Work, transfer, extension

10 rules · checked 11 October 2026

What the texts say

Each rule is stated once, with the article or page it comes from on the right.

1. 01

   Off-campus work-study needs an endorsement on the permit

   A holder of a residence permit for study who wants to do off-campus work-study or an internship needs the school's approval and must apply to have the place and period written into the residence permit. Without that endorsement, off-campus work-study and internships are not allowed.

   SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 22

2. 02

   Two consent letters for the endorsement

   The service guide asks for letters from the school and from the internship unit consenting to the work-study or off-campus internship.

   SOURCE NIA residence permit service guide, section 6(2), item 2 (study)

3. 03

   Work-study is allowed, employment and business are not

   During their studies international students may take part in work-study activities, but may not take employment, do business or engage in other profit-making activities. Working outside the rules on student work-study counts as unlawful employment.

   SOURCE Ministry of Education Order No. 42, Article 30Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 43(3)

4. 04

   The endorsement route is written for residence permit holders

   The regulations give the work-study endorsement to holders of a residence permit for study. An X2 visa does not lead to a residence permit, and the texts read for this site state no equivalent route for an X2 stay. Ask your school before agreeing to any off-campus work.

   SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 22

5. 05

   Changing school needs the first school's consent

   A university may accept an international student admitted by, or transferring from, another school once the original school has agreed. Schools publish their refund rules for withdrawal and transfer.

   SOURCE Ministry of Education Order No. 42, Articles 13 and 14

6. 06

   The school reports when you leave

   A school that admits a foreign student reports promptly to the exit/entry administration when the student graduates, completes the course, withdraws or leaves without graduating.

   SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 26(2)

7. 07

   Extend a residence permit in its last 30 days

   A foreigner who needs to extend a residence permit applies within the 30 days before it expires. If the extension is refused, the holder must leave China when the permit expires.

   SOURCE Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 32

8. 08

   Report changed details within 10 days

   When a registered item on the residence permit changes, such as the passport number, the holder applies for the change within 10 days. Not doing so can bring a warning and a fine of up to RMB 2,000.

   SOURCE Exit and Entry Administration Law, Articles 33 and 76(4)

9. 09

   Extending an X2 stay

   An extension of the duration of stay on a visa is valid only for the current entry, the holder keeps to the original purpose of the visa, and the total extension cannot exceed the duration of stay originally written on the visa.

   SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 14

10. 10

    What overstaying costs

    Illegal residence brings a warning; in serious cases a fine of RMB 500 per day up to RMB 10,000 in total, or detention of five to fifteen days.

    SOURCE Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 78

Official sources

Read the originals

1. National Immigration Administration — Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (English)
2. National Immigration Administration — Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC (English)
3. National Immigration Administration — service guide for foreigners' residence permits (Chinese)
4. Ministry of Education — Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42, Chinese)

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