New Regulations Ease Work Pathways for International Students in Shanghai
SHANGHAI – Recent clarifications regarding internship and work eligibility in Shanghai are offering new opportunities for international students, notably those affiliated with NYU Shanghai. While navigating the regulations requires careful attention to visa status and location, expanded options now exist for both short-term internships and post-graduation employment.
The Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration bureau, located at No. 1500 Min Sheng Road, Pudong District, and reachable at (021) 2895-1900, operates from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday (excluding national holidays). Understanding the Bureau’s requirements is crucial for international students seeking to gain professional experience in the city.
Internship Eligibility:
Eligibility for off-campus internships is largely resolute by visa duration. Students holding an X2 short-term student visa for 180 days or less are not eligible. Those staying for more than 180 days are eligible. NYU Shanghai students face specific criteria: those on an X2 visa for 180 days are ineligible, while full-time NYU Shanghai students are eligible. A detailed ”Off-Campus Internship Registration process Guideline” is available online.
Post-Graduation Work opportunities:
Shanghai regulations allow foreign graduates (within two years of graduation) to work in specific zones:
Four Free Trade Zones: China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone, Lingang Special Area, and Hongqiao Central buisness District.
Five New Towns: Jiading, Qingpu, Songjiang, Fengxian, and nanhui.
Organizations listed on the Shanghai Sci-Tech Innovation Occupation List.Further details on these regulations can be found online.
NYU Shanghai Career advancement Center (CCD) Resources:
The CCD provides several resources to support international students:
Company List: A spreadsheet of companies that have previously hired NYU Shanghai international students as full-time employees and interns is available online.
Career Fairs: CCD hosts on-campus career fairs each semester, connecting students with potential employers.
Weekly Newsletter: A weekly “Career Development Resources for International Students” newsletter is distributed during the semester.
* Career Support Guide: A extensive ”Career Support for International Students Guide” is available for download.
