I’ll actually be overseeing a construction project in the city Charlie, school’s out for me!!
I don’t know if the infamous Mr Wang is the guy I’m talking too, I only know him as ‘Nick’!
I’ve spoken to a number of agents now, and it appears that the diploma is not an issue, just an avenue for increasing the cost of a visa! I have a quote of 7500RMB for a 1 year Z visa at the moment, and I’ll continue to see if I can’t get that figure down elsewhere. I’m more than happy to pay this for securing a 1 year visa, though it does seem to be on the high side. And I’m not even American!
I’ll add any useful information to this thread as it comes, so hopefully others facing any visa related issues will have some points of contact.