TEFL & TESOL Visa & Documents FAQ

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Germany?   Although Germany has plenty of opportunities for ESL teachers right across the country, it is typically quite difficult for non-European citizens to secure a work visa that allows them to live and work there long-term. However, it is certainly not impossible as long as you can meet the specified criteria. Read more

Can I get a work visa to teach English in the Czech Republic?   The Czech Republic is one of the most popular countries in Europe for teaching English abroad, partly because it is one of the easiest places in the region for many nationalities to secure a long-term work visa. Read more

What visa do I need to teach English in Spain?   Spain always has a strong demand for ESL teachers making it a very popular destination for teaching English abroad. Visa options vary, but most non-EU citizens initially enter the country on a 90-day tourist visa. The biggest markets for foreign teachers are found in Barcelona and Madrid. Read more

What visa do I need to teach English in Costa Rica?   Costa Rica is one of the most popular teaching destinations in Central America. As visa rules and regulations change regularly, we recommend you check with a Costa Rican Embassy for the latest information before you make any final arrangements. Currently, the majority of foreign teachers enter the country on an initial 90-day tourist visa. Read more

How do I apply for a student visa to legally teach English in France?   France is extremely popular with ESL teachers from around the world and jobs are widespread throughout the country. If you would like to live and work in the country, a student visa is one possible option you can consider. Read more

How do I apply for a student visa to legally teach English in Spain?   Spain is at the top of many teacher?s list of places to teach English abroad and there are several visa options available depending on where you are from. A student visa is one option that can be organized before you leave your home country. Read more

How do I apply for a student visa to legally teach English in Italy?   Italy always has plenty of teaching opportunities for all levels of experience in towns and cities right across the country. However, getting your hands on a long term visa is not an easy proposition for some nationalities. One way to do it is to apply for a student visa before you leave home. Read more

Can I teach English abroad without a work visa?   The process of obtaining a work visa to teach ESL can be relatively straightforward in some countries and almost impossible in others. However, in several countries where work visas are difficult to get a hold of it is normal practice for teachers to work on nothing more than a tourist visa, or even with no visa at all. Read more

What documents will I need to teach English abroad?   The specific documents you will need when applying for ESL teaching jobs can vary considerably depending on the country you are heading to and the individual employer. In order to avoid a situation where you are missing a crucial piece of paper required by a potential employer or immigration officials, it is important that you do plenty of research before you get on the plane. Read more

Do I need a visa to teach English abroad?   One important thing you need to do before heading overseas to teach ESL is to research the visa requirements of your host country. In many cases you can simply turn up at the airport and enter on a tourist visa, while in others you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your departure. Read more

Do I need a passport to teach English abroad?   For anyone planning on heading overseas to teach ESL, a valid passport is an absolutely essential item. If your passport is not up-to-date your chances of finding a dream job teaching English abroad are nonexistent. Read more

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Mexico?   If Mexico is on your list of potential teaching destinations, you will be glad to know that it is relatively straightforward to get a visa that allows you to live and work in the country long-term. An official work visa in Mexico also gives you access to the national healthcare system. Read more

What is the Schengen Area in Europe and how does it affect TESOL teachers?   

If you are planning on heading to Europe to teach English you are likely to have come across references to the Schengen Area during your research. Here we look at what this actually means and how it might affect TESOL qualified teachers?

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Vietnam?   

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam has seen a big growth in demand for ESL teachers in recent years. It is now one of the most popular destinations in the region and you can join those already living and working there by following our simple guide to getting the right visa.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Japan?   

Despite ongoing economic difficulties Japan is still a very popular destination for TESOL qualified teachers. Nowhere on Earth can quite compare to the unique sights and experiences that you will enjoy in this fascinating part of Asia. Our visa guide should help you make your dream come true.

Can an ESL teacher be a digital nomad?   

Thanks to widespread internet access and a huge demand for online language lessons, it has never been easier to embrace the life of a digital nomad. There are many different online platforms to work for and countless countries to explore, but which ones offer the best environment for teaching and traveling?

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Poland?   

Poland is ideally situated in the center of the European continent making it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the region. ESL teaching jobs are widely available in all major towns and cities and obtaining an official work visa is relatively straightforward once you have found a suitable position.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Ecuador?   

If you are planning on teaching English in Latin America you will have plenty of exciting destinations to choose from, including Ecuador which is a relative newcomer to the TESOL world. Although it is not a well known option, Ecuador offers many benefits, including an official visa that is relatively easy to secure.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Taiwan?   

Taiwan is one of Asia’s top destinations for teaching English abroad as jobs are widespread, average salaries are high, and work permits are relatively straightforward to acquire if you meet the requirements. Once you have secured a job your new employer should be happy to help you get your paperwork sorted.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Cambodia?   

Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing regions for ESL teaching jobs as demand for English language skills is increasing in all urban areas year-on-year. The average salary is steadily increasing and acquiring the necessary visa to work legally is relatively straightforward.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Argentina?   

If you want to get a work visa for teaching English in Argentina you will need to find a school that is willing to go through the expense and red tape involved in sponsoring you. As this is quite rare, most teachers work with only a tourist visa in their passport.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Nicaragua?   

Central America is a popular region for teaching English abroad, particularly with teachers from the U.S.A. as it is only a relatively short flight from home. Although it still has a limited market and work visas are not easy to get hold of, Nicaragua attracts more and more teachers each year.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Peru?   

Peru attracts many ESL teachers, particularly from the U.S. as it is only a relatively short flight away. In order to get a work visa you will need to find a school that is willing to sponsor you, which is quite rare. In reality, most teachers only have a tourist visa.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in France?   

Teaching English in Europe is the dream of many ESL teachers and France is often one of the top choices. However, finding an employer to sponsor you for a work visa can be difficult so many teachers apply for a student visa instead. The TAPIF recruitment program is also a popular option.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Italy?   

If you dream of teaching English in Italy you need to know your options when it comes to visas. An official work visa is not easy to come by for non-EU passport holders, so many teachers work with only a tourist visa or a student visa.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Thailand?   

Teaching English in Thailand offers an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture while making a positive impact on the lives of your students. With a high demand for English language education, obtaining a work visa and fulfilling the necessary requirements can open doors to a fulfilling teaching experience in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.

Can I get a work visa to teach English in Colombia?   With its vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming locals, Colombia has begun to emerge as a serious destination for teaching English abroad. Here we look at the process involved in securing a work visa that will allow you to stay and work long term in this dynamic part of Latin America. Read more

How do Americans get a background check for teaching English abroad?   

A criminal background check is often mandatory for employers hiring new English teachers and it is frequently requested when applying for a work visa, particularly in Asian countries. U.S. teachers can easily access all the necessary information through the official FBI website.