In 2016, apart from the previous documents needed, such as passport, non-criminal record., etc, foreign experts now need an additional process, which is the authentification of diploma. So do you really know about work (Z) visa? Here are the five Q&A Boren prepares for you:

Q:Am I qualified to apply for a work (Z) visa for teaching?

A: If you are English native speakers, hold at least a BA degree, have non-criminal record either by the local police or FBI, have two years teaching experience after graduation, you can apply for the work visa. If you graduated for less than two years, you need to take TEFL in China, other countries’ teacher certificates don’t count.

Q: What is the application process for a work (Z) visa?

A: Chinese regulations state that a foreign expert needs a Foreign Experts Work Permit, visa notification from an employer with government authorization, and passport. A visa can be obtained from Chinese embassies, consulates general, visa offices, the office of the commissioner of Foreign Affairs Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or any other overseas organizations with Foreign Affairs Ministry authorization.

Q: What documents do I need for applying for the work (Z) visa?

A: Any teachers who are supposed to work in China needs to get the following documents prepared so that the school can apply work permit and invitation letter (both issued by local administrative government) for you:

u   Digital copy of passport

u   Contract (signed)

u   CV (there is a CV form to fill in)

u   Digital copies of bachelor degree & teaching certificates (2-years of full-time teaching experience)

u   Medical test report

u   Non-criminal record from your country

u   Picture of yourself

u   Reference letter (original one, not digital)

u  Online evaluation test

Q: With a Z visa, what documents are needed to apply for the residence permit?

A:   1. International travel document, e.g. diplomatic, official, or ordinary passport.

      2. Written application form and one 2-inch ID photo.

3. Foreign Expert Certificate, Permit for Foreign Personnel in offshore petroleum operations, or approval letter from the Ministry of Culture or provincial, autonomous region, or municipal culture offices.

4.Family members of the applicant with a Z or J-1 visa need an official letter from the employer and the spouse needs to supply a marriage certificate, while parents or children need proof of kinship.

***According to newly updated China visa policy, apart from the original paper documents needed, State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs demand bachelor degree’s verification of Foreign Experts.

Q: How to get verified for my bachelor (or master) degree?

1.       First-grade Notary: Verify in the Notary Public in the county you live.

2.       Second-grade Notary: Take the degree to Secretary of State (Authentication Office), asking for an Apostille.

3.       Third-grade Notary: Take the Apostle and certificate to Chinese Embassy for the verification.

If you have trouble in work visa or foreign teacher experts, please feel free to contact SuzhouBoren.