Ultimate Vietnam Work Permit & Visa Guide: Document + TEFL Requirements For Teaching English

[@todd2887]

Your channel is a God send! I appreciate that you offer all this information as an aside from your business as well. It shows that you are genuinely trying to help people and not just sell your TEFL course, although I'm sure it's a good course! Cheers!

[@steffedy]

Great advice Alex! I totally agree about getting your documents certified here. Just yesterday I went to the British Consulate in HCMC to get my certificates and disclosure certified and it took 15 minutes. If I'd done it in the UK it would have taken days for me to get my certificates back. It is still the same price as getting it done in the UK but it's much more convenient. Plus you can wait until your first paycheck to get it done which helps the finances. That's what I did!

[@ninja.teacher]

Good to hear it worked Stef!

[@alisaxhabrahimi]

What if there is not any consulate of your country in Vietnam?

[@steffedy]

@@alisaxhabrahimi I guess you would just do the process in your home country 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@raymondtuolong1678]

So very insightful keep it up.

[@srtghfnbfg]

What about the health check required for work permit ? Since it includes a blood test and urinanalysis do they do a drug test ?

[@andrewsema359]

Hi Alex. Thx for the info. Any guide on setting up a business over there. Thx

[@RichardDonkor-sg3bt]

How much doe the work permit cost

[@dennysutanto6728]

You should make video again about Work Permit Requirements in 2020 due to Law Changes in Vietnam per July 1st, and how can someone (especially from non native speaker countries like Philippines, Mexico, etc) from NNES can get a job due to Law Changes in Vietnam after July 1st

[@krystalnaval1211]

Is there a forum of some sort where TEFL graduates can search for potential flat/apartment mates?

[@ninja.teacher]

Hi Krystal. A lot of teachers do this in our Ninja Teacher TEFL Community Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/ninjateacher

[@dennysutanto6728]

@ninja teacher You should make video again about Work Permit Requirements in 2020 due to Law Changes in Vietnam per July 1st, and how can someone (especially from non native speaker countries like Philippines, Mexico, etc) from NNES can get a job due to Law Changes in Vietnam after July 1st

[@ninja.teacher]

Yes will do 👍

[@DanPassiveIncome]

Great videos, it's awesome seeing a stream of great content, thanks Alex. If you have a Bachelors and Masters should you bring both? Just the highest? Thanks!

[@ninja.teacher]

Just the bachelors actually.

[@maonyksmohc9574]

what if i do not have a degree?

[@starrysouljourney]

Hello Alex, great Video there. Thank you so much for the insights. I need to know from you if Indian teachers teaching English will be entertained in Vietnam and Thailand ?

[@buzwenxasana7678]

I was hoping I get some help or advice on something. I have a Diploma and I have a degree in interior design. I'm currently lecturing for almost a year now at my university. I also hold a TEFL certificate and matric certificate. My problem is this: I'm looking to move to Vietnam on the 26th of November. I currently do now have my degree certificates as I am owing the university a lot of money. This is one of the reasons why I took a decision to move abroad (to pay off my tution fees). I want to understand if I will have an issue with producing a letter from my university stating that I have a degree and diploma but my certificate is being withheld due to outstanding fees. I would obviously authenticate all of this, the letter from the university, my matric certificate and TEFL certificate. Please could you assist me with this case as it's quite a unique one. Regards

[@PyramidofGeezer]

If you are in the UK then the requirements changed in November 2017. Documents now MUST be legalised by the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK BEFORE coming to Vietnam because the British Embassies have stopped doing it over in Vietnam. It's an expensive hassle as I'm doing it at the moment. First you need a solicitor to sign your certificates, then you have to send them off to the Foreign Office to get legalised, and then you have to send them off to get legalised a second time by the Vietnamese Embassy.

[@chloe1-2-3-4-5]

Which documents specifically should be legalised? Can you expand a little on the process of doing so?

[@PyramidofGeezer]

Chloe B - Hi Chloe. I am currently getting my University Degree certificate and TEFL certificates legalised. My new employer asked for the degree only but I thought it best to get the TEFL stamped as well, just in case I end up working elsewhere in the future. I've since read online that some schools also require a legalised police pheck and university transcripts, though I have not been asked for these (I've been assured the police check can be done when I'm in Vietnam, so fingers crossed). Anyway, the whole process is a bit of a headache and it took me a while to figure it all out. Legalising the documents takes 3 steps, so here goes... 1) Get your certificates certified by a solicitor (either originals or copies - I opted for copies and showed the originals at the time as proof.) It cost me £5 per document, so not too bad. 2) Send the solicitor-certified documents to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office to get them legalised with an Apostille Stamp. It costs £30 per document plus postage fees. Applying is simple enough online and I had my documents returned to me by courier within 3 days. Nice. 3) Send your documents with the Apostille Stamp to the Vietnamese Embassy to get them legalised for a second time!!! It costs £35 per document plus a tenner return postage. I'm currently waiting for mine to be returned. After this they should be fit for use in Vietnam. In total I've spent £165 on legalising two certificates, which I was not expecting. Ouch! One thing to note is I've been told employers only want original documents, whereas I've legalised copies. I don't know if I've made a mistake here so I'm going to have to bring both the originals and copies to Vietnam and hope this is enough. Anyway, I hope this info might be useful for you or anyone else thinking of taking the plunge!

