China work permit application now is governed by the new work permit system for foreigners. Under the new framework, the previous “Alien Employment Permit” and the “Foreign Expert Permit” have been combined into a single work permit, issued to any foreigner eligible to take up work in China. The new system has also introduced a three-tier talent grading system for expatriates, namely, Category A, Category B and Category C. Expats are placed in either category by earning the associated amount of points under the point scoring system, or by fulfilling the relevant conditions.
I. Category A
Category A refers to high-end foreign talents who are scientists, science and technology leading talents, international entrepreneurs, or specialized talents that are urgently needed for Chinese economic and social development. The high-end foreign talents should be in line with the national introduction of foreign talent focus and directory, or meet either condition below, then they can apply accordingly to Category A. Category A will enjoy the "The Green Channel" and "Tolerance Management” service.
If you meet one of the requirements below, you can apply for Category A.
(1) Selected by China talent import plan Government related programs and awards;
(2) Foreign Employee personally having won Internationally recognized rewards;
(3) Innovative and Entrepreneurial Talent;
(4) Selected by the Youth-Talent project;
(5) Personal comprehensive quality - score >85 points.
II. Category B
Category B refers to foreign professional talents who meet specific guidelines set out for foreigners working in China, with relevant job criteria, and needed for China's economic and social development. You have to meet the condition of one of the below to apply as a Category B foreigner:
(1) Score 60-84 points;
(2) Have a bachelor’s degree or above, two years of work experience in a relevant field;
(3) Hold an internationally recognized certification for a skill, or possessing a skill, that is urgently needed in the Chinese labor market;
(4) Teach a foreign language (their mother tongue) and hold a bachelor’s degree or above and two years of experience in teaching;
(5) Persons earning over four times the average local salary.
III. Category C
Category C refers to other foreigners who meet the needs of the domestic labor market, in line with national policies and regulations. Applicants fall under Tier C if they meet any of the following conditions:
(1) Score under 60 points;
(2) Hold a work permit under the old system, but do not qualify for the A- or B-tier under the new system;
(3) Are undertaking short term work in China (under 90 days); or
(4) Positions subject to quotas, such as young talent coming to China for internships.
Obtaining a Chinese visa is quite streamlined process, which is difficult to navigate, and the safest option would be to work through a visa professionals. Tannet is glad to help you. Our experienced consultants will be glad to assist and advice on how to approach your particular challenge.
Contact Us
If you have further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Tannet at anytime, anywhere by simply visiting Tannet’s website english.tannet-group.com, or calling Shenzhen hotline at 86-755-82143422 or Hong Kong hotline at 852-27826888, or emailing to tannet-solution@hotmail.com. You are also welcome to visit our office situated in 16/F, Taiyangdao Bldg 2020,Dongmen Rd South, Luohu, Shenzhen, China.
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