The essentials you’ll need to get a working ‘Z’ visa in China are a passport from either the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand, a bachelor’s degree and either a TEFL certificate or a minimum of two years teaching experience. Although China’s got a high demand for English teachers, they’re also quite picky about who they employ. Before you dive straight in and apply for a ‘Z’ visa, you’ll actually need a job offer and a contract from your employer to prove it. If you qualify to apply, you’ll also need a clean criminal record, a medical check, references and you’ll have to have all of your TEFL and degree certificates legalised (notarised) to show their legitimacy. Unfortunately, non-degree holders won’t be able to apply for a ‘Z’ visa but if you’re willing to take the risk, it’s possible to find some under-the-table work due to schools being desperate for English teachers. But beware, this comes with the drawback that you may be arrested and deported for illegally working on a tourist visa.