Then you are told that the visa has been delayed, but they really, really need you as soon as possible. So you come on a temporary (tourist or other) visa, which, I admit, might seem silly to some - for me it was simply showing some goodwill (which is a waste of time - goodwill isn't in the school management's vocabulary). You work until the visa runs out, and then you are told that they can't make you a visa, and moreover try their hardest to turn a blind eye towards the fact that they still owe you this months' salary (the sum, with some squealing and much cursing, I have in the end managed to get back from them).

BS!

One thing the EF Dalian would always do is get you the Z visa and Residence Permit.