visa

Working in China legally is one of the most important aspects of Teaching English in China. Pre-departure, CIEE guides you through the necessary steps and paperwork to obtain a “Z visa”. The visa work is simple for you because we obtain all of the contracts and paperwork from your Chinese host school for you. You will complete 2-3 brief forms, and send them with your passport and Chinese work documents to our visa processing agent. Your processed passport will be returned to you before you depart, in some cases JUST before you depart for China*.

After your arrival at school, your institution will coordinate all legal documentation associated with working in China and assist with obtaining this paperwork which will be your work permit. Staying legal in China is very important!

A “Z visa” is the key to a successful time working in China. It allows you to register with the local officials in China for maximum safety and assistance on your trip. Beyond this, a “Z visa” allows you multiple entries into the country if you want to travel in other parts of Asia during your time teaching English in China. All CIEE participants work in China on a “Z visa”. CIEE in-country staff will update you on what you need to do to maintain your visa status while in China and what you need to do if you exit and re-enter.

Note: Due to Chinese visa processing constraints, it will be necessary for you to submit your U.S. passport and supporting documents for processing approximately six weeks prior to the program start date. You should not have plans to use your passport between this date and your departure for China. There are times when the visa process will seem, by Western standards, to be very “last minute.” Consider this to be part of the experience and welcome to Chinese time!