China

Chinese Visa Procedures for English Teachers

Candidates enrolled in the TESOL Certification Program with American TESOL Institute have to bear the expenses involved in acquiring either the Tourist Visa or L Visa or the Business Visa or F visa for their teaching project in China.
 

L Visa: This type of Visa is issued to an alien who comes to China for sightseeing or visiting family members or friends. Candidates are requested to land in China with L Visa or Tourist Visa. After one month of the teaching contract the tourist Visa will be converted to Work Visa or Z Visa by the school.
 

Processing time: 4 working days
Estimated total cost: $ 30 - $ 130 (varies from country to country)

F Visa: Teachers can also land in China on an F Visa or Business Visa. After one month of the teaching contract the tourist Visa will be converted to Work Visa or Z Visa by the school or the school may ask teachers to work on an extended F Visa for 6 months of teaching contract and send teachers the invitation letter. The school will bear the cost of Visa conversion and take care of all the visa related issues.

Processing time: 4 working days
Estimated total cost: $ 30 - $ 130 (varies from country to country)

Z Visa: The Employment or work Visa - is issued to an alien who comes to China for a post or employment, and his/her accompanying family members. Some schools may also want their teachers to land in China on a Z visa and send the necessary papers beforehand to obtain that.
Applicants need to come to the Visa Office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction in which you have to submit the application.

Teachers must ensure that all the following essential documents are in place even before procuring a job offer.
• A photocopy of Passport (Photo Page only)
• Authenticated Criminal Record Check (with vulnerable sector search)
• Self Medical Check form
• Two passport size photo,
• Certificate of Employment (Employment Proof)
• Certificate of High school or BA or MA Original Degree or Notarized Copy of Diploma/Degree
• Full Size Picture
Teachers will be informed about all the necessary documents required to apply for an L/ F/ Z Visa and will be provided with the necessary papers requires.