USA
STEP 1 - EMAIL SCANS OF VISA DOCUMENTS TO CHINA
The first step of the Z visa process involves sending colour scans of the required documents to your placement company. Your assigned Visa Handler, as well as our team at Teach ESL Korea/China, will help guide you through this process. Once all your scans are received, your placement company will apply for the Notification of Work Permit letter at the China Foreign Experts Bureau on your behalf.
Highest Degree
Colour Copy
Authenticated by the Chinese Consulate/Embassy. You must bring your original degree to China with you.
A colour photocopy of either a Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate degree must be notarized by a notary in the USA, authenticated by the Secretary of State, and finally authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the USA. The Chinese embassy will not accept black and white copies.
Non-Criminal Background Check
Authenticated by the Chinese Consulate/Embassy. Less than 6 months old.
Your state or FBI level Non-criminal background check must be authenticated by the Secretary of State for state level checks or by the Department of State for FBI checks, and then authenticated by the Chinese embassy/consulate in the USA.
*120 hour (minimum)
TEFL certificate
The Chinese government frequently changes the requirements for TEFL certificates. Check with your company to find out if your TEFL certificate needs to be authenticated by the Chinese embassy/consulate.
A notarized colour copy.
You must bring the original TEFL certificate with you to China.
A colour photocopy of your original paper TEFL certificate must be notarized by a notary in the USA. The Chinese embassy will not accept black and white copies.
*Applicants who have 2 years teaching experience, can provide letters of reference instead. Check with your placement company if your experience qualifies.
* Reference Letter/Proof of Work Experience
Original Letter
An original letter of reference that has either been signed by the manager/director or has an official seal of the company on it. The letter should be written on the school's official letterhead.
*Applicants who do not have the relevant experience, must complete a minimum 120 hour TEFL course. Check with your placement company if your experience qualifies.
* Reference Letter/Proof of Work Experience
Original Letter
An original letter of reference that has either been signed by the manager/director or has an official seal of the company on it. The letter should be written on the school's official letterhead.
Foreigner Physical Examination Form
Original and less than 6 months old.
First page only (X-Ray, ECC, and blood tests not necessary, although it should still be signed on the back). Form should by signed by a physician and must have a stamp/seal from the hospital or clinic.
Passport
Original
Minimum 1 year remaining validity
If your passport is brand new or you have previously held a Chinese work visa, you need to bring your old passports with you to China.
Passport Photos (2"x2")
(minimum 5)
Originals
You will likely have additional photos taken when you arrive in China, but extra copies are always recommended to have on hand.
Application Form
Original
Filled in and signed.
Bring these original documents China:
-
Passport (minimum 1 year remaining validity)
-
Previous passport(s) (if applicable)
-
Original degree (notarized, legalized, authenticated by the Chinese consulate
-
Original TEFL/TESOL/CELTA (notarized)
-
Original Medical Exam Form
-
Original Reference Letters
-
Passport Photos (2"x2")
STEP 2 - APPLY FOR Z VISA AT THE CHINESE CONSULATE/EMBASSY
Once all of the required documents have been scanned and emailed and approved by your visa handler, your company will apply for your Notification of Work Permit at the China Foreign Experts Bureau. It takes approximately 15 working days for a permit to be issued, but it can take longer during busy periods.
When your permit is issued, it will be couriered (DHL or FedEx) to you so you can apply for your visa at the nearest Chinese Consulate (4-5 business days). Note that you will have to apply for your visa at the consulate you listed on your original application form, as this is where your documents have been sent. You can also chose to apply for your Z visa on arrival in Hong Kong (1 day), but it's best to discuss this option with the placement company first.
Documents Required for Z Visa Application at the Chinese Consulate
-
Notification of Work Permit Letter from China Experts Bureau (provided by company)
-
Invitation Letter (provided by company)
-
Company License (provided by company
-
Passport Photo
-
Visa Application Form
-
Visa Fee ($140 USD), cash or personal cheques are not accepted, add $20 for express service & $30 for rush service
* Consulates only accept walk-in applications. If this is not possible, you can work with a company such as MyChinaVisa who can complete this step on your behalf.
CONSULATES BY JURISDICTION
You must complete your visa at the nearest Chinese consulate/embassy and the same one you notified your company you would use in your initial application. A list of consulates/embassies can be found below.
If you choose to apply for your visa on arrival, please discuss it with your company first, to make sure it is the right option for you.