Hello,

I have an offer for an internship (paid) in China for a few months. The company would like me to come on a business (F) visa but I understood from other sources that it would be illegal to work and get paid on an F visa. On the other hand I understand that I could use F visa for an internship for less than 6 months. My question is if it would be legal to also get paid for that intern practice on an F visa?

Also the company would like to apply for a Z work visa for me after a 3 months period from my start (on a business visa) and my question is - is it true that I would need to exit China and return after they obtain my Z visa? Wouldn't it possible for me to stay in China? Also, would it be too difficult and lengthy to get a Z visa from the very beginning instead of an F visa?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.