Online Level 5 TEFL Course for Teaching English in Hong Kong

Anyone without the right of abode or the right to land. The Immigration Department treats everyone else as needing a visa or entry permit before taking up work. Overseas professionals go through the General Employment Policy, where the hiring company provides the employment contract or letter of appointment along with company documents. Allow four weeks of normal processing once the department holds every document and the fee.

Normally, yes: the Immigration Department looks for a good education background, usually a first degree in the relevant field. In special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities or relevant experience may be accepted instead. The job itself must be genuine, confirmed, relevant to your background and one the local workforce cannot readily take up, and the pay should broadly match the market.

The Education Bureau looks for native speakers of English or people with native speaker competence. From the 2025/26 intake, NETs need a relevant bachelor's degree majoring in English, or any bachelor's plus a higher degree in English or a related subject, a PGDE majoring in English Language, and a TEFL or TESL qualification at certificate level or above. The bureau publishes its own certificate standard, so read it directly.

Study happens online at your own pace, with 6 months' access and tutor support, so nothing ties you to a class timetable while your employer prepares the contract and company papers. The 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course also includes a mobile app, lifetime job hunting advice and lifetime jobs board access. Keep in mind that a course certificate does not replace the degree and job offer the Immigration Department looks for.

Start with the 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course for core skills; it is not a regulated qualification. The Level 5 TEFL Diploma, Ofqual 610/1571/4, is a 180 hour regulated option from Highfield Qualifications. The 310 Hour Hybrid leads to the Level 5 Advanced Diploma, Ofqual 610/1573/8. If a NET post is your goal, compare any course with the Education Bureau's published certificate standard before you enroll, not after.