Q: I heard that I need to write down my work experience in my application form for the Foreigner’s Work Permit. Why I need to write it down? Is it important?

A: Never, never look down upon the work experience part during your application! Many people don’t know this CV writing is actually one of the most important parts of their application, which will significantly affect their future career in China. An expat who applies for the Work Permit is required to clearly introduce the information about the companies he worked for, and his positions at the companies. Basically, an expat in Shanghai can only work at the positions written down in his first application form, for which he used to have at least two-year full-time experience. In other words, an expat cannot do any jobs irrelevant to his CV recorded in his first application form for the Foreigner’s Work Permit.

Sounds too abstract? Let’s see the following example, which will definitely help you get everything straight.

Example: Michael, 39-year-old, Australian. When he was at the university, he worked as a part-time English teacher for online courses aimed at Chinese students. After his graduation, he was sent to work in Singapore by his company as a translator. He took the translator position for four years until he was appointed to the marketing department. Before he came to Shanghai, he had worked in the marketing department for more than ten years. Following is how he wrote his CV.

Q1: In this case, can Michel work as an English teacher in Shanghai?

A1: No. Because Michel taught English as a part-time job. Part-time jobs and internships cannot be counted in. What’s more, he didn’t write down this experience in the application form. Only experience written down in the application form will be taken into account. Therefore, the first application form is very important.

Q2: Can Michel work as a translator or a sales in Shanghai?

A2: Yes, he can. Because he has more than two-year full-time experience in both positions. Also, he has written down these in his application form, which will be recorded in Service System for Foreigners Working in China. He can apply for the jobs relating to his records.

Q3: If Michel wants to be an English teacher, what should he do?

A3: As an English native speaker from a country where English is the first and official language, once Michel gets TESOL or TEFL, he is eligible to be an English teacher in China. Which countries are admitted by the Chinese government as the native English-speaking countries?Please check the attachment.

Now, a quick recap:

1. The first application form for the Foreigner’s Work Permit is extremely important, especially the CV part, which determines which positions you can work at in China.
2. Only over 2-year full-time experience can be taken into consideration. Part-time and Internship are not included.
3. Only expats from the admitted native English-speaking countries and get the TESOL or TEFL qualification can teach English in China.

Do you have any other questions? Feel free to contact our experts!

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