Can International Students Work in China? Everything You Need to Know

Studying abroad can be expensive, and some of you might be thinking of supplementing your income while pursuing your degree. Until recently, your options for working in China on a student visa were very limited, but a major policy change has opened new doors. As of January 12, 2022, the Chinese Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and the National Immigration Administration introduced new rules that allow international students to work part-time while pursuing their studies.

This article explores the different ways students can LEGALLY earn income while studying in China!

Who Can Work Under the New Policy?

The policy applies to international students enrolled in degree-granting universities in China. To be eligible:

• You must hold a valid residence permit for study with at least six months remaining.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have completed at least one year of study in China.
• You must have good academic standing, meet your school’s attendance requirements, and have no criminal record.

How Many Hours Can You Work?

• During the semester: up to 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month.
• During winter and summer breaks: up to 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month.

What Jobs Are Most Common for International Students?

You can’t get a full-time job in China as an international student, but part-time jobs and internships get a green light under the new policy!

Part-Time Opportunities

• On-campus jobs: Many universities provide jobs such as teaching/research assistants or administrative staff.
• Language tutoring: Teaching English or other foreign languages is one of the easiest jobs you can land as a foreign student, as many Chinese people are eager to learn from and meet foreigners.
• Retail and hospitality: Restaurants or shops near your campus often hire part-time staff.
• Entertainment industry: Modelling or acting in TV or film, especially if you speak fluent Chinese.
• Industry internships: Opportunities in advanced industries like tech or finance are also completely legal, as long as it is related to your degree. Not only can you earn money, but you can also build your resume in your chosen field.

Remote and Online Work

Another option is to do online work, as you may even be able to work full-time remotely while studying in China (legally, as long as the company is based internationally). Popular options include:

• Freelance writing
• Graphic design
• Digital marketing
• Programming
• Video editing

How to Apply for Work Permission

You need to complete a registration process and update your residence permit before starting your job. Here’s how it works:

1. Sign an agreement with your employer: You will need the company you will do your internship at to sign, stamp, and give their business license to your university. Note that the agreement contract must clearly state your working hours, wages, and job responsibilities.
2. Get school approval: Submit the contract and a commitment letter to your school for recordation before submitting them to the public security bureau in your city.
3. Register with local authorities: Within 10 days before the work begins, apply to the Exit-Entry Bureau in your city to have your work-study information added to your residence permit.
4. Pay the application fee of about 400 RMB (US $56).
5. Pick up your internship visa after 5 to 7 working days. Your student visa will be replaced by a new internship visa.
6. Start working: You can only begin working after your permit is updated. Remember that you are not allowed to work in other companies other than the one approved in your visa.

If your work arrangement changes in any way, shape, or form, you must update your permit within 10 days. Unauthorized work is illegal and can result in visa revocation.

Payment and Wages

• On-campus positions: paid monthly, not lower than the local minimum living standard.
• Temporary campus jobs: paid hourly, based on the local minimum hourly wage.
• Off-campus jobs: cannot pay less than the local minimum wage. Payment details must be stated in the employment agreement.

Final Tips for Working in China as a Student

To summarize, there are many ways to earn money while studying in China, from part-time jobs to internships and online work. However, make sure that both you and your employer meet the necessary legal requirements. Failure to comply can result in deportation, or even criminal charges, so be very careful! 

Some things to keep in mind:

• Never work without proper registration (unauthorized work can jeopardize your visa).
• Balance work and study (your academic performance is a key requirement for maintaining work-study eligibility).
• Learn Chinese (proficiency in Mandarin opens more job opportunities and helps with integration).

If you’re unsure about any legal implications, you can consult with your university’s international student office. This way, you can reduce your financial burden and enhance your resume while still having a hassle-free experience while studying in China.