Japan is one of the most popular destinations for English teachers worldwide, thanks to its rich culture, high demand for native speakers, and competitive salaries. If you’re considering teaching English in Japan, you’ll need to meet certain qualifications and understand the requirements. 

A. Bachelor’s Degree

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field is required for obtaining a work visa. While your degree doesn’t have to be in English or education, having a background in these areas can give you an advantage. Some schools may also prefer candidates with degrees in linguistics, education, or English to ensure a strong teaching foundation.

B. Native or Near-Native English Proficiency

Most schools and programs require teachers to be native English speakers or have native-level fluency. Many employers prefer applicants from English-speaking countries such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. However, non-native speakers with high proficiency and strong teaching credentials can also secure positions.

C. TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA Certification (Preferred but Not Always Required)

While a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is not mandatory, it can enhance your job prospects and salary. Some employers, particularly international schools and high-end English conversation schools (Eikaiwa), prefer candidates with at least 120 hours of TEFL training. In some cases, schools offer in-house training or financial assistance for certification.

D. Clean Criminal Record

A background check is typically required, especially if you’re working with children. Having a criminal record may disqualify you from obtaining a work visa or being hired by employers. It is advisable to obtain a police clearance certificate before applying to ensure a smooth hiring process.

E. Health and Medical Requirements

Some employers may require a medical check-up to ensure you are in good health, particularly for long-term contracts. Conditions that require ongoing medical care should be considered when planning a move to Japan, as healthcare access and medication availability may differ from your home country.

F. Enthusiasm and Adaptability

Employers look for candidates who are not only qualified but also enthusiastic about teaching and willing to adapt to Japanese culture. Strong communication skills, patience, and an open-minded approach to cultural differences will help in creating a positive classroom environment and adjusting to life in Japan.

Teaching Nomad can make this process a breeze for you! We provide document authentications services AND visa application services! Even if you just have some simple authentication questions, feel free to reach out! 

Picture this: you figured out which documents you needed to have to apply for your visa to South Korea You have your itenerary planned, your passport is up to date, all your documents are safely tucked in a folder. You go to check if you can mail in your visa application to the South Korean Embassy and then you notice two things; visa applications have to be submitted in person and the Embassy in DC only accepts applications from specific states!

If this situation sounds familiar, we’re here to help. Below we’ll outline the South Korea Consulates’ map and their jurisdictions so you don’t have to be confused about where your documents need to go.

 

The Map

 

The Jurisdictions

* The State of Alaska has its own Consulate-General in Anchorage*

*The Cities of Dallas & Fort Worth, Texas have their own Consulate-General in Dallas*

South Korean Embassy

Visa Office Address:  2450 Massachusetts Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008

Maryland

Virginia

Washington DC

West Virginia

 

South Korean Consulate-General in New York

Visa Office Address: 460 Park Ave 6th Fl, New York, NY 10022

Connecticut

Delaware

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

 

South Korean Consulate-General in San Francisco

Visa Office Address: 1450 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA94115

Alaska	Washington
Idaho	Wyoming
Montana
Nevada
Northern California
Oregon

 

South Korean Consulate-General in Los Angeles

Visa Office Address:  3243 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Arizona

New Mexico

Nevada

Southern California

 

South Korean Consulate-General in Houston

Visa Office Address: 1990 Post Oak Blvd #1250, Houston, TX 77056

Arkansas

Louisiana

Mississippi

Oklahoma

Texas

 

South Korean Consulate-General in Chicago

Visa Office Address: NBC Tower, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr #2700, Chicago, IL 60611

Illinois	Minnesota	Wisconsin
Indiana	Missouri
Iowa	North Dakota
Kansas	Nebraska
Kentucky	Ohio
Michigan	South Dakota

 

South Korean Consulate-General in Boston

Visa Office Address: 300 Washington St #251, Newton, MA 02458

Maine

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Vermont

 

South Korean Consulate-General in Seattle

Visa Office Address: 115 W Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98119

Idaho

Montana

Oregon

Washington

 

