Today, twenty-two days after arriving in the People’s Republic of China, I received a work permit card! This is indeed a big day! It means I am able to legally begin employment and be a productive member of society again.
While the work permit is in hand, my passport is not. It’s still being held by the Suzhou government while they process my application for residency. That permit is a pretty big deal as it will allow me to have multiple entries into the country, meaning I can head back to the States or other countries for business trips, holidays, family reunions … You name it!
From what I understand of the process, the work permit and/or resident permit are only good for one year, then a different process needs to be followed each subsequent year that I wish to remain in the country. That process should be easier and that bridge will be crossed when the time comes.
Next up on the “getting settled” list includes:
- Determining my first day at work (maybe Monday? Which would be weird as Tuesday is a national holiday in the USA: Independence Day!)
- Opening a local bank account & charge card
- Getting a local phone number (and perhaps new cell phone)
- Finding an apartment/signing a lease
For the last three items on that list there should be someone available to help me figure out the details. The top item boils down to when work wants me to start — which I think was three months ago!
So here … We … Go!