[@jdang99]

Hi Dreadbeard, In regards to sending legalised documents to the Vietnamese embassy. did you just attach a cheque along with your documents and then sent it to the embassy? I need one document £35 and then £10 delivery fee. Thanks

[@PyramidofGeezer]

Julian Dang Hi mate. Yep, I attached a cheque. The stamped document came back within about 3 or 4 days, so if you're pushed for time you don't have to worry about the cheque taking ages to clear. I'm now in Vietnam as we speak. Bosses haven't even asked for my documents yet. Typical! Good luck on your travels!

[@jdang99]

Hi!, thanks for your quick reply. I am heading over to Hanoi next month and cannot wait!! Well at least you have them legalised in case any other potential employers ask for them!

[@gauriraghavendra9067]

Sir what is the procedure for online English teaching to Vietnam lower level kids below 10yrs and how much monthly payment through online English teacher to Vietnam lower level kids below ten years old please sir kindly reply

[@djamelhocini3497]

How can i contact you sir ?

[@Mizkhoo24]

What are costs of getting your documents certified and notirsed in Vietnam and working visa cost?? Thank you!

[@fruitpesto602]

So, if I've been working in a foreign country on a work visa, I now have to go back to my home country to get a background check? If I have been teaching and living in Taiwan for 1 year I can't use the background check from here?

[@rachelporter1231]

Thanks for this video, Alex. Super helpful! One thing I've not found much any information on is if you are already a qualified teacher in your home country. My boyfriend and I are looking at moving to Hanoi later in the year and while I have TEFL already, he doesn't, but he's a qualified teacher in a primary school here in the UK. How do the Vietnamese schools view this, do they specifically want 'teaching english as a foreign language' status? It seems silly for him to do a TEFL, he's been teaching for many years and is certainly a better teacher than I am with my TEFL. Have you come across this before, any advice much appreciated! Rachel

[@ninja.teacher]

Hey Rachel. Schools love qualified teachers. They can be weird about ALSO having a TEFL though. That's probably one of the few cases where I'd say considering a cheap online one should be okay (over a month long in class training I normally suggest.)

[@ThatGuy-rb2sd]

Hi Alex, I noticed you started off teaching in Thailand and now seem to focus yourself in Vietnam. Do you have any reasons you're willing to share as to why you're now preferring Vietnam? Also, in your other videos, you mention that you don't teach anymore and now help people to teach in Vietnam, what sort of visa approach do you take if you don't have any teaching hours etc? Thanks in advance, really helpful stuff.

[@vinhbao9738]

It isn't that hard to see why the job market in Vietnam is better than in Thailand. Duh. Everyone knows Thailand as a tourist destination but no one knows Vietnam more than the Vietnam in the 1975

[@jeffalten8677]

Hi Alex, great video! I am a Canadian. Where would I get my original documents certified and notarized in Vietnam?

[@teaarmo]

Thank You. Mad that they expect you to bring your original degree certificate?!

[@steffedy]

teaarmo Yes they do, there are many fake certificates around and they need to make sure yours is original. I too was shocked when I heard this but tbh it's really not bad. I keep my original certificate safe in my flat. My company just needed to see it when they hired me and then I took it to get a certified copy at the British Consulate. They checked to make sure that it was a real degree and that it came from a real uni. The worst thing that can happen is I lose it but then I'd just get a replacement which is really easy to get

[@teaarmo]

Ok thanks for the information

[@steffedy]

malthus101 Are you asking how do they check it's a real degree?

[@rickiw6491]

Vietnam embassy in Wellington told me that the online Vietnam letter is a scam. Make sure you get your visa at the local embassy.

[@ninja.teacher]

It’s not. We bring in over 100 people to Vietnam per year to train and become English teachers and they all get them online. The companies that offer them work with the Vietnamese government.

[@thevacationary9631]

If you do the 3 month visa do you need the work permit (all your docs certified)?

