sorry bit drunk yesterday and got off topic ..here's your reply...I'm on a Z visa..and yes some schools are sending their teachers back to their home country to reapply for a visa..why? This depends on if it's a new job they are applying for or even just changing schools..the psb now requires that if sb came here in the past(chongqing) on an L visa and then applied for a z/res permit..then ok no problem, they can continue to renew each! But, like I mentioned, if they are changing schools or applying for a job on an L visa,or going to teach for an SAFEA certified school, some schools or companies cannot pulls strings/payoffs at the psb anymore! They must apply for the Z back home then come back to China! Although, if sb has a Z visa from the past in their new or old passport, they will not have to return home...this info is from a contact in the psb (chongqing)...

And yes I know what I'm talking about...the past post is info from actual pamphlets in the psb that anyone can pickup, read and understand more instead of relying on what others "think" they know...not too sure where you're at, might be a different situation with the provincial gov't..

Cheers,

JAY