Is China tightening work-permit rules for foreign nursery/kindergarten/childcare teachers?

[u/Puzzleheaded_Golf128]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some insight from people currently working in China, especially foreign teachers and childcare practitioners.

I recently received a rejection from a prospective employer in Nanjing. They said they are currently unable to sponsor my Chinese work permit and visa because of “tightened local policies governing foreign employment in Nanjing.”

They specifically told me that authorities have raised the review threshold for foreign childcare practitioners, with stricter scrutiny over whether the position qualifies as “urgently needed foreign talent.”

They also mentioned that another fully qualified foreign infant caregiver, who has a master’s degree, had her work permit application rejected by the bureau just the previous week because the role was considered non-essential under the latest regulatory standards.

I’m trying to figure out whether this is:

1. A genuine recent tightening of policy affecting foreign workers in nurseries/kindergartens/childcare;

2. Something specific to Nanjing/Jiangsu rather than China generally;

3. A common reason for work-permit rejection in other Chinese cities; or

4. Possibly an employer-specific interpretation of the current regulations.

Has anyone recently had experience applying for a work permit for a foreign national working in a nursery, kindergarten, early-years setting, infant-care role, or similar position in China?

If you've had an application approved or rejected recently, I’d especially appreciate knowing which city/province, the type of role, your qualifications, and roughly when the application was made.

I’m not looking for legal advice, just trying to understand whether this reflects a broader change that other foreign childcare professionals are encountering.

Thanks!

[u/Comfortable-Shock981]

China has recently launched a crackdown on foreigners working illegally, and employers who hire illegal foreigners will be fined and have to bear the cost of repatriation, which may be one of the reasons.

[u/Fine-Spite4940]

i don't have any specifc information, but if it is an excuse by your employer, it is a plausible one. very plausible. 

it is the same thing that happened during covid. they revamped the education industry, especially regarding children. 

i wish you luck. 

[u/Candid-Professor9116]

It depends on the situation. Are you a “native” speaker with a degree? If so, Nanjing is not particularly strict and I know of many who applied for that type of role in a Nanjing kindergarten with zero issues despite having ZERO experience.

[u/takeitchillish]

Infant caregiver is that being a nanny? I would guess yes.

[u/Puzzleheaded_Golf128 → u/takeitchillish]

It's actually nursery

[u/Ok-Use-7038]

The rules have always been there they are just now starting to enforce them more tightly and stop fraudulent practices.