Accredited TEFL Certification for Teaching English in India

You need an Employment visa. India's Bureau of Immigration states that foreigners who want to work in India should arrive on a valid Employment visa, issued to highly skilled, qualified professionals engaged by an Indian company, organization, industry or undertaking. You fill in the application on the official Indian visa portal, then submit it with your documents at an Indian Visa Application Center or Indian Mission.

Yes. The Bureau of Immigration, under India's Ministry of Home Affairs, states that a foreigner employed in any sector should draw a gross salary in excess of Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum. Foreigners employed in certain sectors notified by the government from time to time are exempt from this floor. You must also meet all legal requirements, including paying your tax liabilities, so confirm the salary in your offer early.

Only short term voluntary work without monetary payment, which the Bureau of Immigration lists under the tourist visa alongside sightseeing and visiting friends. Foreigners who intend to work with a nonprofit or NGO on a voluntary basis, with or without an honorarium of up to Rs. 10,000 a month, must obtain an Employment visa. Paid teaching for a school or company also calls for an Employment visa.

Yes, if your Employment visa is valid for more than 180 days. The Bureau of Immigration asks you to register with your jurisdictional FRRO or FRO within 14 days of arrival, and OCI cardholders and children below 12 are exempt. You cannot change employers during your visa, and you must inform the FRRO if you stop working. The UK government adds that you could be denied permission to leave India if you do not register.

The 180 hour Government Regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma, Ofqual reference 610/1572/6, suits most people heading to India. It is a recognized Level 5 qualification that employers can verify on the UK government register. The 120 hour Accredited Online TEFL Course is the starting option, and the 300 hour Level 5 Master TEFL Advanced Diploma, Ofqual reference 6101574X, is the step up for a stronger profile.