Job Discussion Forums

Miguelito · Joined: 23 May 2003 Posts: 8

Almost all of the schools seem to ask for a copy of your passport, either the photo page or the whole thing. Is it really necessary to provide this to them so early? Is it even safe? Have people found difficulties submitting the passport later when it's actually time to process the visa? Why do they even ask for the passport copy so early in the process?

ESL Guru · Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 462

I am aware of two reasons for this request.

The first is to assure the school that they are not wasting their time with someone who is unable to travel outside their home country within the required time frame.

The second is that many decisions are based upon the picture. Recently schools are also requesting a recent photo in addition to the passport photo since the passport photo does not always transmit clearly by email or fax.

This is a normal requirement throughout China.

chinafriendhere · Joined: 31 May 2003 Posts: 22

ESL Guru is totally correct, most schools want a passport copy before they will take you serious. Schools that employ foreign teachers legally need a passport copy, a diploma copy and a reference letter for the Chinese foreign affairs bureau to get you a work visa (z visa) invitation letter. I have not heard of any scams. This is a pretty normal application process.

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

I know of no country in which this is not the case. I'm English but I still had to do these things for Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, and states out in the Middle East (Bahrain, Dubai, House of Saud, etc.).