Since April 1, 2017, the application for a Chinese work permit is based on a points-based system that takes into account work experience, skills, education, Chinese language abilities, salary, age, company and industry, and location of work.
The new points system assigns a ranking of A, B, or C to foreign workers, with “A” being the most qualified and “C” being the least. It attempts to unify the foreign worker application process by installing a common framework, as well as quicken review time by introducing an online interface.
Why is China introducing a new points-based work permit system?
The government hopes to attract more A-tier workers to fuel its plans for an economy driven by consumption and innovation. Those ranked as “A” enjoy benefits, such as a faster processing and less documentation required. Additionally, the ranking allows the government to exert greater control over the number of “B” workers, and restrict the number of “C” workers.
A points-based system is common amongst other countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada.
Is the process for obtaining a work visa in China easier after the introduction of the points system?
While the new process requires fewer application materials and the online interface speeds up the process, requirements for notarizations of educational certificates have proved to be a barrier.
The government accepts notarizations by the Chinese embassy/consulate in the applicant’s country, the applicant’s own country embassy/consulate in China, or the Chinese Ministry of Education. However, some countries, including the United States, do not notarize educational certificates in their foreign embassies and consulates. This means that the applicant is left with two options: returning to his or her country and going through appropriate channels there, or going through notarization facilities set up by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
With either option, the applicant may spend up to one month pursuing the notarization process.
Once the applicant has received the notarization and the other required document, the authorities will review the material and revert their decision in 15 business days.
Which documents do I need now?
The 2017 changes to the work permit application process are aimed at streamlining and clarifying the procedures. Under the new system, employers and applicants submit the application online using a portal created by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA).
Applicants must submit the following forms:
- Completed application form for Foreigner’s Work Permit,
- Letter(s) of work experience (minimum of 2 years required),
- Notarized highest educational degree,
- Notarization by Chinese embassy/consulate, by the China-located foreign embassy/consulate of the country where the degree was obtained, or the Chinese Ministry of Education.
- Notarized non-criminal record,
- Notarization by the Chinese embassy/consulate, or by the consulate of the country where the record was obtained.
- Health certificate,
- Signed labor contract,
- Passport,
- ID photo,
- Information of accompanying members.
In addition, employers must submit the following forms:
- Registration form,
- Business license,
- Organization code certificate,
- ID information of employer or agent assisting with the registration,
- Industry license documentation.
How do I calculate my tier for a Chinese work visa?
Since April 1, 2017, existing and prospective foreign workers in China will have to abide by new regulations and processes for work permit applications. Under the new law, employees are divided into three tiers: A, B and C.
A-tier workers are those judged to be high level talent, B-tier workers are professional personnel and C-tier workers are temporary non-technical and/or service workers. As they are encouraged, A-tier workers will benefit from a green channel for the work permit application, forgoing several impediments, such as submitting hard copies of application documentation.
Tiers are calculated based on a points system:
- Tier A: > 84 points
- Tier B: 60-84 points
- Tier C: < 60 points
The scoring system depends on the candidate’s age, education, work experience, and time spent working in-country, as well as other attributes that the Labor Bureau has judged to be advantageous, such as Chinese language skills and location of employment (with additional points given to less-developed regions). Particular expertise, such as a degree from a well-known university, work experience at a Fortune 500 company, rights to patents or intellectual property, as well as 5 or more years of work experience in China add extra credit to the scoring.