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Q: Can I look for work while on a tourist visa?
Hello, At the risk of sounding naive or asking a stupid question: Is it ok to look for and secure a job on an L-visa (tourist).
I was on here about a month ago under the username lostlaowai2015 but it won't let me access that account so I've set up a new one. I only asked one question before about extending an L visa and was (rightly or wrongly) berated for asking a possibly stupid question.
Anyway my question in more detail. I'm here on an L-visa and want to stay and work. I know to work I obviously need a z-visa but i'm curious as to whether I'm breaking any laws by doing interviews (or possibly demo classes if i take the teaching route) while still on this tourist visa. Can i sign a contract?
I assume it's fine since I'm not earning money - but I wanted to be on the safe side; I'm scared (or unreasonably paranoid) of turning up to an interview and it being an immigration trap like some of the ones Ive read about online.
Thanks in advance for your help and apologies if it's an obvious question - but i couldn't find anything online to confirm or deny.
ps: I'm in Shanghai if that makes a difference.
9 years 5 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
I see bigger disadvantage when working on L with being shafted by employer.
It is against the Chinese law to work and receive salary on L, and you cannot seek protection from Gov., in case of not being paid.
Should be no problem. After all the concept of having to go back to your home country to process the work visa implies you're in the country on some other visa.
Just make sure you state your situation in any emails to the intervviewr. Tell them your current visa is a tourist visa and you will not accept a job unless they supply a Z. Get a confirmation email, print them out, and take them with you.
Good thinking about the sting idea.
Good luck 
Thank you, that's what i expected really but i wanted to make sure there wasn't some catch.
I am in Shanghai too.Maybe I can hire you to tudor me English.
Strawberry66:
But I know someone needs parttime English teachers.Maybe I can recommend you to him.The payment is around 200rmb per hour.Teaching kids at home mostly.Guess u can work on Tourist visa.
ScotsAlan:
No Vicky. The OP wants a Z visa. He wants to be legal. Not illegal. Do you understand the difference ?
sorrel:
@ScotsAlan
legal/illegal Vicky doesn't care.
she has a potential single white male in her sights and at her age nothing is going to stop her from letting this one get away. 
ScotsAlan:
ha ha sorrel. Vicky is a wechat friend, and goodness me, she is an educator. She is an insight into a certain way of thinking. Thats a compliment by the way Vicky :)
ScotsAlan:
ha ha sorrel. Vicky is a wechat friend, and goodness me, she is an educator. She is an insight into a certain way of thinking. Thats a compliment by the way Vicky :)
You can scout around for offers but make sure you have all of the doc's ready on your side and the company's side for applying for a Z visa.
Technically, it's ok to look for work. Technically, it would also be illegal to give a demo class - as that would be performing a service (ie, job-like). Being paid is, according to the law, irrelevant.
In practice... NW - TIC.
I see bigger disadvantage when working on L with being shafted by employer.
It is against the Chinese law to work and receive salary on L, and you cannot seek protection from Gov., in case of not being paid.
You can look for work, but my advice to you is not to do ANY work until you have your visa. Look for a reputable school, and never believe ANY school when they say "Don't worry, we have relationship with the police!" Once you get the papers you need, you will have to go to Hong Kong to get your visa. It's the only legal way. If you are caught working w/o visa, you will be deported and blacklisted.