[@bradwelljackson6385]

Thank you Alex for this informative and helpful video. Much appreciated. Here's hoping I run into you guys at Heart of Darkness pub ; )

[@inkpusher3072]

Hello, can it be any bachelor degree or does it have to be specifically for education?

[@sonjohnsson]

I'm currently living and teaching in China, my background check is over six months old. How can I get a new one while abroad?

[@sonyshooter8212]

re background check, what kinds of things would preclude you from becoming a successful teacher?

[@1001videoclipes]

Ninja Teacher, your channel is amazing, it helps me a lot about teaching in Vietnam. I am planning to travel to Vietnam this year to teach English. I have Graduation in English and I have been working in international environment since 2012. My question is, and be honest, i am not a native English speaker, is it hard for to find a job in Vietnam, even if I got the TEFL certificate + my graduation in English?

[@Jawaidjamz]

How about a Pakistani or non native English speaker, is there any chance for them if we fulfill all other requirements

[@BrownBessOwner]

How long are work permits for?

[@ninja.teacher]

2 years I believe.

[@freebird7339]

Does Vietnam except the Chinese gov't, In class, TEFL? I hear that some other countries do?

[@BuckShotFTW]

No company out there that hires you from aboard like interact in japan?

[@keegan1948]

Is it possible to get an FBI check from outside of the US? How can I go straight to Vietnam from Korea with an original background check?

[@ninja.teacher]

That's a little tricky. I believe there's ways but yet hear about a solid system for getting one from outside the US.

[@richiehenrydrums]

Hey Alex. Been watching you since Korea! Any way, I'm heading to VN in a few months. Was curious if you had any info on how to get a spousal visa (TT visa?) for my incoming foreign spouse. You need a work permit for this, right? Thanks.

[@ninja.teacher]

That’s awesome! I’m not entirely sure how to get a spousal visa but the best person to ask would be a visa agent which there are a lot of in Vietnam. Best place to find one is the Facebook groups or you can try Jane SNVI.

[@elvisdiamond3910]

I am a nigerian but i have a link to come to vietnam to teach. Do they have black teachers there... And can you send me the link on appying because i think the agent is over charging me

[@kulyncyzt1856]

Just want to know if its possible for me to get 3months and study there like attend your class and help me to get visa?

[@ninja.teacher]

Latest updates on border restrictions is in my "Can you move to vietnam right now?" video.

[@hvypetals]

when I worked in korea I needed to have my bachelors degree notarized and apostilled. Does Vietnam require this? I'm getting it done regardless but was just curious. I see you need to bring the original.

[@sandipkumar5286]

Do I need attestation of medical certificate Issued by hospital of My country for teaching job in Vietnam

[@martymcfly4498]

How is Vietnam about hiring darker skin people? No sugar coated answer please. Thanks

[@ninja.teacher]

+Marty McFly if you have a bachelors degree and an in class TEFL you'll be fine.

[@martymcfly4498]

Thanks for the info I'll actually be traveling this April and was thinking about spending some time Vietnam

[@eldavinndavids]

Hi Alex, I don't have a degree, but will be doing an onsite TEFL course once I land in April, am I making a mistake? I am a POC from Cape Town, SA.

[@roygreyling1297]

Hello could you enter Vietnam on a Business Visa and then apply for a job and get a work permit. How long are you allowed to work on a business visa without a work permit?

[@sandipkumar5286]

I have master degree in English from distance education...Is it acceptable in Vietnam for English teaching job

[@SuperRugby1995]

Hi Alex, I have heard that you can also do a 4 week placement within a school to obtain your TEFL qualification, and was wondering whether you know anything about this and/or whether its a good idea ?

[@camperobert]

Hi Alex, I've watched a bunch of your videos preparing to goto vietnam, they're great. I'm an American and I was traveling and planned to goto vietnam and start teaching in a few weeks. Can you do background checks at the embassy or can I use an expired background check or would I need to return to usa to get a background check

[@camperobert]

I lived in skorea this last year and went home for 6 weeks to see friends and family. Now I'm traveling through thailand and planned on stopping in vietnam and working at the end of february. Will I have to go back to America for a background check? Can I goto korea and get a background check since I lived there last?

[@sudaiszaib3051]

Non native teacher with all documents as like Bachelor Degree, Tesol or Tefl certificate, can apply for teaching job in Vietnam ? Vietnamese school can accept non native teachers as well ?

[@quistuhpha]

Is it realistic for me be able to find work with my recent TESOL certificate with no degree? I am a Native English Speaker.

[@ninja.teacher]

Hard to say without looking at your resume and details.

[@kevinparker9407]

I qualified for a CELTA last September. I do not have a degree but have had my own teaching business in the UK for 10 years and have PTLLS qualification. Does the lack of a degree mean that I cannot get a work visa in Vietnam? Is it a school requirement or a legal government requirement?

