For international students in China, gaining work experience alongside studies offers both professional growth and cultural immersion. However, adherence to legal protocols is crucial. Under China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law and labor regulations, students holding an X1/X2 study visa can work part-time or intern only after obtaining approval from their university and local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau. This process ensures compliance with visa terms and avoids penalties like fines, visa cancellation, or deportation.
6 Steps to Secure a Legal Internship Visa (With Real-Life Examples)
- Consult Your University’s International Office
Example: At Peking University, students must first meet with the International Student Office to confirm eligibility. Universities often require proof of academic standing (e.g., no failing grades) and a recommendation letter. A student from Kenya studying at Fudan University shared that her department required a detailed internship plan aligning with her engineering coursework.
- Secure an Internship Offer and Complete Visa Documents
Process: The employer must sign the application, provide a stamped business license, and outline the internship role. Start early—companies like Shanghai-based tech firm SenseTime often take weeks to process paperwork.
Challenge: A student in Guangzhou reported difficulty finding SMEs willing to navigate bureaucracy; targeting multinationals (e.g., Alibaba, ByteDance) or university-partnered firms can streamline this.
- Submit Documents to Local Public Security Bureau (PSB)
Location-Specific: In Beijing, the PSB in Haidian District handles student visas. Appointments may be required during peak periods (e.g., pre-summer internship rush). Delays are common before Chinese holidays like Lunar New Year.
- Pay the Application Fee (~400 RMB/$56)
Payment Method: Fees are typically paid via bank transfer or at designated PSB counters. Keep the receipt for visa pickup.
- Await Approval and Collect Your Visa
Timing: Processing takes 5–7 business days. During this period, your student visa is invalidated, so avoid travel. A Nigerian student in Hangzhou recounted canceling a trip to Thailand due to this restriction.
Outcome: The new visa specifies the employer’s name. Interns at companies like Tencent cannot legally work elsewhere without reapplying.
- Start Your Internship and Stay Compliant
Payment: With the visa, you can receive a stipend (e.g., 5,000–8,000 RMB/month in cities like Shenzhen). Payments are typically via bank transfer, with taxes deducted by the employer.
Limits: Most universities cap work at 20 hours/week during semesters. Violations risk penalties—a Russian student in Xi’an lost his visa after tutoring English unofficially.
Where to Find Opportunities
- LinkedIn: Connects students to roles at global firms (e.g., BMW China, PwC).
- Thebeijinger.com: Lists expat-friendly roles in education, media, or NGOs.
- Angel.co: Features startups in tech hubs like Shenzhen seeking bilingual talent.
Success Story
Maria, a Brazilian student at Tsinghua University, secured a marketing internship at a Beijing AI startup via LinkedIn. After submitting her offer letter and university approval, she obtained her visa in 7 days. Post-internship, the company sponsored her work visa, enabling her to stay in China full-time.
Key Reminders
- Avoid “Under-the-Table” Jobs: Unauthorized work risks legal consequences.
- Post-Graduation: Transitioning to a work visa (Z-visa) requires a bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience.
- University Support: Utilize career centers—Tongji University hosts annual job fairs linking students to employers like Siemens.
By following these steps and leveraging institutional resources, international students can legally gain valuable experience in China’s dynamic job market. For detailed guidelines, refer to China’s Ministry of Education or your university’s international office.