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How do foreigners get an internship visa in China ?

How to get a visa correctly after finding an internship in China.

Article source: AnyVisa WeChat platform.

 

 

After finding an internship in China, it is important to ensure that you get the right visa. The visa application process is very different for different types of students. Students applying for an internship visa type are mainly divided into two categories, one is international students in China, and the other is foreign students studying abroad. International students studying in China generally hold an X1 or X2 visa.

 

International students (with X1 visa)

International students holding an X1 visa can participate in paid or unpaid internships in China. You will also receive an X visa with an “off-campus internship” on the visa page. However, you must first obtain a permit to attend a university and submit an internship application to your university. Upon approval, go to the Immigration Bureau to update your residency permit and attach detailed information about the internship company.

 

International students (with X2 visa)

International students with X2 visas who want to work in China need to change from X2 visa to S2 visa. The materials required for the visa change are as follows:

  • Passport for a valid student visa
  • Photo
  • China S Visa Application Form
  • Temporary Accommodation Registration Form (issued by the local police station of the hotel or residence)
  • Foreign university admission certificate
  • Internship company invitation

Visa changes take 7 working days, and you need to pay attention to the change time of the two visas before the change. In addition, the internship visa holder must not leave China during the internship. The validity period of the internship visa is accurate to the end date of the project, so care must be taken not to overdue, or you can change the plan or apply for a visa extension.

 

Students holding foreign university degrees

Foreign students who have obtained a degree abroad can not enter the country with an internship visa type (such as a tourist visa). After the foreign students who have entered China are allowed to arrive in China, the interns can switch to the following two visas to start the internship. In addition, the internship company must send staff to accompany the interns to apply for a visa at the Public Safety Bureau (working hours: Monday to Friday). The application process takes 7 business days.

 

Type a:

  • Visa Type: F (Cultural Access)
  • Eligible applicants: unlimited
  • Duration (longest): generally, no more than 6 months / single entry
  • Organizer: company providing internship
  • Documents that need to be obtained from the organizer: invitation

Some foreign university students can also apply for an S2 visa, but only on some universities listed. Not all foreign university students are eligible to apply, but the F visa has no university restrictions.

 

Type b:

  • Visa Type: S2 (Private Affairs – Internship)
  • Eligible applicants: Currently only students from specific overseas universities
  • Duration (maximum): 180 days / no entry and re-entry
  • Organizer: company providing internship
  • Documents that need to be obtained from the organizer: invitation letter, internship contract, business license

 

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