For Teaching in China
Visa Help
ESL NEST is here to help you with all the paperwork you need for teaching in China. Whether you need Apostille services for your documents or assistance with your work visa for teaching in China, we’re here to guide you through every step.
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Orders processed
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Countries We Serve
United State
Apostille Turnaround: 2-3 days
United Kingdom
Apostille Turnaround: 2-3 days
Canada
Apostille Turnaround: 3-10 days
New Zealand
Apostille Turnaround: 3-10 days
South Africa
Apostille Turnaround: 3-7 days
How to Obtain a Work Visa for Teaching in China
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
The first step in applying for a work visa to teach in China is to get your documents ready. You will need to have the following documents apostilled:
Your highest level of education (usually a Bachelor’s degree).
A TEFL/TESOL certificate or any other relevant teaching certification.
A clean criminal record from your home country.
Now, let’s go through how to apply for a background check in different countries:
While most schools in China will require a state-level background check, some may instead require the FBI background check. It’s best to check with the school to find out which one they prefer.
- State-Level Background Check: Visit the police department in the area where you live or used to live and request a document stating you have no criminal record.
- There are two ways to get your FBI check:
1)Request directly from the FBI: Submit a request with your name, birth details, and fingerprints (available at your local police). You can visit www.FBI.gov for more details and fees.
2)Use an FBI-approved Channeler: You can also use a trusted company to handle the process for you.
In the UK, there are two types of background checks: DBS and ACRO. The one you need depends on the school in China where you’re applying to teach. Some accept a DBS check, while others require an ACRO check. Be sure to check with your school first.
- DBS Check: The DBS check is for domestic use within the UK. If your school accepts it, you can apply online at www.gov.uk.
- ACRO Check: The ACRO check is needed for teaching abroad, including China. Apply for it at ACRO’s website.
To apply for a police clearance certificate in South Africa, visit your nearest police station. For more details, visit the official South African Police Service website.
For Police Clearance + Apostille, ESL NEST can have it ready in 5-7 working days. Need it even faster? With just a scanned fingerprint, we offer expedited service in 5-7 working days.
There are two types of background checks in Canada: Name-based and Fingerprint-based. Most schools accept Name-based checks, but requirements vary by region, so it’s a good idea to check with your school for specific details.
- Name-based criminal record check: For a name-based check, you can apply through your local police station.
- Fingerprint-based Criminal Record Check: You can apply for this check through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at RCMP’s website.
To apply for a criminal record check in New Zealand, you can visit the official New Zealand Ministry of Justice website and follow the instructions to request your record.
Need help? We offer both background check services and apostille assistance, so you can complete everything in one place—easily and quickly.
Step 2: Apostille Documents for Teaching in China
Once you’ve prepared all the documents that need apostilling, the next step is to have them authenticated for international use. The apostille process varies by country, and here’s how it works in different regions:
In the United States, you must first get your documents notarized, and then submit them to your state’s Secretary of State for apostille.
- Notarize your documents: Have a US notary public notarize the documents.
- Submit to the Secretary of State: Send your notarized documents to the Secretary of State in your state for the apostille.
In the United States, you must get your documents notarized and then submit them to your state’s Secretary of State for apostille.
- Notarize your documents: Have a US notary public notarize the documents.
- Submit to the Secretary of State: Send your notarized documents to the Secretary of State in your state for the apostille.
For South African citizens, here’s how you can apostille your documents:
- Police Clearance Check: No notarization needed. Submit directly to DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) for apostille.
- Degree: Notarize a copy of your degree and send it to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for certification. After certification, forward it to DIRCO for apostille.
- TEFL/TESOL Certificates: Notarize your certificate and submit it to the High Court for apostille.
To apostille a Canadian document, you must send it to the correct authority based on where it was issued or notarized.
For example:
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC): If your document was issued by the Government of Canada or notarized in Manitoba, send it to GAC for authentication and apostille.
- Provincial Authorities: If your document was issued or notarized in Alberta, submit it to the Ministry of Justice of Alberta.
These are just examples. The correct authority depends on the province where your document was issued. Visit Global Affairs Canada for full details.
Steps to Apostille Your Documents:
- Ensure your document is an official copy or notarized if required. Some documents need notarization before authentication.
- Submit your documents:
- For Global Affairs Canada: Mail them to the Authentication Services Section.
- For Provincial Authorities: Check the respective provincial government’s website for submission instructions.
ESL NEST offers name-based non-criminal record checks and apostille services. Get your CRC + apostille and degree apostille done within a week!
When using New Zealand documents in China, they require an apostille as given by the Department of Internal Affairs Authentication Unit. China accepts paper apostilles and electronic apostilles.
Steps to Apostille Your Documents:
- Ensure your document is ready: It must be an original or a notarized copy, depending on the requirements. If notarization is needed, use a New Zealand Notary Public, not a Justice of the Peace or solicitor.
- Submit Your Documents: Send them to the DIA Authentication Unit by post, courier, or in person.
- Processing Time: Apostilles are processed within 15 working days.
For full details, visit the Authentication Unit website.
Get your documents apostilled quickly and easily—let us handle the paperwork for you.
Step 3: Apply for Work Visa
After you’ve submitted your apostilled documents to your employer and received the Work Permit Notification Letter (WPNL), you can apply for the Z visa.
To apply for the Z visa, you’ll need to visit the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Complete the visa application form.
- Provide your valid passport.
- Include a recent passport-sized photo.
- Attach the Work Permit Notification Letter (WPNL) from your employer.
Get assistance with applying for work visa for teaching in China.
Step 4: Work Permit and Residence Permit
After getting your Z-visa, you’re ready to travel to China. Upon arrival, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours (hotels typically handle this for you). Typically, your employer will arrange a health check for you before you apply for your work permit.
Special Price for Schools!
We deeply value the opportunity to establish long-term cooperative relationships. In appreciation of your partnership, we are pleased to offer special pricing for educational institutions.
Contact Information
For schools interested in long-term partnerships or bulk orders, we offer special discounts. Contact us via WeChat or email to learn more.
- WeChat: ESLnest03
- Email: support@eslnest.com