Navigating the Great Wall of the Work Visa in China

Worried about securing a valid teaching work visa in China? The steps are many and the wait time can be annoyingly long, but it can be worth it. You can explore the country and meet amazing students at the same time.

Read along to hear how I managed to do this confusing process twice and how you can get through it too.

Required Paperwork to Start the Work Visa in China Process

Congratulations on deciding you want to be a teacher in China! Most people will go on to become English teachers, but this process is similar for all kinds of foreign teachers. If you thought making the decision to live and work in China was difficult, just wait to start wrangling required documents, apostilles, original copies, and official government stamps of approval. The hard work is about to begin even before you get to teach.

List of Documents for a Work Visa in China

• resume (or CV) and cover letter
• criminal background check
• 4 year degree
• ESL teaching experience proof
• teaching certification
• letters of recommendation
• medical check in your home country
• copy of passport ID page
• updated passport-style photos
• Chinese embassy address
• scans of any formers Chinese work visas
• completed work visa in China application

I’ll outline the required forms, where to get them, and how to get them properly notated and sent on to China. This only relates to the process in the United States since that is my experience. Also, each state may have slightly different names for offices or forms, but the process is generally the same.

Follow the List from Your Potential Employer

Work from the list of required documents from the school or university you will be teaching at. Don’t waste time trying to get something that isn’t needed. Get a checklist from your contact at the school and work from that list.

If you need any additional forms, letters, or documents for the position, your contact at the school will inform you.

Warning: Don’t Do This!

Absolutely, positively do not try to start working in China on a tourist visa. Some less-reputable schools may be desperate for teachers and offer you this much easier route to a job at a school. Just be warned that you can be arrested, deported, or even worse, detained, if you try to bypass the strictly regulated rules put in place. You do not want to go to jail in a foreign country.

Reputable schools register with the government and must send in copies of official documents to prove their teachers are legitimately in the country. Less-reputable schools may try to avoid additional costs and procedural steps by hiring young and inexperienced teachers to fill their empty positions.

If a school or institution does not ask for the government-required forms and documents, I suggest passing on that position. There are plenty of other schools you can work at legitimately to earn a decent income. Do not take the chance with your freedom.

It may be a lengthy process to get all the forms back and forth between countries, but that is time preparing for your future. Better to take a few months getting everything you need instead of bypassing the government regulations and ending up in jail. Just don’t do it.

Now let’s get into what is required from you.

Updated Resume and Cover Letter

Make sure your resume is up-to-date and includes all relevant teaching experience. If you do not currently have actual teaching experience, make sure to highlight your education and practical training courses. Have you tutored, worked in a nursery school, or trained coworkers on how to use Excel? These all count as valid “teaching or training” experience. This may be enough depending on the level of the position waiting for you in China.

I cannot stress this enough but please make sure there are no errors on the resume or cover letter. You are applying to teach to people in another country who take education very seriously. Take the extra effort and ask a few people to read through your resume and cover letter before sending it out.

Some schools may ask for a passport-sized photo to be included with your resume. These passport photos can be taken at your main post office or at a local CVS or AAA office near you. Just get a batch of them since you will need several before and after landing in China.

Letters of Recommendation

Once again, this may differ from school to school, but you may want to be prepared ahead of time. Gather 3-5 letters of recommendation to include with your resume. I sent in two as requested: one from the Chinese parents whose children I tutored, and a second from the owner of the tutoring company I worked for. Just plan ahead and think of who you can ask that can vouch for your work ethic, your teaching skills, or your good character.

The Criminal Background Check

Many people believe this process is complicated, but it’s actually quite easy to do. At least at the state level. Make sure to ask if a federal level criminal background check is necessary. Or can you just send them a state back ground check?

State Background Check

In my home state of Rhode Island, the state background check is called a BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation) check. This can be done through the Attorney General’s office. Do the research to find out where you can get this done in your state.

Click here to read the Rhode Island BCI page.

I didn’t need an appointment and had my BCI in less than 10 minutes. In Rhode Island, I went to the Attorney General’s office and filled out a basic form. The cost was $5.00 and is payable by credit/debit card in-person and by check if mailed in. For Rhode Island, the BCI is run using your name and date of birth. It will not show any out-of-state or federal crimes.

Don’t Forget!

Ask for the criminal background check that comes with the signature of the attorney general for your state. I know this is required because I didn’t ask the first time around and had to return for another form. Save yourself a trip to the attorney general’s office and save a few dollars know the right form ahead of time.

Federal Background Check

Some schools require a federal background check which involves fingerprinting and a bit more money. This check costs $45.00 In Rhode Island and can be done in person or by mail. Read about the requirements here. 

A federal background check takes a bit longer to process so make sure to allow extra time for receiving it back. Obviously, if anything shows up on the criminal background check, your application for a work visa in China will end there. China does not tolerate anyone with a crime in their past to be teaching in their country.

Once you have this form you can continue collecting the remaining required documents.

