Working Z Visa

The Chinese work (Z) visa is a visa to work in China. The visa that allows you to stay in China for extended periods of time of about roughly 1 year. This visa is usually granted to English teachers by means of a Foreign Expert Certificate granted by the Chinese government. The Foreign Expert Certificate requires an application from the prospective Foreign Expert, their resume, along with the authenticated/apostilled copies of their highest diploma and background check. The decision to grant the Foreign Expert Certificate is largely based on the people at the local bureau handling the application.

The process is relatively straightforward but is can take time. Once you’ve accepted a job offer and signed the contract, follow the steps below. Please note, however, that requirements for some provinces and schools can differ, so please check with the school each step of the way.

 1)    Get your documents together (Compile the following documents):

a)    Degree certificate

b)    TEFL/certificate (if applicable)

c)     Criminal record check

d)    Health check (only valid for 6 months since the date issued) 

e)    Passport info page

f)     Passport-style photos

g)    Resume, reference letters (reference letters are different than the experienced letter required for the visa to show that the applicant has the relevant work experience.)

 2)    Get some of your documents legalized [ your highest degree certificate, TEFL certificate (if applicable) and criminal record check (only valid for 6 months since the date issued) must be legalized] You need to get these documents:

a)    notarized by a notary public

b)    authenticated/apostilled by the foreign affairs department of your country.

Note: Degree must either (a) be notarized and authenticated/apostilled on one’s home country or (b) can be verified in China through a government office-Chinese Service Center For Scholarly Exchange, but the original degree is required. 

 3)    How do you get your documents notarized?

You need to provide your documents to a notary public. There are senior legal practitioners who prepare, attest, witness and certify legal documents for use overseas. That service provided by a notary public will incur a fee.

 4)    How do you get your documents authenticated?

You need to submit your documents to the foreign affairs department of your home country. Click on the relevant link for your country's requirements for authentication. 

USA - U.S. Department of State

Canada - Global Affairs Canada

UK - Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Ireland - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Australia - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

New Zealand - Foreign Affairs & Trade

Note that government authentication services will incur a fee.

 5)    The work permit issue

The work permit will be an electronic one in Chinese and English as well. You can just print it out then submit it to Chinese embassy/Consulate or Chinese Visa Service Centre. After arriving at the school, foreigner’s work permit certificate will be issued and the number of work permit will be permanent wherever you teach later.