The Shanghai Foreign Expert Bureau is now accepting work permit applications from applicants classified as either Category A or B, and holding an M (business) or L (tourist) entry visa, rather than a Z (work) visa.
Risks and benefits
Note that Category B applicants risk their M or L entry visa expiring while their work permit application is being processed, and they may not be able to extend their entry visa without leaving China.
This simplified process avoids the six to eight weeks usually required to obtain a Notification Letter of Work Permit and a Z (work) visa before travelling to China (compared to about one week for an M or L visa), and may allow the applicant to start work more quickly.
Read more here:
CHINA – Expedited Work Permit Process in Shanghai May Benefit Some Foreign Workers