Just a few days ago, a client consulted about his work visa application, which was returned by the local Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs, causing significant disruption to his plans and work schedule. His visa was about to expire, raising considerable concern. To prevent such issues from recurring, it is crucial for foreign nationals working in China to understand and carefully prepare their application materials to successfully obtain their work visas.
Illegal Pre-Approval Employment
Many foreign nationals begin working while waiting for their work visa approval, which is illegal. It is essential to wait for the work visa to be officially approved before commencing work to avoid unnecessary legal risks and subsequent visa issues.A previous client started working before obtaining his work visa, which led to a failed immigration inspection and a warning for illegal employment. This record made any future work visa applications and corresponding immigration inquiries more stringent.
Distinction Between Internship and Work Experience
An internship certificate should not be considered as formal work experience. Although internships provide valuable learning and practical opportunities, work experience, in the context of a work visa application, usually refers to positions that include formal payment and official job titles. It is important to differentiate between internship and work experiences to avoid application rejection.Additionally, foreign nationals, especially international students, must be careful when applying for internships in Chinese companies; their visas should explicitly include the ‘internship’ designation.
Clarification of Employment Gaps
Many applicants overlook the importance of explaining any employment gaps, which is often a critical detail for review departments. If you have had a period of unemployment, it is vital to clearly state this as being “unemployed” in your application materials. Leaving no gaps or incorrect information is crucial to avoid unnecessary review delays.
Overlap of Educational and Work Experience in China
Particular attention should be paid to the overlap of educational and work experiences in China, as the visa type and purpose of entry into China need to correspond accurately.Overlapping experiences may lead to scrutiny issues or even work visa application denials. The Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs does not recognize overlapping experiences, leading to doubts about any such experiences submitted later.
Ensure that your application materials accurately and clearly present your educational and work history. There have been multiple instances where applications were directly returned by the Shenzhen Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs due to overlapping educational and work experiences.
Applying for a work visa in China is a complex and rigorous process. The Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs and immigration authorities have strict requirements and regulations. Every detail in each document submitted needs careful attention as a small mistake can lead to the application being returned or denied. To ensure a smooth application process, it is advisable to consult professional advisors beforehand. Our team has extensive experience and expertise, enabling us to effectively avoid various potential issues and ensure the successful approval of your work visa application.
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