Guide to employment in China: Diploma authentication, work permit and more

Nowadays many people go to China to find opportunities working there, as English teachers, pilots, or professionals in financial or technical areas. To work legally in China, you will need a work visa. This page discusses the general steps to get a work visa.

I. General steps to get a work visa (Z)

1. Find an employer that would hire you.
2. Authenticate your diploma, background check (criminal history check), and teaching certificate (if needed). This may take 3-8 weeks.
3. Your employer applies for a work permit for you. This may take 2-4 weeks.
4. Apply for Chinese work visa (Z visa). This may take 1-2 weeks.
5. Fly to China and start working.

A Work Permit is needed to apply for work visa at the Chinese consulate in US.

Applying for a work visa itself does not need authentication of your diploma or criminal record check -- only work permit is needed. However, when your employer applies for work permit on your behalf, diploma and criminal record check authentications are needed. Please plan ahead, as the authentication process may take 3-8 weeks.

For the Employment Permit, even though the original is required, we found that a scanned copy will work without any issue. However, we suggest that you provide the original if possible.

II. Timing considerations

Diploma and teaching certificate: no expiration date once authenticated by the consulate.

Criminal record: valid for 6 months from date of issue (i.e. date you obtain the report from local police, sheriff, or state and federal agencies).

When to do authentication

Notary to consulate: 6 months

Once you start the process, please finish it, otherwise you risk wasting your money.

VI. Questions and Answers

Q: Can you help me getting the work permit?

A: No. We are based in US and do not know the exact process involved to apply for work permit in China. However, it is your prospective employer's responsibility to handle this process, no other agencies can help.