Convert visa X to visa F

[manonl17]

Hi everyone,

I might do my internship in China next year (2013). My possible employer would like me to start learning Chinese before the internship, so basically I'm thinking of going to university for 2-3 months, and then start my internship of 9 months.

But I was wondering : is it possible/easy to start with the student visa (X) and then convert it to the business visa (F)?

And another question : being French, I have heard that the visa F cannot last for more than 6 months... What options do I have?

Thank you very much for your answers,

Manon

[eshton]

I can't comment especially on the possibility of converting the visa but I can tell you that most mandarin courses at University last about 6 months. If you were planning on being in China for only one year, you would probably have to get a private tutor

[ChTTay]

You can renew a 6 month F-VISA once.

Just get a 6 month F visa, study on that then start working. Once you reach 6 months, re new it. After 12 months you have to leave China. You could apply for a new visa out side of China though.

Current Tsinghua University students that I know are studying for a full academic year this way.

You might have complications if it's for work then study but I'm not sure.

There are short term courses available at Universities but not as common. Try and look on CUCAS.

[chaiknees]

Please note that it is illegal to do an internship holding an F visa, doesn't matter if it is paid or not. Obviously that law is not really enforced (now) and many interns hold an F visa, but that does not make it more legal. You and your employer both bear the risk.

[ChTTay]

Out of curiousity, what visa would you need for an internship? L?

[gato]

See this from earlier this year:

http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/36948-major-shanghai-intern-crackdown/

Shanghai crackdown

[chaiknees]

Out of curiousity, what visa would you need for an internship? L?

Basically there is no "internship visa". In theory, you need a residence permit based on an alien employment permit (work permit). And the necessary credentials (bachelor degree, x years work experience out of China, recommendation letter) vary from place to place. But the law is not enforced everywhere, at least not now. That's China... What's ok today in city x might get you expelled and blacklisted tomorrow in city y. It might help to check the visa sections of other forums, too, to get up-to-date information for a certain city.