Freelancing with an F Visa . . .

[Hüsker Dü]

. . . as a translator, proofreader, writer, Chippendales dancer, etc.

Searched the forums. Looked at this.

(4) Visa F is issued to those who come to China to visit, teach, do business, or for cultural, scientific or technological exchanges for less than six months.

Took a gander at this.

China Business Visa (F) A business visa is required if you intend to participate for up to 6 months in business activities as an employee of an overseas organisation; investigating & establishing a business activity; lecture, study, or attend training (including internships).

But I'm still wondering just what kind of "business" can one legally conduct with an F visa.

Thanks in advance.

[roddy]

Roughly speaking, if you're actually getting paid here, and / or you haven't been sent here by a company overseas, you shouldn't be doing it on an F visa. You can't claim that, eg, teaching is 'business' - it's work.

[BrandeX]

But I'm still wondering just what kind of "business" can one legally conduct with an F visa.

Not the kind you are talking about. It equates to something more like "coming over to look around" except in the business, not tourist sense.

[Prodigal Son]

With regard to F Visas, they way they are commonly used is "against the official rules". Legally, you aren't allowed to work.

[Hüsker Dü]

Thanks for the clarification.

[Hüsker Dü]

This translation company and this visa agency are telling me one can work part-time with a F Visa.

Update: A call to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau confirmed it once and for all: nope, it ain't legal.

Thanks again for the responses.

Edited March 11, 2010 at 03:11 AM by Hüsker Dü
Added more information.

[avon0914]

if you want to work legally in China, you need to apply for Employment Permit and Residence Permit

Regards

Avon

[taylor04]

Just to get some clarification, I'm going to be working at the World Expo this summer and they gave us all F visas. From the sounds of it, we're not allowed to do tutoring on the side? Of course, I did tutoring on my student visa before, it's a matter of whether you get caught or not, but I'm curious about doing it on an F visa...

[roddy]

Strictly speaking you probably shouldn't even be working at the World Expo. Can't see THAT getting raided though