TEFL / TESOL Blog
The visa application process is daunting. People assume that applying for a visa will be a time-consuming process that involves numerous journeys to the closest embassy, a ton of paperwork, and sharing a lot of personal information.
But if you understand how it's done, it's simpler. Knowing what kind of visa, you will require after completing a 120-hour TEFL course online to enter any foreign nation is always crucial. Therefore, doing your study in advance is essential when teaching English overseas. The various kinds of visas you can come across are listed below.
Let's answer a few questions first, though.
Do I Need A Visa To Be A TEFL Teacher Abroad?
The country in which you intend to teach will determine the particular requirements for acquiring a visa. You will frequently need to get a work visa or permit, which may call for your employer's sponsorship or documentation of your credentials.
There are numerous varieties of visas, and every government will have its regulations governing visas and foreign nationals' access to the nation for any of the previously listed purposes.
Sometimes it will be so easy that all you have to do to get in at a foreign airport is show your passport to get it stamped. In other situations, applying for a visa necessitates a drawn-out and complicated process that may involve presenting several documents proving your identification and your purpose to work, reside, travel, and/or study in the destination country.
Which Visa Is Best For Teachers?
The following visa categories are pertinent to teaching English overseas:
In most countries, foreign workers need a work visa or work permit to be employed. In 90% of cases, obtaining a visa requires a job offer, with the employer acting as a sponsor. Each country has different procedures for issuing work visas. Some countries, like South Korea, Japan, China, and Middle Eastern countries, require workers to apply for a work visa in advance.
They are also asked to submit proof of employment, a passport, and additional documents like a background check or TEFL certification. In other countries, such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, Thailand, and Turkey, teachers may get hired locally and apply for a work visa after arrival, with similar documentation required.
A tourist visa allows individuals to visit a country for leisure or as a guest, typically for 90 days or less, without the intention to work, study, or reside long-term. It may be issued upon arrival for free (e.g., American tourists in many European countries) or for a small fee (e.g., $20-$25 in Cambodia or Turkey). Some countries, like Argentina, charge a ‘reciprocity’ fee every ten years.
For certain destinations, you must apply for a tourist visa in advance, with fees ranging from $20 to $120. In some cases, citizens from regions such as Africa, South Asia, and Latin America may need to provide proof of financial resources or return travel, and may even need to attend an interview. Processing times and requirements vary by country.
Some countries have bilateral agreements that allow citizens, usually between 18 and 30 (or sometimes 35), to apply for a working holiday visa. This visa allows individuals to travel and work for up to one year. However, while Australia has many such agreements, the U.S. has very few, making it less feasible for Americans to use this option for working in countries like Europe.
Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have extensive working holiday agreements with nations such as France, Italy, and Germany. To apply, eligible citizens must submit their application in advance, providing proof of health insurance, financial resources, and travel reservations. For more detailed information, it's best to contact the consulate of the destination country or visit relevant websites for the application process and requirements.
If you plan to study in a foreign country for more than 90 days, you will typically need a student visa. Requirements vary by country, but you generally need to provide proof of enrollment in a government-approved educational program. In many cases, you will also need to show proof of financial resources, health insurance, and accommodations. For short-term study opportunities under 90 days, such as a one-week cooking class or a short TEFL course, a student visa is usually not required.
In countries like Italy, France, and Spain, obtaining a work visa can be challenging, especially for non-EU citizens. However, a student visa often allows legal work privileges, such as working up to 20 hours a week. This makes a student visa an attractive option for TEFL teachers looking to work and study abroad. Programs, like those offered by the International TEFL Academy in Spain, provide student visa packages that allow you to live, study, and teach English for a year, with the possibility of renewal.
A digital nomad visa offers TEFL teachers the freedom to teach English online while living in foreign countries. This visa allows teachers to work remotely and explore new locations without being tied to a specific classroom. Countries like Portugal, Estonia, and Mexico offer digital nomad visas, providing a great opportunity for teachers to balance work and travel.
The key advantage of a digital nomad visa for English teachers is the flexibility to work from anywhere while earning an income. To qualify, teachers need a stable online teaching job or freelance work that meets the visa's income requirements. As more countries embrace remote work, digital nomad visas are becoming an increasingly popular option for TEFL teachers.
Where can TEFL teachers find the best visa resources?
Here are a few places you can find suitable visas for yourself to start your dream of teaching English abroad:
1. Local Embassy
When preparing to travel or work abroad, visiting the embassy or consulate should be one of your first steps. Here's a breakdown of the difference between the two and how they can help with your visa process:
Both embassies and consulates are essential resources for travelers. They provide crucial information about the visa requirements for the country, guide you through the application process, and offer support when needed. If you plan on staying long-term in a country, they should serve as your go-to places for official guidance and assistance.
2. Online
In the past, people traveled from country to country without the ease of online visa research, making it a bit more challenging to gather necessary information. Today, however, finding visa details has become much more straightforward with the help of various online resources.
Key Resources for Visa Information:
These resources ensure that travelers have the correct information for a smooth visa application process, making the entire journey much easier and more efficient.
3. Other Resources
When navigating the visa process, several additional resources can offer valuable assistance beyond official websites and consulate visits. Here are some essential sources to help you gather information and simplify the process:
Leveraging these resources will give you a broader perspective and help streamline the process of obtaining a visa to teach abroad.
How Can Employers Help?
Employers or, occasionally, recruiters may take care of the majority of your visa administration for you, depending on where you teach. In many countries, obtaining a work visa requires a job offer. Employers often handle the majority of the paperwork and occasionally the expenses associated with filling a vacancy in these situations.
This will entail forwarding your employment contract and the job posting to the appropriate government in your country. In certain situations, you may also need to provide evidence that a local teacher was unable to fill the position. This is not to suggest that employers bear all the responsibility; you will still probably have some administrative work to do, but it is undoubtedly simpler.
Additionally, ‘visa runs’ are somewhat popular in several regions of the world. Teachers are permitted to leave the country and return to ‘reset’ their visas with their employers. In countries where long-term visas aren't easily accessible, this happens frequently.
Bottom Line
When you start considering visa applications and the process of moving abroad, it can seem overwhelming and isolating. You’ve probably seen others go through the process – filled with ups and downs, anxious waits, and confusion amidst the bureaucracy. While it's not the most exciting task, remember the reward that awaits. Once you complete your TEFL Certificate Course Online, visualize yourself boarding a plane and embarking on your teaching adventure abroad.
Suddenly, it doesn’t seem like such a big task, does it?
