Ginson Lim, an international student from Malaysia, has secured an internship offer from a major internet company in China.

For international students seeking internship opportunities in China, obtaining an internship endorsement can be challenging. Based on his experience, Ginson offers some valuable insights.

Why is it so hard for international students to secure internships?

1.Visa complications: Many companies are unfamiliar with handling internship endorsements. The long processing time and complex documentation deter many HR departments, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises that often lack experience with the process.

2.Start date conflicts: Some companies are urgently short-staffed. However, the internship endorsement process for foreign students is relatively lengthy, making it difficult for them to start on time, which often halts further communication.

3.One visa, one company: Each change of internship requires a new endorsement application. Even if the previous visa is still valid, it cannot be reused; the process must start over.

Three strategies to overcome internship endorsement hurdles

1. Target large companies:

Leading internet companies generally have higher acceptance rates for international interns. They have established procedures and often provide full assistance with the required documentation.

2. Prepare materials in advance:

Compile all required documents and procedural information for the endorsement into a clear PDF file. Share the file during interviews to demonstrate professionalism and reduce HR's concerns.

Note: Smaller companies might not accept personally compiled checklists, so use this strategy carefully

3. Seek advice from seniors:

Learn from peers who have internship endorsement experience. Identify companies known to be international student-friendly, such as foreign-owned enterprises or teams with an international background.

Key lesser-known facts about internship endorsements

Leaving means losing it: Changing companies means re-applying for a new endorsement. The previous visa becomes invalid for further use. Even if three months remain on your current endorsement, switching companies means starting the entire application process over.

If an endorsement application is refused, don't be discouraged: It might simply mean the company finds the process too troublesome or isn't fully aware of the procedures. Refer to the above tips and seek alternative opportunities.

Want to know how to apply for internship visas in China? Please check:

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Editor'sPick-StudyinShanghai/20240617/0507f93cee16463e9e8ea5c91d3680e1.html

Regulations on internship endorsement for foreign student residence permits

1.How can foreign students intern in China?

According to China's exit and entry laws, foreign nationals holding study residence permits who intend to work part-time or undertake an internship outside their schools must submit approval documents from both their universities and internship institutions. They must also apply to the local exit and entry bureau for an internship annotation on their residence permit, indicating the internship location, duration, and other details.

Students whose permits do not include this remark are not permitted to work or intern outside their schools.

2.Eligibility

• Applicants must be formally registered full-time international students in China.
• Applicants must already hold a valid study residence permit as well as a student visa with at least six months remaining.
• Applicants must have no record of misconduct, including violations of university regulations, international students management rules, Chinese law, or penalties from judicial or public security authorities.
• Approval from their academic department or college is required.
• Applicants must have secured an internship position from a relevant company or organization.
• Check with your specific university for any other regulations and details.

3.Application process

• After securing the internship, the student must obtain an internship acceptance letter from the company or organization, clearly specifying the internship period and content.
• Applicants must complete the internship endorsement application for their residence permit provided by the university and submit it to the relevant department.
• The university will review applications. Approved students will receive an off-campus internship authorization letter for international students issued by the university.
• Students must apply for the internship endorsement on their residence permit to the local exit and entry bureau.

4.Required documents

• Application form for internship endorsement on the residence permit
• Valid temporary residence registration form
• Off-campus internship authorization letter for international students issued by the university
• Internship certification letter from the receiving company or organization

5.Other important notes

• The internship duration must not exceed the student's period of enrollment at their university. The valid period of each internship endorsement must not exceed six months.
• If a student shows a significant decline in academic performance, has frequent absences, or violates university regulations or Chinese laws during the internship, the university reserves the right to revoke the endorsement or authorization.
• If a student suspends, withdraws, or changes their student status during the internship, they must cancel their residence permit as required.

Source: Official WeChat account of istudy at "yourchinastudies"