Gathering Documents
Before travelling out to China, you will need to complete the unfortunately tedious process of obtaining your documents and getting everything ready. Many of the problems associated with travelling can be prevented by taking a few simple measures to have a worry free experience with your new life!. Use the gathering documents links below to help.
Apply
Send your CV / Resume, Photo and any additional documents you have. Other documents will be requested at a later date.
Interview
An interview will be arranged, preferably via wechat but skype will be acceptable. You will be walked through what to expect and matched
Interview with your school / Workplace
You will have a follow up interview with the director or principal of the school you will work at
Contract
If successful, you will be provided a contract to be signed and returned and begin visa preparations
Checklist
- CV / Resume
- TEFL / TESOL / CELTA (if held)
- Degree scan
- Photo of yourself
- Health Check Medical Form
- Passport Scan
- Reference Letter
- Degree apostilled
- Criminal record (to be apostilled)
Criminal Record Links
Type of Check: Americans must submit national level criminal record checks from the FBI – no exceptions.
Timeline: FBI checks can take up to 2 months to process; therefore, it’s imperative for American’s to order their checks in advance
How: FBI application form, FBI fingerprint form, FBI checklist to be completed
Information: Here is a link how to get your criminal record background check:
FBI Reports – For obtaining the document
Step 1
Get your fingerprinted taken at a local police station, you may be given a form or it can be printed from here.
Step 2
Print and complete the Form 1-783.
- Include a check or credit card form of $18 per copy of the results.
Step 3
Send to:
FBI CJIS Division – Record Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
Step 4
It normally takes about 4 to 12 weeks to be returned. If not, you may call them at (304) 625-2000Â
Step 5
Fill out the Form DS-4194 to obtain an apostille from the U.S. Department of State (USDOS). The slowest way would be send directly to the USDOS. Express mail a completed Form, a check or money order for $8 per document, and a prepaid self addressed express envelope to
U.S. Department of State
Authentications Office
518 23rd Street, NW SA-1
Columbia Plaza
Washington, DC 20520
Alternatively, the fastest way would be to make an appointment in person
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Finally you”re ready!
Gathering your documents for British applicants
Type of Check: A Disclosure and Barring service document. Only a standard DBS is needed.
Timeline: A DBS can take up to 4 weeks but is usually completed within two
How: UK citizens needs to apply for standard/basic disclosure through Disclosure Scotland. Forms of ID, application form and money are needed.
Information for obtaining the document:
Disclosure Scotland – (25 GBP)
Disclosure England & Wales (23 GBP)
Disclosure Northern Ireland (18 GBP)
Type of check: Nationwide Criminal record check (has several different names)
Timeline: 2 – 4 weeks
How: There are two options to choose;
- Use a service such as Commissionaires. It has been shown to be reliable and the website information will guide you through the process.
- Order your nationwide criminal record check at the local police station. Find your local police station or ring them to ask what is needed.
Information: The original way was using the RCMP website, but you will not need to do this.
Type of Check: National Police check.
Timeline: A national police check can take up to 4 weeks but will usually arrive within 1-2. How: A national police check requires an application form to be completed and forms of ID to be submitted.
Information: The government website offers a detailed account into what is needed, accompanied with links to application forms.
Type of Check: Criminal record
Timeline: Within 20 working days
How: Printing and completing the Priv/F1 application form and sending it along with a copy of ID. Applications for visa should have cover sheet stating you will require the result to be on original letterhead with ink signature.
Information: All information is laid out on the NZ ministry of justice website
Gathering your documents for Irish Citizens
Type of Check: Police Certificate
Timeline: Up to 6 weeks but average returns are 2-3 weeks
How: Go to your district superintendent (local Garda) and bring with you; proof of address, information about all addresses you have lived in previously, copy of passport or driver’s license, a stamp and letter with return address, money for application
Information: Information can be found on the Garda site. It is recommended to search and then ring your local Garda to determine if it’s the right place to attend and clarify what exactly is needed.
Type of Check: Police clearance check
Timeline: 4 – 12 weeks
How: A full set of fingerprints are needed (obtained by going to the local police station). A series of information is needed, more detail can be found at the SAPS website and DFA consular website.