South Korea Consulate-General in Atlanta

Visa Office Address: 229 Peachtree St #2100, Atlanta, GA 30303

Alabama	Tennessee
Florida	U.S. Virgin Islands
Georgia
North Carolina
Puerto Rico
South Carolina

 

South Korean Consulate-General in Honolulu

Visa Office Address: 2756 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817

American Samoa

Guam

Hawai’i

Northern Mariana Islands

China, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has long managed the movement of people across its borders. The history of Chinese visas is a reflection of the country’s evolving political landscape, economic development, and diplomatic relations. From ancient travel permits to the modern visa system, China has continuously adapted its immigration policies to balance security with international exchange.

Ancient Travel and Early Border Control

In ancient China, movement across regions was often regulated by local rulers and dynasties. During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), officials issued travel permits to merchants and envoys traveling along the Silk Road, one of the world’s most famous trade routes. These documents functioned similarly to visas, allowing passage through different territories while ensuring control over foreign interactions.

During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), China became a major hub for international trade, culture, and diplomacy. Foreigners, especially from Central Asia, Persia, and even Europe, needed official permission to enter the empire. The Chinese government required foreign visitors to register upon arrival, much like today’s visa application process.

The Ming and Qing Dynasties: Increasing Restrictions

As China’s rulers became more concerned with security and maintaining control over foreign influences, travel regulations became stricter. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) introduced official border passes to regulate trade and diplomacy. Foreign traders and diplomats were required to present credentials before entering China.

The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) took this control even further, especially after Western powers began increasing their presence in China. The empire restricted foreign travel to specific ports and implemented a “closed-door” policy. This was particularly evident in the Canton System, which limited foreign trade to the port of Guangzhou (Canton). Foreign merchants had to obtain special permits—early forms of visas—to conduct business.

The 20th Century: The Birth of the Modern Chinese Visa System

With the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 and the rise of the Republic of China, a more structured visa system began to take shape. China began issuing official visas to regulate the entry of foreigners, particularly as international diplomacy and trade expanded.

However, the political landscape changed dramatically in 1949 when the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established. Under Mao Zedong’s leadership, China adopted strict entry and exit policies. Travel to and from China was heavily restricted, with very few visas issued to foreigners. Only diplomats, select businesspeople, and those with government approval were allowed entry.

Reform and Opening: The Evolution of Modern Visas

China’s visa policies began to change in the late 20th century, particularly under Deng Xiaoping’s reforms in the 1980s. As China opened up to the world and pursued economic growth, the country introduced more structured visa categories.

In 1985, China officially established its Visa Law, which categorized visas based on purpose, including tourism, business, study, and work. This marked the beginning of China’s modern visa system, encouraging more foreign visitors while maintaining government control over immigration.

21st Century: E-Visas, Visa-Free Travel, and Changing Policies

Today, China’s visa system is among the most structured in the world, reflecting its global influence and economic power. Some key developments include:

• Visa-Free Policies: China has signed visa-free agreements with several countries for short-term visits, particularly in Asia and South America.
• E-Visa and 72/144-Hour Transit Visas: China introduced electronic visa applications and transit visa exemptions for travelers passing through major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
• Work and Business Visas: As China became a global business hub, new visa categories (such as the Talent Visa for skilled professionals) were introduced.
• COVID-19 Impact: During the pandemic, China imposed some of the strictest travel restrictions in the world. However, by 2023, it began reissuing visas and relaxing entry rules.

Conclusion

The history of Chinese visas mirrors the country’s broader political and economic transformations. From ancient Silk Road travel permits to modern e-visas, China has continually adapted its visa policies to suit its national interests.

As China continues to strengthen its global ties, visa regulations will likely evolve further, balancing security concerns with the need to attract international tourists, investors, and skilled workers.

If you’re headed to China to teach, the visa process can feel a bit daunting. No to worry though, we’ve created this guide to help walk you through the work visa process, as well as to help you figure out which other visas your family members will need if you’re bringing them along.

