The process for obtaining entry to China for the purpose of employment as a Foreign Teacher will be initiated by the Beijing Office. The visa issued for initial entry is a Z visa and it has a life span of (normally) up to 30 days.

• The required documents from the host school are forwarded to teachers individually. A passport size photograph is to be attached to the form prior to the application being lodged. The completed visa application accompanied by the letter of invite, the working permit, original medical examination paper, and the applicant's passport is forwarded to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate office.


• When the Z visa is issued the applicant's passport and original medical examination papers will be returned to the individual.


• The time for processing a visa application varies but is normally close to one working week, however securing the necessary documents from the host school can take up to 1 month.


• Within thirty days of the teacher's arrival in China (under the Z visa) the host school must apply on the teacher's behalf to the local government authority for further documentation. The documentation consists of a Residence Permit and a formal Foreign Expert Certificate. The residence permit replaces the Z visa issued for entry to China . The school is responsible for the cost of the Residence Permit which will usually be in the form of a multiple entry visa in the teacher's passport.