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China has been considered the largest higher education system in the world for several years, with nearly 3,000 universities, tens of millions of students, and a rapidly growing sector of international programs. Before the pandemic, almost 500,000 foreign students studied at Chinese universities, and now this figure is quickly returning to pre-crisis values.
But along with the interest in learning, another question is growing: is it possible to stay to work after graduation? Parents are concerned not only about the quality of education, but also about the prospect that the efforts invested in education will help the child build a career. The Chinese economy is huge, the pace of its development is high, the demand for specialists is noticeable, but at the same time, the employment of a foreigner here is completely different from that in Europe or Canada.
On what grounds can foreigners work in China?
First of all, you need to understand the main feature of Chinese law: a student visa does not give the right to work, either for hire or in the form of an internship off-campus. Any employment without permission is considered a violation of the law, and they are harsh in China. In order for a foreign graduate to stay to work, he needs to prepare two documents:
Work visa category Z
This is an entry visa, allowing you to legally arrive in the country for the purpose of employment. Without it, it is impossible to obtain long-term work status.
Foreigner's Work Permit
It is the main document that regulates the right of a foreigner to work in China. Since 2017, there has been a unified Work Permit system, which divides all foreign workers into three categories:
- Category A – highly qualified specialists: scientists, leading engineers, specialists with high income or rare competencies,
- Category B – qualified specialists. This is where foreign graduates of Chinese universities usually get,
- Category C — low-skilled personnel, temporary seasonal workers. For graduates, this category is actually inaccessible.
The category is assigned on the basis of a point system that takes into account education, experience, age, level of Chinese language and region of work.
Benefits for foreign graduates of Chinese universities
If ten years ago it was almost impossible for a foreigner to get a job in China without impressive work experience, today the situation has changed. A key turning point came in 2017, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources of the People's Republic of China adopted a joint policy that abolished the mandatory two-year experience requirement for foreigners who are interested in working in China after completing a master's or postgraduate degree. This rule enshrined a fundamentally new logic: if a student has been studied under the Chinese system, then he has already adapted, speaks the language and is able to work in the local environment. Therefore, graduates of Chinese master's and doctoral programs received the right to apply for a work permit immediately after graduation, without the obligation to return to their homeland to gain experience.
For bachelors, the conditions are stricter, but they have also become more flexible: if a graduate receives an invitation from a company working in a priority field, and his diploma and grades meet the requirements of a Work Permit, he can apply for a work permit. In recent years, pilot regions have begun to expand this option, especially for students of engineering, technical, economic and IT fields.
Regional benefits: where do special conditions apply?
Although the general rules for a Work Permit apply throughout the country, in practice, much depends on the region. Large cities — primarily Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Hangzhou — compete with each other for highly qualified personnel and therefore introduce additional benefits for graduates. This is very important: the likelihood of employment significantly depends on where exactly a foreign graduate is studying and looking for a job.
Shanghai
Shanghai was the first city to officially allow foreign graduates of local universities to apply for work permits immediately after completing their bachelor's degree, if the diploma was obtained at a Shanghai university. Graduates of master's and PhD programs can apply for a Work Permit regardless of the city where they studied. As a rule, the first permit is issued for one year, after which it can be extended to several years. For young professionals, this is a convenient scheme: the city actually provides an opportunity to enter and gain a foothold in the labor market.
Beijing
Beijing simplifies paperwork for those who graduated from leading universities - not only local, but also foreign. There are programs, allowing graduates to apply for a Work Permit without experience, to obtain permits for up to three years at once. This system is especially beneficial for graduates of technical and scientific specialties, because research centers, state institutes and large high-tech companies are concentrated in Beijing.
Shenzhen, Hangzhou and other innovative cities
Technological clusters have their own pilot programs: graduates are allowed to register startups, participate in incubators, work in companies of the free trade zone, and apply for visas for innovative projects. Here, the emphasis is on entrepreneurial potential and highly specialized skills.
What do I need to get work status?
The procedure for obtaining work status in China consists of several stages, and it is important to understand it in advance to avoid common mistakes. Although the details may vary depending on the city, the general order remains the same.
- Employment contract or official invitation
The employer must be accredited to hire foreigners and is willing to go through the bureaucratic procedure along with the candidate. Not all companies agree to this, especially small ones, which explains why it is important for foreigners to look for employers with experience in obtaining a Work Permit.
- Proof of qualification
The graduate must provide a diploma from a Chinese university, transcripts of grades and additional documents if required by the industry. For masters and doctors, we emphasize that it is the Chinese diploma that removes the previous requirement for two years of work experience.
- Due diligence.
You will need a certificate of no criminal record, a valid passport, the results of a medical examination in an authorized (!) clinic. China is strict about security procedures, and the absence of one of the documents can delay processing or make it impossible.
- Obtaining a Foreigner's Work Permit.
The employer submits documents through an electronic system. After approval, the candidate receives a Work Permit Notice, on the basis of which a work visa Z is issued, and then, upon arrival in China, a plastic Work Permit card is issued.
- Obtaining a residence permit for work.
This is already a local document that allows you to stay in the country, live and work. Usually, the first residence permit is issued for a year, then extended.
Everything usually takes from several weeks to two months, depending on the region and the workload of departments.
Chinese: The Main Success Factor
Whatever benefits exist for graduates, language is crucial in China. This is not a formality or a "desirable addition": Chinese is the basis of professional life in local companies, the system of public services, business communication and daily work communication.
HSK 5-6 is actually the minimum threshold for full-fledged work. Most vacancies require the ability to read working papers, correspond, conduct technical discussions, and participate in meetings. Even if the work itself is carried out in English, the rest of the processes in the company — personnel, reporting, approvals, schedules — are in Chinese. HSK level 4 is suitable only for everyday communication, but real employment requires a much more confident command of the language.
In addition, knowledge of the Chinese language is also formally assessed: it gives additional points in the Work Permit system, increasing the chances of getting into category B and facilitating the transition to a long-term permit.
Features of the Chinese labor market that you need to know in advance
China is a country of opportunity, but also a country of high competition. In order not to build "rosy expectations", it is important to understand the specifics of the local labor market in advance.
- High pace of work and discipline requirements
Chinese companies, especially private ones, are merciless to employees and require 146% productivity, they really appreciate punctuality, self-organization, strict adherence to deadlines and the ability to adapt to sudden changes. For foreigners, this sometimes turns out to be a cultural test.
- The big role of internships
Internships are not an elective, but a mandatory part of preparing for employment. Graduates who have completed at least one internship at a local company have a much better chance of getting a job: employers clearly prefer candidates who are already familiar with Chinese work culture.
- It is easier for graduates of top universities
The hierarchy of universities in China plays a huge role. Graduates of leading universities (Tsinghua, Peking University, Fudan, Zhejiang, Shanghai Jiao Tong) have advantages when considering documents for a Work Permit and are more likely to receive invitations from large companies. This does not mean that other universities do not give a chance, but the competition among their graduates is higher.
- Market unevenness by region
It is easier to find a job in megacities: Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou. These cities are actively developing international projects and need specialists with foreign experience. Inland provinces are more often focused on local graduates, and the share of foreign employees there is noticeably lower.
- Understanding the business culture is just as much of an advantage as a degree
The ability to work in a team, avoid direct conflicts, and build relationships with management and colleagues is an important part of the Chinese corporate environment. Graduates who spend several years in the country usually fit into these rules more easily and are perceived by employers as more reliable and culturally adapted candidates.