The visas that are relevant for teachers headed to China:

• Z Visa – Work visa
• L Visa – Tourist visa
• S Visa – Relative visa
• D Visa – Residence visa

Getting a Visa in China

To legally teach in China, you’ll need to obtain a work visa through your employer or a service.

Sometimes employers will have you come over to China on a tourist visa, but you’ll need to have them convert it to a work visa prior to beginning your job.

If you’re bringing your spouse along with you, they’ll need to acquire a relative visa & relative residence permit. The same goes for your children.

Lastly, as a teacher, you’ll need to get a residence permit/visa from your school once you’re in China and teaching. This allows you to stay in the country long-term while you teach.

Z Visa (work visa)

Required documents:

In order to begin the process of obtaining a Z visa, you first need to have signed a contract of employment with an employer in China.

Your employer then obtains two pieces of documentation. The first of these is the “Work Permit,” and the other is the “Invitation Letter.” Both documents must be submitted with your visa application. The Chinese Consulates will require your Work Permit to be in both Chinese and English, so keep this in mind when you discuss this process with your employer. 

Your employer requires your CV, a reference letter, apostilled versions of your university degree(s), teaching certificates, and background check, as well as a photocopy of your passport to obtain these documents.

Only schools that are legally allowed to hire foreigners are able to provide these documents. Furthermore, you will likely need to undergo a medical check, both/either in your home country and/or in China.

Fill out the COVA Form. Make sure you answer every question, and when you’re done, print it out (in color) and sign it in wet ink. Black ink is typically more accepted. 

Create photocopies of the biopage of your passport, your latest Chinese Visa (if you have one), and proof of residency. These will all need to be printed out (in color) to apply for your visa.

If your last name has changed since your last Chinese visa, you must provide proof of your name change. 

Document authentication:

To get a Z visa in China, you must apostille your degree and background check. You almost always need to apostille your teaching credential (TEFL, teaching license, or letter of experience) as well, though in rare cases, it won’t be necessary.

If you’re bringing your spouse and/or children, you’ll also need to apostille your marriage license and the birth certificates of your children to apply for their S visas. 

The document authentication process can get quite complicated. You can order this service through us, or you can choose to read more information about it on our website.

Obtaining a Z visa:

Once your employer has sent you the required documents, you may then apply for a Z visa. Along with your passport, you will need to submit these documents to the Chinese Embassy in your home country. Make sure you are submitting your documents to the correct Chinese Consulate as they all have different jurisdictions and your application will be denied if it goes to the wrong one. 

If you don’t currently reside near a consulate you’ll need to use a visa agent to submit your visa paperwork to the consulate or embassy for you, as it has to be done in person. Teaching Nomad can submit your application on your behalf. 

Order visa service

Depending on processing time, in a few days or a week, you will get your passport back in the mail with a temporary “Z visa” inside. This temporary visa is good for 30 days and is designed for you to enter China.

Registering with the police:

You must register your stay with the local police within 15 days of your arrival in China. You will need your passport for this and usually a copy of your lease. The police will provide you with a “Registration Form of Temporary Residence.” Failure to obtain this document may result in steep fines. If you are residing in a hotel or hostel, the hotel staff can usually do this for you on the spot.

Finishing the process:

Once you’re in China, your school will assist you in converting your temporary visa into a “Foreign Expert Certification” or “Alien Employment Permit” along with a “Residence Permit”.

This process could take around a month. In the meantime, the government requires you to have a physical exam done. Even if you’ve already had one done elsewhere, you’ll likely need to do it again in China.

L Visa (tourist visa)

Obtaining an L visa:

Sometimes your Chinese employer will have you enter China on a tourist visa while they work on preparing the documents that you’ll need to get your work or Z visa. This is perfectly normal, but you cannot work on this visa.

Going to China on a tourist visa allows you to have some settling in time, which is great for teachers that have never lived in China before.

To get an L visa for China, you will either need to go to the appropriate consulate in person or hire an agent to do it on your behalf. If you’re a U.S. citizen, Teaching Nomad can obtain this for you.

 

Order visa service

Once you place an order, we’ll get back to you with more details on next steps.

