This can be ambiguous contingent on who you know or who your friends know or who is processing the visa applications on any given day. It is our understanding here at Footprints Recruiting that all states in China have now moved to specifically require that all English teachers have bachelor's degrees in order to qualify for the Foreign Expert's License.

In order to qualify for a Z-Visa (which is a working visa in China) you have to have either a Work Permit for Aliens (nice name I know) or a Foreign Expert's License. This also has to be accompanied by a visa notification letter.

Those without degrees might look at what it takes to get Work Permit for Aliens but unfortunately, Footprints will not be able to work with you.

The requirements to qualify to teach English in China with Footprints are:

1. you must be a native English speaker WITH a passport from one of these countries:
   • Australia
   • Canada
   • Ireland
   • New Zealand
   • South Africa
   • the United Kingdom
   • the United States of America
2. you must have at least a 4 year bachelor's degree  
3. ESL Certification or teaching credentials (most schools will have a difficult time getting you a work permit without one)*
4. must have graduated from College/University for 2 years or more**

*Although you are still able to find a job in China without ESL certification, your options will be much more limited.  The success rate of obtaining a work permit is greatly improved if you have ESL certification or teaching credentials.

 **The Chinese Public Security Bureau is making things a lot tougher for new graduates to obtain a work permit for China, especially if you do not have a lot work experience.  This is especially apparent in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.