Obtaining a visa is necessary for entry into China. There are several types of visas granted by the embassy. The most common ones foreign teachers will need are Tourist Visa (Type L) or Employment/Work Visa (Type Z).
Tourist Visa (Type L)
This type of visa is necessary for teachers who will stay in China for less than 3 months. This is ideal for teachers who are teaching on a short term basis (1-3 months). Usually, we ask our summer program teachers or other short program teachers to apply for this type of visa. WSIEA will provide all contact information needed for you to fill out on your visa form once your teaching contract is signed.
Detailed information through the consulate may be obtained at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84246.htm
Because it costs the same for a single entry visa versus a multiple entry visa, we do recommend the latter in case you have the opportunity to go to China again within the allowed time frame.
Work/Employment Visa (Type Z)
Long term teachers will need a Type Z visa to legally work in China for a period of time (generally 6 months or longer). Your visa application’s approval is conducted through the school, China’s Ministry of Education, and the Chinese Embassy. The process can take 2-3 months. Documents needed to initiate your visa application are your degree diploma (letters of completion will not suffice), teaching certificates (if applicable), and signed teaching contract. The school you will be teaching at will apply for the documents necessary from the Ministry of Education. Once the documents are received, we will forward them to you so you may apply for your Z visa at your local consulate.
Due to the long process of obtaining a Z visa, time might be limited and there is the opportunity of missed classes while waiting for your visa approval. Therefore, if you enter China with a tourist visa, the school will help you obtain your Z visa through their local Ministry of Education and Consulate without additional charges.
Detailed information through the consulate may be obtained at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84245.htm
Again, it is recommended for you to obtain a multiple entry visa versus a single entry visa due to similar costs.
To download visa applications, click HERE .