Things to know:

L visas can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, and the duration of your stay can be 30-90 days, so choose wisely. You’ll need to get your Z visa within the time frame that your L visa is good for, otherwise, you’ll need to leave the country.

S Visa (relative visa)

Obtaining an S visa:

The S visa works in a similar manner to the Z visa. The person that is teaching in China will get the invitation letter and work permit so that they can get their Z visa.

The teacher’s spouse and children will also use these documents to apply for their S visas. Once you have arrived in China on an S visa, you will need to get your residence permit. The teacher’s school will often help with this process and you can all get your residence permits at the same time.

D Visa (residence visa)

Obtaining a D visa:

Once you have your Z visa in China, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit/visa. This allows you to live and work in China for an extended period of time. If you get caught living in China without a residence visa after a certain period of time, there are serious consequences.

Your employer will likely help you obtain your residence permit/visa through the proper government authority. You need to apply for this within 30 days of your arrival in China.

Still looking for a teaching position in China? Check out our job board!

Available jobs in China

Check out the visa info sheet:

 

If you’re considering teaching English as a second or foreign language, you’ve likely come across three popular certifications: CELTA, TEFL, and TESOL. While they all prepare you for a career in teaching English, each has distinct features, costs, and time commitments. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which certification aligns best with your goals.

What Are They?

CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults): Offered by Cambridge University, CELTA is one of the most prestigious and globally recognized certifications. It focuses on teaching adults and emphasizes practical teaching skills. CELTA courses are standardized, ensuring consistent quality worldwide.

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language): TEFL is a broad term encompassing various certifications aimed at preparing individuals to teach English to non-native speakers. It is not governed by a single organization, so course content and quality can vary significantly depending on the provider. TEFL certifications are typically geared toward teaching in non-English-speaking countries.

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): TESOL is similar to TEFL but has a slightly broader scope. It prepares teachers to work with non-native English speakers in both English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries. Like TEFL, TESOL is offered by many providers, with varying levels of accreditation and quality.

Cost Comparison

• CELTA: The cost ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the location and whether the course is online or in-person. The higher cost reflects the course’s reputation and comprehensive nature.
• TEFL: Prices vary widely, from $200 for budget online courses to over $2,000 for in-depth, in-person programs. Accreditation and course hours often influence the price.
• TESOL: TESOL courses typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the provider and whether the course is online or classroom-based. Accredited programs tend to cost more.

Time Commitment

• CELTA: The course is intensive, requiring 4 to 5 weeks for full-time study. Part-time options spread over several months are also available but require consistent weekly commitments.
• TEFL: Course length varies greatly, ranging from 40 to 150+ hours. Some programs can be completed in a few weeks, while others may take months, especially if they include teaching practice.
• TESOL: Most TESOL courses require between 100 and 150 hours, which can be completed in 1 to 3 months depending on the pace and whether the program includes practical components.

Key Differences

• Accreditation and Reputation: CELTA is universally recognized and highly respected by employers. TEFL and TESOL certifications vary in credibility depending on the provider.
• Practical Teaching Experience: CELTA includes a robust teaching practice component with real students, while many TEFL and TESOL courses offer this as an optional or limited feature.
• Flexibility: TEFL and TESOL programs often provide more flexibility in terms of cost, format (online or in-person), and time commitment, making them accessible to a wider range of individuals.
• Target Audience: CELTA focuses on teaching adults, whereas TEFL and TESOL cater to broader age groups and settings.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose CELTA if you’re looking for a highly regarded certification with hands-on teaching practice and plan to work in competitive markets.
• Choose TEFL if you’re seeking an affordable, flexible option and want to teach in non-English-speaking countries without breaking the bank.
• Choose TESOL if you aim to teach both abroad and in English-speaking countries and prefer a balance between affordability and global applicability.

Final Thoughts

Your choice of certification depends on your career goals, budget, and the time you’re willing to invest. CELTA is ideal for those seeking a gold-standard qualification, while TEFL and TESOL offer flexibility and accessibility for diverse teaching contexts. Regardless of your choice, these certifications open doors to a rewarding career in English language teaching.