Education Requirements for a Work Visa in China

One of the major requirements on the work visa application is a four-year degree. This can be from any college or university, and in any field. A teaching degree is obviously preferred but is not necessary.

An official copy of your diploma is needed. This will then need to be notarized, authenticated, and consular legalized, also known as getting an apostille stamp of approval. More about this coming up.

I didn’t need to send them, but some schools may request an official sealed copy of your transcripts. Ask about this early on so you don’t need to wait for the school to prepare them for you if required with your application.

ESL Certification and Proof of Experience

If you do have ESL (English as a Second Language) experience, you will want to include this on your resume. You may be entitled to a higher pay rate with this experience, but you will have to show proof.

A copy of your ESL or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate or diploma will need to be copied, notarized, authenticated, and apostilled.

Certain schools may ask for proof of experience and are generally looking for two years worth of teaching ESL. Many larger cities or more prestigious schools will ask for the two years teaching experience, and this will get you a higher salary.

What is an Apostille and Do I Need One?

An apostille is a verification of the authenticity of signatures or stamps/seals of a public official. They make sure the signature is from the public office you say it’s from. Once they verify that the form is official and legitimate, they issue an apostille certificate. This certificate is often stamped onto the backside of the document.

Why Do I Need an Apostille?

The certificate is accepted by governments when dealing with foreign documents. In order to accept an apostille, the country must be a member of the 1961 Hague Convention. Between these countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention, apostilles are simply a way to accept that the document and signature are valid.

Code stamped on the certificate uses a specific formula of numbered fields that the participating countries know how to decipher. Language barriers between countries do not matter. Approval is given through the secret code.

Apostilles are usually required on birth certificates, background checks, diplomas, certificates, and other kinds of official documents the Chinese school may want. Just know that China does require apostilles.

Where to Get an Apostille?

In Rhode Island, The Secretary of State’s office handles apostilles, according to their site. I believe this is true, because when I needed mine in 2014 and again in late 2019, I remember they stamped documents for me. The cost was just $5.00 per document needing the apostille. Just make sure to check with your specific state to see where and how much it might be to get the apostille.

Let the Secretary of State’s office know you want the documents stamped for working in China. They will know which specific stamps of approval are needed for you.

Click here to read more about apostilles and getting one in Rhode Island.

Getting the Final Approval for Your Work Visa in China

Once the first batch of required documents are gathered and stamped for authenticity, it’s now time to get them to the Chinese Embassy. Since I live in Rhode Island and the embassy is in Washington, DC, I used a visa processing company.

I put together all of the documents that needed the Chinese approval and sent them to this visa agency. The average cost is $175-$200 per document needing approval. They put together the documents needing approval and personally go to the embassy to get them stamped. A postage paid return envelope was included in the package to the visa processing company, and I received the paperwork back the day after it was stamped and good to go.

Almost There, But Keep Going to Get to China

Now it is time to send the properly prepared and approved documents to the school contact in China. They bring to the necessary government office to get your work visa in China approved. Once this is done, the official letter from the school tells you the next steps. This includes a medical check and a few more forms. You can finally also travel to the Chinese embassy or consulate and get your work visa put into your passport.

 

Read on for a bit more information about some additional requirements. Remember to ask your contact at the school for any help or clarification if needed.

The Required Medical Check for Your Visa

A medical form will be sent to you in the paperwork packet you receive once the school has decided to hire you. Rather like an annual physical, it will have you visit your doctor and get the form completed. The main concern of the medical check is that you are healthy enough to live and work in China without being a danger to its citizens.

They are looking for height and weight as well as a doctor stating you do not have any infectious or dangerous diseases. If you have a medical condition controlled by medication or treatments, this will be disclosed on the form. Make sure to have your medications with you for the entire length of your stay, especially if it is a prescription medication.

You will also have another medical check once you arrive in China. And this one is thorough! It seems redundant to have another medical exam when you probably just had the one in the United States, but it is part of the process. Just roll with it.

Passport and Embassy Details

Photos are used on many documents within China, so be prepared with a small collection of them. One will be attached to your application form.

Passport Photos

You can get professional passport photos at your main post office branch in your state. Local pharmacies or your nearby AAA branch is a place for these photos.

These pictures are attached to your resume, to official documents, and on the medical report. Official forms and documents in China often requested a photo. Be prepared and take some with you.

Choosing the Embassy to Visit

When you complete the paperwork for your official work visa, it asks you which embassy or consulate you plan to go to before you leave for China. This authentication step and attaching the visa into your passport is nearly the last step of this process. Choose the embassy or one of the consulates to get your visa. There are only 6 locations in the United States.

China has one embassy located in Washington, DC. The other five locations are consular-generals, or rather like sub-branches of the main embassy. These cities are:

• Chicago, Illinois
• San Francisco, California
• Los Angeles, California
• Houston, Texas
• New York, New York

New York was the closest location to me, so that is where I traveled to for my final work visa in China stamp of approval. With this sticker in my passport, I was able to fly to China and start my new position.

