[Kashinoda]

Around October last year I finished my TEFL certificate online and went to Hong Kong to look for work. Other then a few classes here and there I couldn't find anything solid.

I came back to the UK for Christmas and got an email from an employer who was impressed with me (I gave them a demo lesson). Previously they said they were unsure if they could get me a VISA due to the fact I had no degree and only secondary education, they said they would get back to me but didn't in time so I left.

Any way now they are saying they would like to sponsor my VISA application and offer me a contract, what they have said is they will have me teaching children rather then adults and that should be okay. This does seem to make sense as I was told getting a VISA as a kindergarten teacher was realistic for a non-degree holder.

Any way today I wake up and find myself worrying like mad for some reason, I desperately need this job but I'm worrying the VISA will be refused. If the company are sponsoring me, what do I need to provide to help my application? Grad certs... employment references, TEFL certs? Should I be fine I don't know lol.

By the way the company is GEOS they are a reputable worldwide Japanese school (albeit teaching English as well).
GEOS HK Website link

[carang]

i wish you the best of luck. i don't want to make you feel worse, but personally, i don't think that you have much hope in getting the visa. why should immig grant you a visa when there are many degree holders already here?
(not being nasty, that's the slant they'll take...)

if i were you, i'd try other places like Taiwan, Korea etc. you might have better luck!

again, good luck!

[Kashinoda]

Originally Posted by carang

i wish you the best of luck. i don't want to make you feel worse, but personally, i don't think that you have much hope in getting the visa. why should immig grant you a visa when there are many degree holders already here?
(not being nasty, that's the slant they'll take...)

if i were you, i'd try other places like Taiwan, Korea etc. you might have better luck!

again, good luck!

Why have I been told by numerous people when I was in Hong Kong that for teaching kindergarten/young learners then a Degree isn't necessity? And on that note why would some one with a degree want to teach at this level with sufficiently less pay?

I'm just trying to logic it out myself, the only other place I would go is China but I don't want to even think about it yet.

PS. Mr negativity ?
Visa Possible For Teaching English with no Degree?

[KnowItAll]

A couple of our members have received their visa's without degrees. I would be cautious about it, but there is some precedence that visas have been given.

I would PM the folks in the thread that you've referred to, if I were you.

[PDLM]

Not sure about that Cara - I know of quite a few non-graduates from the UK in teaching schools here with Employment Visas. There's no harm in trying if the employer will give it a go - they can only say no.

The key thing to avoid is to come here on the promise that the employer will sort it out - many people do this, the employer persuades you to start working illegally, pays you much less than they promised and several months later it becomes clear that they never really had any intention of pushing the visa through. Since you've been working here illegally there's little you can do at that point. I have seen a few people in that situation too.

Having said that, on a quick Google, GEOS is a global company (and doesn't appear to be a franchise) and seems to have as good a reputation as any of the private langauge schools, so that probably won't be an issue.

[Mango33]

sorry to tell you, but you will not get a VISA application approved.

[carang]

i was just voicing caution. i'm sure that there are odd cases around where applications have been approved.

from personal experience...i tried to hire 2 people. both had tefl AND a degree (one had a degree in pyschology the other in archaeology). Both had teaching experience with the age group i was targeting.

it took 8 months of running around for immig on both our parts. after 8 months of hassle, both were turned down. i had students waiting... i was obligated to provide summer school classes to a local primary school AND exam preparation classes to a local secondary school... it wasn't like i didn't have work for them. (this was about 5 years ago, i haven't tried to sponsor anyone since i got burned last time.)

like i said, chances are slim at best. with luck the OP might be a lucky one.

[KnowItAll]

carang - not arguing with your statement, but your case is simply the reason why employers often choose agencies which have ex-immd guys working for them. Ask the agents to review the apps, give you a money back guarantee (with a timeframe if possible).

[carang]

thanks KIA...not going to bother for now...happened 5 years ago.

[HKChigger]

My only tip is do up your resume like you are experienced. Not saying to lie but really point out clearly any experience you have at all in any way. (Example - You worked at McDonalds once and trained someone for half a day on a cash register could be turned it to -Assisted in Training and Development of staff during my tenure there)

Also make sure you have all your certs in and instead of pointing out you graduated secondary why not point out "Graduated with full qualifications for teritary education"

Make it sound ace and add in as many reference letters as you can that highlights your resume even more. Even get some people in the UK to write one saying you taught them English. (Make sure they are not Native English Speakers of course) Don't overdo it but it helps.

You have a good chance at getting a visa if you sell yourself higher and the company holds their end (their financial standings and the paperwork/contract/job description they submit for you)