I was wondering if I could change my work visa to a family type without leaving China.

I am an American who currently lives in Dalian and I have a job with a residence permit. I have been unable to find a definite answer as to whether or not I would have to leave at the end of my contract to change my my visa to a Q1 type or if I can stay to do it here? My current residence permit expires on June 30, 2015 and I would prefer not to have to re-sign with my current job (or have any job with a Chinese company) just so I could stay another month or two with my wife while she waits for her Immigrant type. Thank you for your help.