Converting X-2 Visa to Z-Visa

[m1cojakle]

Hello. I have a few question about the conversion process and a few specifics about my circumstances. I hope someone can help.

 

First off, I came to China to do business and my current intention is to acquire a working visa and later acquire sufficient capital through other means. This is like an end goal for me and not really the point of this thread. Anyway, I am currently in Sichuan province on an X-2 visa "Interning" at a kindergarten. The organization that enabled me to get the X-2 visa and whom I signed the contract with are intent on having me leave the country if I decide to quit. Similarly, the pay isn't very good and I have opportunities for much better paying jobs, so I want to quit this current job and obtain a z-visa. The problem is that if I leave the internship prematurely, and do not leave the country, they will alert the authorities (I'm not sure they even have this right. My source says that they are somehow responsible for me while I'm over here). I am not really concerned about this as we all know that Chinese authorities, for the most part, don't give a shit about much.

But this also isn't really the point... 

 

What I want to know is: Can I obtain a Z-Visa if I am already under contract with another organization? Do I need their permission somehow? Will their organization show up on the computers when I try to apply for a Z-Visa in Hongkong. Similarly, what is the exact process for me to convert an X-2 Visa to Z-Visa.  I really don't want to be scammed/duped into working for scraps. I already have several prospective employers which I have deemed legitimate but I want to double-check to see if I can trust their process for Z-Visa acquisition. I want to know exactly what I must do. I hope someone can help. Really, I just need to know if I can get a Z-visa without the permission of my current employer and what kind of powers they might have in this regard.    

 

*I have all the requirements to get a Z-Visa, i.e. 25yo, BA, etc.