A Reminder About the Embassy (or Consular-Generals)

Make sure to give yourself enough time to drop off all the completed documents to the embassy and then wait for the passport to be returned. The first time I did this in 2014, the website of the Consular-General in New York City said they did same day service. So I travel from Rhode Island to NYC and expect to be in and out in a day. I quickly learned this was not quite true.

Service in 24 hours was available, but not same-day service. The website wasn’t updated and that service hadn’t been offered in years. That meant I had to return around 10:00 am the next morning. I took the train back home without my passport.

My Dilemma

My flight was on Thursday and it is now going to be Tuesday before I get my required visa. Consulate staff told me to get there after 12:00, but before they let the last people into the building at 3:30. On my return trip the next day, I chose to ride the bus. Big mistake.

An accident on Route 95 delayed the bus by several hours. I arrived in the city after 3:30 and would have to stay in the city overnight to fetch my passport first thing Wednesday morning. With no change of clothes or anything to keep me entertained, I found a nearby hotel with plenty of charm. First thing in the morning, I hurried to the consulate door to get in and grab what I needed.

Don’t be like me and not have much wiggle room for getting everything ready. I can blame the school a little since they wanted me to start with the February training class. But there were probably a few instances where I could have done things a bit quicker on my end. Regardless of the nail-biting finish, I made it back home with my stamped passport ready for the early-morning flight the next day from Boston to Shanghai.

Lean on Your Chinese Contact for Support

Most schools have a designated team to help foreign teachers navigate the paperwork of preparing an application for the Chinese work visa. Their English is usually good and they have quick access to answers you may need. You will probably receive an email from a person assigned as your helper.

This person is your guide through huge amounts of Chinese red tape and bureaucracy. Rely on them for help. They will get you through this. They even help you with other necessities of life, such as opening a bank account and getting a SIM card.

I still remember working with Fiona. Wherever you are, just know you saved my sanity more than once. I appreciate your help in getting my work visa in China.

Know That There’s More Paperwork Once in China

This post covers the preliminary steps you must go through to even get to China and begin teaching. Once there, be ready for several more hoops to jump through to make sure everything is legal for your work visa in China. I will cover these details in another post.

Frequently Asked Questions: Getting a Work Visa in China

What are the different visas available?

Tourist (L Visa) This is for leisure travel and visiting friends or family. Perfect for those who want to explore the beauty of China.

Business (M Visa) If you’re planning to attend trade fairs, conferences, or meetings, this one’s for you.

Work (Z Visa) For those looking to work in China, like teaching English or pursuing other employment opportunities.

Student (X Visa) If you are thinking of studying in China, this is the visa you’ll need.

Family Reunion (Q Visa) Great for visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents.

Crew (C Visa) Relevant for international transportation, like cruise ship crews.

Transit (G Visa) If you have a layover in China en route to another destination.

Journalist (J Visa) The visa for foreign journalists.

Residence (D Visa) For those who are planning to reside in China for a longer period, like for family reasons or other personal matters.

Talent (R Visa) This is a visa for high-skilled individuals with a job offer.

What are the Requirements for a Z Visa as a Teacher?

I have covered these more in detail above, but as a review they are:

1. job offer
2. invitation letter
3. foreign expert certificates (like your teaching certification or diploma)
4. physical exam
5. passport and passport-sized photos
6. completed application form
7. work permit
8. proof of no criminal record
9. educational background
10. photocopies of all documents (just in case)

Are There Any Agencies to Help?

There are companies that will help you get your documents approved and processed much more efficiently, for a price. They start at $175 per document but many people think it is worth the investment. This is especially true if you live a far distance from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-Generals.

Search for Visa Processing companies online. Then call them to make sure you understand what they need to get this complicated process done right for you.

How Long Does it Take to Get the Work Visa in China?

The length of time can vary, but the quickest you can usually get your work visa in China is 5-6 weeks. You are sending documents back and forth between government offices and there can be delays, so you must be patient. Start as soon as you can gathering the required paperwork and this will help save you some time.

Get a Work Visa in China to Fill the Many Available Positions

According to the many posts I see online, and from my friends in China, the market is still booming for foreign teachers. There are positions ranging from preschool centers to colleges and universities, and everything in between. China is a huge country with a huge population and many of them want to learn English for education and business.

Search for a teaching job in China through many job boards or connect with a reputable recruiter. Do NOT pay money to a recruiter! The school pays the recruiter after you start the job.

In Conclusion: The Work Visa in China

Even though the paperwork process can be tedious and confusing at times, it is so worth it to be able to work in China as an English teacher, or in another position. I loved it so much after my first time there in 2014-2015, that I was returning in early 2020. But we all know that all visas stopped when the pandemic started.

Explore the country, spend time with the amazing people, and make sure to taste as many authentic Chinese dishes as possible. The experience is life-changing and definitely worth the hard work to get there.