How to work in China in 2023
Most people are now aware that since March 2020 (when China restricted its borders due to COVID) it’s been a complete obstacle course - and near impossible - for most foreigners to get into China for work.
A few foreigners who already had jobs within China, were fortunate enough to have schools that assisted them with the arduous process of re-entering the country. Other schools were also able to bring over new foreigners, and favoured highly qualified candidates as they were more likely going to be approved for the visa.
If you didn’t fall into either of these categories and you got into China, you were very lucky and/or had a lot of willpower!
Unfortunately, due to the desperation of many trying to get into the country - there were a lot of scams by agencies taking money upfront, which was not necessary and never will be.
So, congratulations to everyone who was able to get into China relatively unscathed!
However - since the beginning of 2023, all restrictions have been dropped and things are pretty much back to how they were pre-COVID! So, if you want to get into the country to work, you first need to apply for the Z visa.
First of all, what is the Z visa?
The Z visa is issued to people who have been offered a legal job and the school and teacher have submitted the appropriate paperwork. This visa allows you into China with the intention to work, and is valid for 30 days.
When you arrive in China, the process begins in that 30 day period to apply for your work permit and residency visa. This can be renewed on an annual basis for as long as you choose to stay in the country to work. (And is a much easier process after the initial application).
Family members can also be attached to this visa, but will each have to complete their own visa process. Legally they won’t be allowed to work unless they’ve applied for their own Z visa.
Here is how you qualify for the Z visa:
1. Check you qualify to legally teach in China
Check your nationality
First of all, to legally teach English in China you technically need to be a native English speaker (recognised by the Chinese government.) Which means you need to be a passport holder of one of the following countries; UK, Ireland, US, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia.
Caribbean passports are also accepted in some provinces, but be aware this is not widely known amongst schools so it will be a slightly more difficult process finding a school willing to process the visa.
Yes, there are more countries that have English as their native language, however the application needs to abide by the Chinese visa regulations to get approved.
There are a couple of exceptions to the rule:
If you are a fully-licensed teacher (can legally teach in your home country) and you teach a subject that isn’t English/ English literature/kindergarten/primary homeroom, and are not from an English speaking country, you do qualify to legally teach in China. Think subjects such as Maths, PE, Physics, Chemistry, Drama, Music, etc. If you’re a fully licensed teacher, you’ll be able to apply for some excellent bilingual and international schools with excellent packages.
If you have a degree from a native-English speaking country, even if you don’t hold the native passport, many schools can also process this visa. You won’t be top of the list - but it’s definitely possible and worth a try if you are looking to teach in China.
Check your qualifications
It is necessary for every worker in China to have a Bachelor degree. If you don’t, you’ll basically be working in China illegally.
You also need at a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate. If you haven’t got one - start one now! Research which one you’d like to study and make sure it can be notarised and authenticated specifically for China. This means that the Chinese government will recognise it as a qualification when you submit your paperwork.
If you don’t have a TEFL/TESOL but do have a teaching qualification such as a PGCE, QTS, SACE, Teaching License, or Master’s in Education - you should not need a TEFL/ TESOL or CELTA.
Check your experience
It is also now highly favoured, and in some provinces essential, to have 2 years of teaching experience after you graduated. This can come from many things, and you can adapt your work experience to fit. It could be training/ tutoring/ teaching, anything in this realm - but simply you need this kind of experience and a reference letter to confirm you have two years of it.
There are exemptions; check and confirm with the job you’re applying for as not all jobs necessarily require the two years of practical experience.
Check your age
You need to be between 21-60yrs old to qualify to work in China. However once you are over 55yrs old, schools will start to consider how many years you have left to work in China as part of your application, and to bring you over from abroad might mean you unfortunately won’t be a competitive candidate.
2. Start getting your paperwork together
It’s best to start the paperwork process before or at the same time as applying for jobs in China. It’s a bit of a process so the sooner you start, the sooner you can secure a job and start work.
The paperwork you need to work in China (that will come from you and is worth preparing sooner rather than later) is as follows:
- Passport from one of the recognised countries (depending on the position)
- Additional passport photos
- Authenticated and notarised Bachelor’s degree
- Authenticated and notarised TEFL/TESOL/ teaching qualification
- Authenticated and notarised FBI/criminal background check (within 6 months)
- Reference letter of 2 years experience (confirm with school if it’s required)
- Medical examination in your home country (this is a new requirement since COVID; you now need two medical exams. One from your home country and one when you get to China).
Other paperwork required will be provided by the school/agency and they will talk you through the rest.
Getting an FBI / criminal background check
Obtaining a criminal background check, the price, and how long it takes to receive, varies from country to country. So google “getting a criminal background check in XXX country” to find out exactly how to obtain one.
Take note the length of time it will take to receive the document, as you’ll also have to get it authenticated and notarised afterwards and this time needs to be factored into your application process.
How to authenticate and notarise your documents
Authenticating your documents will vary from country to country. But this generally involves a notarisation and authentication by the Chinese embassy in your country.
Although it costs more money, the easiest way may be sending your TEFL, degree and criminal background check to a company that can sort the process out for you all in one go. It costs more, but may be worth it to save you on time, stress and travelling. Google what companies are able to do this in your country and decide if the cost is worthwhile to you.
Again, the time varies on how long this will take them so it will be another thing for you to confirm. You can also do it yourself. Google the process for the country you’re in and take it one step at a time.
Getting the medical examination at home
This can be done once you’ve secured your position. If you google “Chinese visa medical in XXXXX country” you will find where you can complete this to obtain the appropriate piece of paper for your application.
Note this will be another cost, and something else that will take up your time. There are walk-in clinics available in some areas, whereas others you may have to book an appointment.
3. Search job sites / find reputable agencies to secure a job
If you don’t have a valid job offer with a school who will send your invitation letter, you won’t be able to apply for the Z visa. So sort your CV out, record an intro video and send it to the jobs/agencies you’re happy to apply with. Make sure you are applying for jobs at the same time or after you’ve sorted your paperwork. Schools like to see candidates who are prepared, and it shows that you are not a time waster.
Make sure you ask us for any positions for overseas candidates! We will be happy to assist in searching for your ideal position in China.
Just make a note to do your research on the places you’re applying to. Consider which ages you’d prefer to teach - and don’t work with anyone who asks you for money upfront.
When you find a job you like, read through the contract carefully. Keep in mind that you have many initial costs (the paperwork and getting it authenticated, flights, quarantine, etc). You may be able to negotiate to include in your contract (if it isn’t already), a flight reimbursement and a quarantine reimbursement upon completion of your probation period or contract.
4. Apply for the Z visa
Congratulations! You’ve secured your job! Your school should now be assisting you in the rest of the paperwork process and letting you know of everything you need to do to ensure a smooth process.
They will provide you with more paperwork, so ensure to collect everything that is sent to you, and you’ve sorted yourself from the above list.
Once you have collected all your paperwork, (make sure you’ve got everything completed on your side as quickly as possible) you’ll need to book an appointment at your local Chinese consulate to put in your Z visa application. We recommend taking at least 2 photocopies of everything - better to be safe than sorry!
It usually takes around 4 working days for a Z visa to be approved. As soon as you’ve received your passport with your Z visa inside of it, you can fly to China.
5. Flying to China
Now that the borders are open, there are an array of choices for flights. Many direct options are now available depending on which country you’re from! Get ready to land and immerse yourself in a brand new culture.
Congratulations - you got to China!
Your school will now help you with applying for your work permit and residency permit. Yes - this will mean another medical examination, and more visits to bureaus.
But once the first month or two is done, you can start living life and enjoying your new China experience.