a working visa. Because my tourist visa was almsot expiring I decided to go back to France to apply for the visa in Paris.
Yesterday I callled the manager and he told me that my visa application was rejected by the authorities because I had not enough working experience.

It seems to be very strange. I'm 23 years old and about two years of working experience.
The company told me that they will make a new application.

I thought that it was quite easy to apply for a working visa. Do you think it could have been easier if I had applied in Shanghai.

Do you think I could go back to Shanghai with a tourist visa and then change it to a working visa.

Thank you for your help.

Best regards,

Gregory

Visa is a real problem and rules often change. However, my recent (ie last 6 months) experience was I came in on a single entry, then went to Hong Kong and renewed to 3 month business visa. Next step was (with help from someone who knows) apply for multi entry 6 month F visa (which i did not have to leave China for). Next step is then apply for Z.

Not sure why Z rejected as in theory only need employer letter and money (as always).

Gregory,

Unfortunately, there are actually more requirements than just an employer letter. I remember having a list of 8-10 requirements for the application (including things like copy of business license, copy of the organization code certificate, copy of university degree, copy of passport, photos, letter from employer, proof of prior work experience etc.)

The letter from the company must explain why they need to hire a foreigner for this person and not a Chinese - for me, the reason was because "they need a foreigner to manag international [investment] projects".

I present a signed letter from a boss at a previous company stating briefly that I was fantastic and recommending me for the job - because I had not previously held the same job I was being hired for (project manager for investment firm), it was required that my previous boss to write a paragraph explaining why I would be good for the job.

China does not want young, "unskilled" foreigners flooding in (where "unskilled" here means lacking experience, not necessarily lacking in education). That doesn't mean you are excluded, but you are going to have to sell yourself on the application and be very clear that you emerge as the obvious - and preferably only - candidate for the job.

Sorry to hear that you only got the 3 month F in Hong Kong, Tone. Did you ask for 6 and get 3? You can get 12 now.

My mistake LeiFeng - I actually got a 6 month one here. You are right about the rest of the stuff wanted for a Z though. I'm just about to go for the Z, third time I've got one, but the last two with multi national companies, this one solo - not looking forward to it!!

It could also be that he forgot to submit an application, and is lying to save face. That's very likely.