Job Discussion Forums

Janice50 · Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 5

I need information on teaching english (I have TESOL, TESL, TEFL) in China without a BA. What are the requirements as far as Visas go? Do you have to do Visa runs like you do in Taiwan or Thailand?

Guest · Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 7:13 pm Post subject:

Dear Janice 50

I arrived here 13 months ago with only a 30 day tourist Visa (from Australia) and the School arranged my Z Visa for 12 months.

I did the same thing this year. I think most Schools arrange (and pay) for your Z Visa for you.

Regards

august03 · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 159 Location: Jiangsu, China

You generally need a Bachelor Degree of some sort to legally obtain a visa. Sometimes a Diploma will suffice. A TESOL certificate may also work, but I'm not sure. If the school is desperate for a teacher they will get you the working permit and foreign residents permit regardless of your qualifications. You can get a 6-month temporary permit or a 12-month+ permit.

Yes you can arrive on a tourist visa and the school will arrange the permit for you once you arrive, it involves some paperwork and a medical, and the school should pay for all of this.

If you're worried about not being legible for a permit find a school in a small city to work at, they'll just be happy you're there and they'll sort out the legitimate permit under the table.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

It's strange that people take such questions here, and to the General forum rather than the China forums. The first place to consider for information like this would be the website of the nearest Chinese consulate.

Whether you have a Bachelor's or higher, for those Disneyland English classes where you can hope to be employed you will need a work visa. Qualifications are of secondary importance.

Work visas tend to be issued to holders of Bachelors and higher, but many come here without even that. Anyway, your employer should take care of your registration with the PSB or supply a formal invitation that the consulate or embassy in your country will accept as valid, then issue you with the work visa.

Apparently, there has been a change that causes some trepidation among long-term teachers: visas seem to be valid only for one month, while the residence permit and work permit are valid for the entire term of your employment. These permits are given by the police (PSB) here.

In any case, you should have to worry too much.