China – Work Permit Scheme Implemented in 10 Cities
As reported previously, China introduced a “Pilot Implementation Plan on the Work Permit System for Foreigners in China” in September. It took effect November 1, in ten pilot cities and provinces, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Anhui, Guangdong, Hebei, Ningxia, Shandong, Sichuan, and Yunnan.
The pilot program merges the work authorization into a single work permit scheme. A points system will be implemented for foreign nationals requesting a work permit. Points will be awarded based on the foreign national’s income, work experience, educational background, age, duration of stay, location (higher points are awarded to work in less developed regions), and Chinese language proficiency.
The following categories are as follows:
- Tier A – Highly qualified top talent
- Points Required: 85+
- Foreign nationals in this tier will benefit from fewer supporting documents
- China talent program
- Individuals who have received internationally recognized awards
- Market-demand talent encouraged by the Chinese government
- Entrepreneurs on innovative projects
- Youth talent
- Tier B – Professional talent
- Points Required: 60-85
- Bachelor’s degree or higher and at least two years of related work experience
- Master’s degree or higher from a university in mainland China
- Master’s degree or higher from an international top 100 university
- Foreign language teachers in China
- Tier C – Unskilled workers
- Points Required: Below 60
- Government projects in China
- Offshore fishing or other special areas
- Seasonal workers
The work permit scheme will be implemented nationwide beginning April 2017.