Authentication Requirements in China

DEGREE AND BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKING IN CHINA

Since April 2017, China has implemented a new work permit policy. Degrees and a federal background check from your home country must be authenticated by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in the country in which the documents are issued. Before these documents can be authenticated by the Chinese embassy, they must first be authenticated by the country issuing the document. This process can take months. Please note: an apostille does not qualify as authentication in China.

AUTHENTICATION OF THE DIPLOMA OF YOUR HIGHEST DEGREE

If you decide to pursue opportunities in China for 2019-20 school year, you should start the authentication process early for your highest degree. To do this please have the diploma authenticated by your university and the state in which the university is located. Transcripts do not qualify; it must be the diploma. Please wait for the final step of having the Chinese Embassy/Consulate authenticate the diploma until you receive an offer, as this is generally the most costly part of the process. Review details regarding the authentication process.

HOME COUNTRY FEDERAL BACKGROUND CHECK

In China, the background check by your home country is only valid for six months from the date of issue. You will need to calculate the timing of this request accordingly.

For example, new hires to Concordia present all required and authenticated documents by March, in the spring before the hire date. Concordia then applies for the working visa supporting documents. Finally, working visa supporting documents are sent to the new employee in June.

NOTE: In this scenario, your background check would need to be valid through the month of April so you would start the background check process no earlier than November.

In the US, this process can take 12-14 weeks (if you are residing outside of your home country it may take longer because of sending paperwork back and forth.) We strongly recommend using the FBI-Approved channels option, which expedites this process to 5-7 business days. Review details regarding criminal background check.