One of the most common questions teachers ask after submitting their initial application is, “How long will the entire process take until I’m teaching in China?” This is a reasonable inquiry, as most teachers wish to have a rough timeline for when they might leave for China. Knowing this timeframe allows teachers to plan important matters, such as giving notice to their current employers and spending time with family and friends before their departure.
In this blog post, we will break down each step involved in the process of moving to China to teach English. We’ll explain how long each step typically takes and highlight factors that may expedite or delay the process.
1. Application to Offer Acceptance – 2 Weeks
The journey begins when you indicate your interest in teaching English in China by applying (Apply Now) through our website. We typically respond to applications within 48 hours to arrange an initial call. During this conversation, we learn more about the type of position you’re seeking and begin arranging interviews with suitable schools. Our partner schools usually provide immediate feedback on submitted CVs. If you have the required skills and experience, you can expect to be invited for a first-stage interview within 3-4 days.
Most schools follow a two-stage interview process, which typically spans one week. If you are successful, an offer will be extended to you shortly after both interviews are conducted. Once you receive an offer, a member of our team will review your contract with you, addressing any questions you may have before you officially accept.
2. Document Authentication – 2 – 4 Weeks
After accepting an offer, you’ll begin the process for your Chinese Z Visa. The first step involves getting the necessary documents authenticated, including your Bachelor’s Degree, TEFL Certificate, and Criminal Record Check. We provide detailed guidance on how to navigate this process in our Visa Guide.
You can choose to complete this stage either independently or with the help of a visa agent. While using a visa agent may incur additional costs, it can also save you valuable time. Additionally, the location of your school in China affects the duration of this step. If your school is in Beijing, you will need to undergo a medical examination in your home country and send your authenticated documents to Beijing. Conversely, if your school is located outside of Beijing, you can simply email scans of your authenticated documents, and a medical examination is not required in advance.
3. Work Permit Notice Application – 2 Weeks
Once your documents are authenticated and sent to your school, they will apply for your Work Permit Notice in China. This process generally takes about two weeks to complete.
4. Obtain Visa – 1 Week
With your Work Permit Notice in hand, you can apply for your Chinese Z Visa. To do this, you’ll need to visit the nearest Chinese Visa Centre and submit your application (detailed instructions can be found in our Visa Guide). Your Z Visa will typically be issued within 3-4 working days and placed in your passport.
5. Prepare to Fly – 1 – 2 Weeks
After obtaining your Z Visa, you’ll be ready to fly to China. The duration of this stage depends entirely on your circumstances. Some teachers prefer to depart immediately after receiving their visa, while others may want to spend a few weeks saying their goodbyes and preparing for the move. Generally, most teachers are on a flight to China within two weeks of receiving their visa.
6. Arrive in China – 1 – 2 Weeks
As discussed in our blog post “Your First Few Weeks in China – What to Expect“, you won’t start teaching right away upon arrival. Your first 1-2 weeks will involve settling in—finding an apartment, opening a bank account, finalizing your residency permit, attending orientation, and participating in teacher training. Once you’ve completed these essential steps, you’ll be ready to step in front of a classroom and begin teaching!
