Preparing to teach in China involves gathering documents, like your Z visa and work permit. But here’s the thing—not all documents stay valid forever. Some have expiration dates that can impact your application process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key documents you need for teaching in China and highlight how long each one remains valid so that you can avoid any hiccups along the way.
Passport
Validity: Varies by country (e.g., UK: 10 years, US: 5 or 10 years)
Your passport is one of the most important documents you’ll need for teaching in China, so make sure it’s valid for at least six months and has at least one blank visa page. The validity period varies depending on your country (e.g., 10 years for the UK, 5 or 10 years for the US). If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before starting your visa application—having less than six months of validity could result in your application being rejected.
Non-Criminal Record Check
Non-criminal background check document required for teaching in China
Validity: 6 months
Your Non-Criminal Record Check is a key document for applying for the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit. Make sure this document is valid and issued within the last six months. Once you have a recent Non-Criminal Record Check, ensure it’s apostilled or authenticated before handing it over to your employer.
*Remember, its validity starts from the date it was issued, not when it was
apostilled or authenticated.
Degree
Validity: Permanent
Once your degree is apostilled or authenticated, it remains permanently valid. Be sure to provide a copy of the apostilled or authenticated degree to your employer when requested. This document doesn’t expire, so you won’t need to worry about updating it later in the process.
Relevant Teaching Certificate (TEFL, TESOL, teaching license, etc.)
Validity: Permanent
Your teaching certificate is as crucial as your degree and non-criminal record check when applying for a Notification Letter for a Foreigner’s Work Permit. Once your certificate is apostilled or authenticated, it won’t expire. Just make sure it’s properly apostilled before submitting it.
Notification Letters of Foreigner’s Work Permit
Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit
Validity: 3 months
Notification Letters of Foreigner’s Work Permit is essential for applying for a Z visa. After you head in the apostilled or authenticated Non-Criminal Record Check, degree, and relevant teaching certificate, your employer will apply for Notification Letters of Foreigner’s Work Permit for you. Notification Letters of Foreigner’s Work Permit is only valid for 3 months, so remember to apply for the Z visa within its valid period.
Medical Examination
Validity: Vary depending on the situation, usually valid for 6 months to 1 year
If your school requires a medical examination before entering China, the results are typically valid for 6 months to 1 year. You can submit a valid medical certificate during this period. In some cases, some schools may require teachers to have health checks after they arrive in China.
Work Permit Document Validity for Teaching in China
Work permit merged with social security card
Validity: May vary depending on the situation, typically valid for 1 year
The work permit is essential for teaching legally in China, and it’s usually valid for one year. Starting December 1, 2024, work permits will be combined with social security cards, making the process a bit more streamlined. Once you have the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, you can apply for your work permit through the Social Security Card app.
Residence Permit Validity for Teaching in China
Residence permit for teachers in China
Validity: May vary depending on the situation, typically valid for 1 year
Once you arrive in China and get the Work Permit, you should apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days at the local Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Administration. This permit is typically valid for one year.
These are the essential documents and their validity for teaching in China. Remember to ensure their validity to avoid any surprises like visa delays or issues with your job application. If you still have any questions about teaching in China, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@eslnest.com. We’re here to assist you every step of the way!
