How to get a Visa for China in 2021

UPDATE ON COVID-19: China has implemented a 14-day quarantine for all foreigners upon their arrival because of the present pandemic situation. Apart from that, numerous Chinese embassies, visa processing centers, and consulates have been forced to lock their doors and are no longer taking in any new visa applications. We anticipate a backlog of visa applications once they reopen, which might result in significant delays.

Although China, like many other countries, provides a range of different visas, the Z-Class Visa is the only one that permits you to work as a TEFL instructor in China.

Despite the fact that the procedure seems to be overwhelming, be assured that you will not be doing it alone: the majority of the bureaucratic burden will be carried by your potential company. We won't lie: your first two weeks in China will feel like a madhouse as you run from office to office, handing in documents, having medical tests done, and so on. This is where working with a reputable school pays off, as the best schools in China will provide the best assistance with your settling-in process.

Requirements for obtaining a China Teaching Visa include meeting certain qualifications.

And now we're back to business: obtaining a Z Visa, which is the only legal option available to those who want to work as an English teacher in China. This is a two-step procedure: first, you must get a Chinese Work Permit, and then you must submit an application for a visa.

Because you may only apply for the Z Visa after you have a signed teaching contract in place, you should first complete step 1 and then return to step 2.

A person must be between the ages of 18 and 55 (exceptions are permitted if you are somewhat older than the maximum age requirement and find an employer that is interested in hiring you).

Be in possession of any form of Bachelor's Degree (does not need to be English or teaching-specific)

Possess a TEFL certificate of completion

Have a minimum of 100 hours of hands-on classroom instruction (in Tier 1 cities like Shanghai and Beijing, the minimum requirement is 120hr)

Due to the fact that having a valid working visa in China is the primary prerequisite for teaching in this country, the criteria to teach in China are interchangeable with the requirements to get a Z-visa.

Specifications for Documentation

There are many papers you will need to get you through this full China visa application procedure. Not every document is required at every stage, so we'll go through when you should have each one available in the following sections.

To be eligible for this China work visa, you must already be employed as a teacher in China, and your employer will be responsible for providing you with all of the necessary papers.

It is necessary to have a passport with a minimum 6-month validity and at least three blank visa pages, however it is usually best to have more considering the number of visas and entry/exit stamps you may acquire while traveling.

The information page from your passport (in photocopy format).

10 copies of one's passport picture, as required by China's visa photo specifications

Copy of your Bachelor's degree as well as your TEFL certifications, both validated and notarised

Invitation to interview for a position

The Notification of China Work Permit

Have you passed your country's criminal background check?

Z Visa Application form that has been correctly completed.

Any other paperwork that they may need.