short-term (3 month) working visas?

[tooironic]

Are there any working visas in China for short-term periods (i.e. 3 months or so)? I have been making enquiries at different ESL schools and agencies but it appears most visas are for only six or twelve months. Is this true?

[roddy]

Theoretically I guess they could issue you a Z visa and then convert it to a three-month residence permit. But given the length of school semesters and working contracts, and the expense and hassle involved, it's unlikely they would actually want to do it - I've certainly never heard of it.

If you're looking at a summer teaching job, I wouldn't worry too much about doing it on a business or tourist visa.

[tooironic]

Actually I'm looking for a winter teaching job (this Nov-Jan or Dec-Feb). Which visa is required in this case?

[roddy]

Strictly speaking if you're working you should have the working visa. But for those lengths of time, no school or agency is going to want to go through the hassle and expense.

[tooironic]

Bugger. Must find another way to fund my trip then. Thanks.

[roddy]

For a short term trip, working on an L or F visa . . . well, it ain't the worst sin in the world. Indeed for summer and winter camps it's possibly even the norm. Should you do it, no. Do lots of people do it, yes.