These things all depend upon which province you are in. Some provinces are very strict and even with a generous dollop of guanxi it is very hard (or impossible even) to get a Z-visa without the proper documents.

On the other hand some provinces still let you convert a visitors visa to a z visa.

I don't know about Harbin now though. When I was there you could convert a visitors visa, but that was many years ago!

> The first thing to tell you is that China has laws...but does it
> abide by them? -not at all.
> Anyway, most employers are becoming more strict about their employees
> having a minimum of a B.A. degree and they also like it if you have
> some sort of TEFL certificate. The latter is not mandatory.
> I do know a couple of people who are working without having obtained
> their B.A. but I don't know how much longer they can continue.
> Your situation also depends on your employers "guanxi" or
> connections. Especially with the authorities. An employer with guanxi
> can take on the 3 Stooges as employees.
> There is a new Z visa now, it doesn't say "Z" it's better.
> It is your visa and resident permit together in one sticker in your
> passport. No more little red book. And it's multiple entry so you can
> go anywhere you please in and out of China everyday if you like! Or
> maybe live in Shenzhen and want to go to Hong Kong often...
> It's very convenient!
> Good luck to you!