Can Internships in China Help You Get Permanent Residency? Yes – But Only If You Choose Wisely

We’ve recently talked about whether foreign interns in China can get paid. Now, let’s go one step further: can your internship in China help you stay here for good? 

The short answer: yes. But only if you know what you’re doing. 

So you want to stay in China? Here’s how it actually works. 

There are multiple pathways to permanent residence (aka the Chinese “green card” or “five-star card”. While there are humanitarian options like family reunion, the most realistic channel for most people is through employment. 

Put simply: China, like any other country, wants to keep foreigners who are contributing to its economic and social development. If you can prove you’re committing to stay long-term, and you’re adding value to this country – especially through your career – you’re already checking some major boxes. 

Internships matter more than you think 

When it comes to work-based permanent residence, career trajectory is a key factor. In conversations we’ve had with immigration officers, two words keep coming up: continuity and credibility. 

Imagine two applicants with the same income level and similar time spent in China. Applicant A has bounced between unrelated jobs every year. Applicant B has built a clear, consistent record in a government-supported tech sector for a credible employer. All other things equal, Applicant B stands a much better chance of getting approved. 

This brings us back to internships. Whether you’re applying for a job or a permanent residence, your early professional track record matters. For students and fresh graduates, internships are often the first entry on that record. 

If you’re aiming to apply for permanent residence in the future, our advice is simple: think long-term. Choose an internship that aligns with your field of study – especially if that field is one the Chinese government is actively investing in, like AI, renewable energy, or advanced manufacturing. Even if the “reimbursement” is low, the strategic value may be high. 

How lawyers can help you 

Good news: most Chinese universities have streamlined a lot in how they handle foreign students and internship-related paperwork. In many cases, they can help manage the administrative logistics around internship. 

But here’s the catch: universities only help with standardized support for identity and academic compliance. They don’t handle employer risk, contract disputes, or unpaid work problems. That’s where you may need legal advice from professionals who understand both sides—school and employer. You need to be able to navigate both, and lawyers will be your bridge and help you figure out the risks.  

Don’t let internships derail your academics 

Quick reminder: your study visa is, first and foremost, for studying. Internships must never interfere with your academic performance. 

This isn’t 2015 when you just need a visa to enter China and teach English. According to what we’ve learned, immigration authorities now usually visit universities to check international students’ attendance records. If you’re regularly skipping classes or failing exams, it may raise their eyebrows – and that’s not the kind of attention you want. 

Internships are case-by-case. Be smart. 

The internship market in China is huge and sometimes could be messy. Not every “paid internship” is legal, and not every employer is trustworthy. You need to evaluate your options carefully—and when in doubt, ask.  

As someone who has personally applied for internships in as a foreigner (international student), we know how hard it is to balance legal status, future job prospects, and fair compensation. Interning abroad isn’t easy—and same in China, it can also be complicated. 

To all the international students in China or coming to China who are trying to figure this out: we see you. It is hard work. Keep going, and we wish you best of luck!