China opens the labor market to international students

Good news! If you are a foreigner, study in China, and you want to get a job, you have to know that the process got a whole lot easier. Since February 2016, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) alongside the General Office of the State Council issued a new permanent residence guideline for the purpose of making it much easier for international students to work in China after graduation. This was done with the purpose of attracting more global elites and talents by optimizing the streamlining application procedures and requirements to meet China’s overall development demand.

The change started in 2013

In recent times, the visa rules for foreigners in China has changed quite often. This process started in 2013, and it was the first significant change to China’s immigration rules since 1986. That is when two types of student visas were introduced: X1 Visa for long term students and X2 Visa for short term students. In 2013, it also became legal for students to work in China if they got permission from the school to work part-time. In addition, most companies were not allowed to hire anyone who did not have two years of relevant work experience. Without these two years, the Chinese government was unable to provide the work permit which allowed you to work legally, and you would have had to get this experience before landing in China.

But this two-year relevant experience policy has become obsolete in February 2016 to attract more serious students who want to study, live and work in China after they finish their studies. In 2014, nearly 380.000 foreign students were learning in China. But the objective for 2020 is to host at least 500,000 students. That is why, to help achieve the 500,000 students goal, from the beginning of 2016 it is much easier to get a job in China after graduation.

Requirements and formalities for seeking a job in China

If you want to work in China, you must meet these basic conditions:

18 years of age or older
Good health
No criminal record
A clearly defined employer
Valid passport or another international travel document
Possessing professional skills and job experience
Foreigners who are seeking employment in China must apply for an employment visa to a Chinese embassy, consulate or consular office and enter China with the employment visa. If they apply for a simple job they should apply for Z visa, and if they are highly skilled, specialists or urgently needed, they should apply for an R visa. After they enter China, foreigners need to apply for a foreigner residence permit and foreign employment permit before starting to work.

Employment permits

In China, the employment permits for foreigners are handled by the employer in accordance with the regulations. An employment permit will be released after filling out a foreigner employment registration form. The permit is effective only within a specified area given by the labor administration.

More practical and flexible application requirements

In 2016, the application requirements for permanent residence for foreigners have become more flexible and pragmatic. Today, in China, the economic and social development needs have become much demanding. Because of this, there is an adjustment to the permanent residence application threshold for foreigners that work in China. A smooth conversion mechanism of the work permits into permanent dwelling (residence) permits is now given to foreigners who work in primary industries and sectors that are supported by the Chinese government. After graduation, excellent international students who seek jobs in China will receive loosened limitations, which will open the door to Chinese companies after graduation and make it easier to apply for permanent residence permits.
f you are an international student or have decided to become one in China, it has now become much easier to build a bright future in China’s industry or sectors that are supported by the government. As of now China is opening the doors to address the needs for development. Today, most of the world’s technology is being developed in China. Why not become part of this development and create a better world?

For more information you can browse our website and learn more useful information that somebody who wants to live in China should know.Read more