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student visa to work visa
Sep 19, 2007 02:00
  • ERNEST
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Hello everyone, is it possible to change my student visa to working visa?
Sep 19, 2007 06:57
#1  
  • APAULT
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You can only get a work visa as a brand new application and the student visa will be cancelled. You cannot change a visa it seems. You can only get it outside the China mainland You can only get a work visa (Z) if a certificated employer supports your application. You will then need two references, the employer's letter and a form or two, and have completed a medical (if you had one for being a student that will be valid for 12 months since the start date, I think).

Getting an F visa (not a true work visa but many of us work on them or have worked on them with the full knowledge of the issuers) you do not have to leave the mainland, but your student visa is cancelled.

Maybe you can study while on a Z or F visa, but I expect there will be rules against.

Hopefully some other regulars will be able to add a bit more for u.
Oct 8, 2007 20:37
#2  
  • SULAVP
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Hi! I am also in the same condition. I have a Student's residence permit till March next year. I have graduated and being employed in an IT company. Would you please clearify what kind of employer support documents are required, is it contract letters? My Employer is employing a foreigner for the first time so I want to make sure..And why do I have to go out of China to get the Z visa if I have still have Student's Residence permit?
Oct 13, 2007 10:17
#3  
  • ERNEST
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Hello APAULT,

Thanks for the informations, I really appreciate it. However, I'm a little confused. Is it possible to work in China using my Student Visa? Will they fine and deport me when they found out that I'm working under a Student Visa?

thanks in advance.
Oct 15, 2007 11:25
#4  
  • APAULT
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I have no experience about the China visa, but I seem to remember hearing that you are not allowed to work. I would especially doubt that you can work until March. Indeed, based on the way Z visas work, I would guess the college should notify the authorities you have finished studies. Another post had a problem that his visa was 'cancelled' without him realising it. Yes you could be fined and deported. Why not check with the college and say you are travelling, so will they be notifying the authorities you have completed ??

If your employer has never hired a foreigner before and don't know the procedures, it is unlikely they have the permit to hire them (as my current employer doesn't). The options are that the employer can find another organisation to hire you and they contract you to your current employer (not so differEnt from contract employment in other countries). There are companies who specialise in thsi for a fee of course. Alternatively you could apply for and work on an F visa. It is doubtful whether this is technically legal but many peopel are employed this way even with the knowledge of the local PSB (I was employed this way in the past). If you are employed by an overseas company and sent to work in China then the F visa should definitely be OK, but then your employer has to pay the money overseas which might be a problem, or pay you unofficially (probably quite easy) in which case you are back to the proposition of working and being paid here on the F visa...!!

At the moment, we all believe (I think) that you have to exit the mainland to apply for a Z visa. My contracting employer says I won't have to, but this has not been put to the test yet, but they should be starting the process this week... I will announce the outcome!
Oct 26, 2007 17:33
#5  
GUESTENOCH how long can i work with a students visa
Dec 29, 2007 02:26
#6  
GUESTIFERE ODEN is it possible for a stydent to work wiht a study visa in china?if yes?how can one go about it?
Dec 30, 2007 01:02
#7  
  • JABAROOTOO
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Paul's advice is good and correct. However I knew a guy who worked almost three years on a student visa and he wasn't showing up for classes too much either.

However, having said that you take the risk.

If you are being employed by a Chinese company, whether this is the first time they have employed a foreigner or not it is their responsibility to find out what is required and follow the Chinese Government procedures.

Your responsibility is to stay on their case till you have a Valid Z or business visa and a residency permit.

You must also be registered with your local police but I know of other foreigners who do not do this and it does not seem to have been an issue either yet.
Jan 8, 2008 05:04
#8  
  • KEENSLEIGH
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Im also planning to go to shenzhen to study mandarin for 6 mons together with my husband and son. I'm planning to take a part time job while studying.will it works?
Jan 8, 2008 05:05
#9  
  • KEENSLEIGH
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what will I do in order for me to go through?pls I need concrete advice. I'm applying for an L visa
Jan 9, 2008 10:09
#10  
  • APAULT
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If you want concrete legal information, ask the Chinese consulate that issues visas in your home country. As we said above, we do not believe you are allowed to work at all on a student visa, but many people do and it's rarely an issue. So yes, there is a risk and if you are caught you would probably be required to leave China.

You should have no problem finding a job in a private language centre. These tend to be rather lax when it comes to visas. Other wor is not so easy to find.
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