Job Discussion Forums

Rachcat · Joined: 04 Oct 2012 Posts: 15

Greetings,
Does anyone happen to know if it's possible to get a work visa in China if you're already there to take a CELTA course?? Would I have to fly back to my country???

Thanks!

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Songbird · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2012 12:31 am Post subject:

Assuming you're planning to do the CELTA before you start work, no, it wouldn't work....usually the z visa is tied to the contract start date, and then you must change this to a residence permit WITHIN 30days of arriving. The school, I doubt would chance that you may not show up after the course is over! Can you do the course midway in a break, like winter or something?

That's what I did- worked at a college, did the CELTA during the winter break (though i went to Thailand for it).

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

Rachcat · Joined: 04 Oct 2012 Posts: 15

Thanks for the great information! Much appreciated!

What about applying for jobs in China if I did the CELTA in Thailand?? Would this work with getting the correct visa??

Rachcat · Joined: 04 Oct 2012 Posts: 15

@Songbird, ...yes, definitely want to do the CELTA before starting work. Was thinking of doing it in January and maybe looking for jobs in China now though.

Songbird · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 1:58 am Post subject:

Rachcat- who will you or plan to be working for exactly? Most jobs in China don't require a CELTA/ TEFL certificate. If you line up a job with a uni, no problems, you can still come to work in February then do your CELTA over the summer holiday instead. With unis you get decent vacation time to actually do this.

I did mine in Thailand and literally JUST squeezed it in within the 30 day landing visa they have. I know your main issue is with the China visa. The only other option really is to ask the school to put 'Hong Kong' on your Letter of Invitation and go to Hong Kong straight after your CELTA to do the visa there instead. You might also be able to stay longer in Thailand and do the visa there, I don't know. You will then have to go to the Thai embassy to get a longer visa before you leave though.