answered about 7 months ago by loominpapa

message the poster

Inappropriate?

The simple answer is that your school should help you to do this.

However, as Steve says, you will need:

- A Degree certificate
- Your Teaching certificate
- A Criminal Record Check (UK)
- A Vietnamese Criminal Record Check

I'm in the process now, and this is what I know is needed now. Check with your school though, as things change from time to time.

The UK criminal record check can be applied for by post, but you must attach a notarised copy of your passport to your application. The UK consulate will do this (fee about 800,000VND). You have to give your "current" UK address on the form - I gave my parents address as this is where the check is sent. It takes up to 40 days and costs GBP10 (payable in person or by postal order/cheque).

More info and form here: http://www.crb.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=1871

The degree certificate must be original.

Both the degree cert and criminal check must be notarised in the UK (the consulate here is not sufficient), and then legalised at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Standard notarisation stating "I certify that this is a true copy of..." will be rejected by the Vietnamese Govt because someone has taken exception to the word "copy". Check with your school for the wording they suggest.

At the moment the teaching certificate (TEFL/CELTA etc) doesn't have to be notarised. (Again - check at time of application)

The Vietnamese Police check involves having your landlord get a form stamped with your details at the local police station (you must be properly registered first) and then an application submitted to the Hanoi Police. I have heard that this step isn't necessary if you have been here less than 6 months - I'd check though.

Unfortunately it's not easy, and not cheap either, but you do get some leeway. The Visa people will eventually decide not to extend your visa if you can't prove you are working towards the Work Permit, but you should have at least 3-6 months grace.

I'm in the process now, and I've been in Vietnam a while longer than that...

answered about 7 months ago by loominpapa

message the poster

Inappropriate?

No worries Nick.

It is true that lots of teachers work here without a permit. I know of a few who have even tried to get their work permit but finished their contract before all the red tape was dealt with.

The short answer is it's definitely possible to work without a WP, but you are taking a risk. It also depends on the school and how they approach getting your visas for you. Some schools "handle" the immigration department more "favourably" than others and therefore don't have as many issues.

From time to time there are clampdowns on work permit. There is a fine for working without a work permit (not sure how much - I've heard of figures ranging up to 5mil, none actually confirmed).

The biggest danger is that immigration will deny you a new visa if you don't have any proof that you are working towards you work permit. Again, some schools seem to find a way around this...

Best thing to do if you don't want to go the full legitimate route is check with the school and see what they say.

Good luck!

answered about 7 months ago by farside

message the poster

Inappropriate?

As far as crackdown goes. it is the schools who have to sort it. If strict rules are made then the schools won't be able to employ anyone who can't get a work permit. many teachers just have internet teaching english certificates and do a good job teaching. Only a small percentage have teaching dgrees. In Danang, the requirement as I understand it is not just a degree, but a degree in teaching. Consequently, it is getting harder for schools to find a pool of teachers.
The more rules, the less teachers who qualify to teach, the fewer teachers. With 50% of the world speaking English by year 2015,the easier it is to get a job, the more available native English teachers there will be. With flexibility and taking potential teachers on merit... there should be no shortage of teachers.