[@ninja.teacher]

It’s a legal government requirement. However, having 5+ years experience is technically an alternative that will allow you to get a work permit but then it will depend on the school if they’re willing to hire you.

[@kelzbelzable]

Hello! I am currently in Vietnam and I have a job that will start in the next couple months. The only problem is that I don't have my original TEFL certificate with me here. I have a scan of the original. What should I do? I asked my school and am waiting to hear back from them but I wanted to see if other people have had experience with this. Any help much appreciated!

[@TuwanaVining]

I would need to gather paperwork for the registration process in order to work in South Korea, aside from bringing originals so I would be able to register for the in-class TEFL in Vietnam, right, or would some of the documents overlap? Thanks for the info, Alex!

[@ninja.teacher]

If you're doing the course in Vietnam you wouldn't need to have documents for that and can just get them certified for Korea.

[@TuwanaVining]

Alex Stevenson Good to know! Thanks!

[@rowannelsen4029]

I have just enrolled to do an online TEFL course. Is this going to limit my job opportunities now? I have a bachelors degree. What if I get experience working at Language centers before applying for jobs, surely this will work in my favour?

[@delfin7461]

Rowan Nelsen I've been teaching since 2004 and I can tell you it's a waste of money as most schools won't accept it.

[@danielbowden.marketing]

Do you know if it is possible to switch jobs/companies mid contract, if you already obtain a temporary residence card?

[@muygalan]

Hello Alex. Will it be possible for me to gain employment from schools in Vietnam without a bachelor's degree? I am thinking of taking your online TEFL course, but unsure how much I will get paid and if I'm employable. In this video you also mentioned U.S, citizens are required to get their 1-year visa. Can I still get this type of visa without a bachelors too?

[@ninja.teacher]

People do find work without a bachelors degree. I wouldn't go for an online TEFL though. In class TEFL or CELTA.

[@celinedoak4457]

Hi Alex, I had my Skype call with one of your colleagues today about your TEFL course. When you apply for your letter online you have to give a reason as to why you will be went wrong Vietnam. What would your reason be?

[@jonathanmarimon719]

hello Alex, I am a high school senior, and plan to go to Vietnam to teach in December, I don't have an degree, nor any certification, is there any way to teach/make money while I'm there? (I'm taking 4 thousand US dollars, and I have room an board for free.

[@ninja.teacher]

It's possible - I'd need to see your resume and other info to say for sure. I'd spend some of that money on a good 4 week in class course which will definitely help you land a job.

[@jonathanmarimon719]

OK, sounds great, I actually have an uncle in the teaching realm in Vietnam that says he could get me a job in hanoi

[@jonathanmarimon719]

Low wages, 5 US$ an hour

[@virgilnicasio8013]

Hi Alex Stevenson. I have a TEFL/TESOL certificate plus my Master's Degree in English and PhD in English, experienced English teacher, and I have all the original transcript of records with me. The only thing I am worried about is my age. Is there any age limit as far as Teaching English in vietnam? I am very healthy like a 25 years old as evidenced by my health certificate. What are my chances teaching English in vietnam?

[@bradwelljackson6385]

My friend, I teach in district 10 in HCMC and I've seen a few English teachers already just in my immediate area who are in their 50's or at least 40's. And that's not even counting me (definitely *way* over 40 ; ) I don't even think 60's would be a problem.

[@kennethmeese]

Hello Alex, I have a few questions. Is a college degree required to teach in Vietnam? im considering Cambodia or Vietnam however I dont have a college degree. Im guessing Cambodia is my only option as I understand it Cambodia only requires a TEFL. Without a college degree i understand you can't get a business Visa in any country is this correct? What would my options be for a Visa in Cambodia?

[@ninja.teacher]

Hi Kenneth. I recommend contacting us on www.ninjateacher.com for the updated info on this as visa rules can change regularly in Vietnam.

[@nastygopher6776]

Do they pee test? Asking for a friend..

[@ZommBleed]

1st

[@chihai_tran]

no offense but these types of videos are getting boring😂😂😂

[@dannymad26]

errr.... don't watch them then?!!!

[@ninja.teacher]

Are you interested in teaching abroad or just watching for entertainment? Serious question, I'm interested to hear if I'm covering topics people who are planning to start teaching are interested in.

[@chihai_tran]

Im here for entertaiment :D I like your Vietnam vlogs

[@alexreeves9703]

My original degree certificate was destroyed in an accident. I can get an official replacement issued by my university. Would this be sufficient?

[@ninja.teacher]

Thanks for letting me know. I'll definitely be making more "life in Vietnam stuff too." :)