To Intern in China? Check Complete Guide to Internship Visa 2.0!
Recently, more and more international students and residents in China have been asking:
“Can I apply for an internship visa directly within China?”
“I entered visa-free—can I convert it to an internship visa?”
“My job contract is ending—can I stay and intern?”
No worries! This Internship Visa 2.0 Guide will walk you through the latest policy updates, eligibility criteria, and application tips to help you find the safest and most suitable path to staying in China 🇨🇳✨
However, successful application requires meeting specific eligibility conditions and completing the proper procedures.
⚠️ Internship visas cannot be applied for from outside China.
Applicants must already be in China holding a valid visa (such as an S2 or Student Visa).
2️⃣ Visa Validity Matches Internship Duration
The validity of the internship visa typically corresponds to the duration of your internship:
3-month internship → 3-month visa
6-month internship → 6-month visa
If your internship is extended (e.g., at the company’s request), an extension can be applied for accordingly.
3️⃣ Cannot Coexist with Other Visa Types
The internship visa must be endorsed on top of an S2 (Private Affairs) Visa.
Once your internship visa is approved, any previous visa becomes invalid.
In essence, your visa status changes to “Internship Visa Holder.”
4️⃣ Who Can Apply?
The internship visa is primarily open to:
✅ University students (domestic or overseas enrolled)
✅ Individuals holding a valid internship offer from a Shanghai-based company
✅ Students from accredited institutions (DM Maggie to verify your school)
✅ Applicants with no criminal record
✅ Internship content must be relevant to your academic major
5️⃣ What If You’re About to Leave a Job in Shanghai?
Generally, it’s not recommended to switch from a work visa to an internship visa.
The internship visa is designed for students only. However, if you are still within your legal stay period, we can assess your case individually to determine possible alternatives ✅
Applying from within China is faster and more efficient—typically around 2 weeks, avoiding the hassle of re-entering.
💡 2. Boosts Opportunities to Stay in China
The internship visa helps you remain in China to explore employment or entrepreneurship prospects.
💡 3. Enhances Future Competitiveness
Interning in China is a valuable asset when applying for work visas or global job opportunities.
- Prepare your internship agreement and proof of enrollment in advance
- Verify if your university is on the accredited list
- Make sure your current visa remains valid during application
- Consult early to avoid outdated information and processing delays
❤️ 5. Final Advice
● Want to gain professional experience in China
● Need to confirm your eligibility for an internship visa
● Want to know if visa-free entry can be converted
📩 Reach out to Maggie for 1-on-1 consulting!
We’ll help you build a visa plan tailored to your goals so you can intern smoothly and stay confidently in China 🇨🇳✨
