CHINA: What are the conditions for obtaining a work visa?

Since April 2017, new regulations apply regarding the acquisition of a work visa.

1. “ selected domestic talent introduction plan and internationally recognized professional achievement recognition standard ”

2. “ market oriented standard of encouragement ”

3. “ innovative talents and outstanding young talents ” (government programs).

Apart from these three cases, work permit applicants must submit their application for administrative screening according to the "points" system applicable to the three work visa categories (A, B and C):

The candidate must total:

85 points to obtain an A visa (Foreign Talents);
60 points to obtain a B visa (Foreign professionals/experts);
The C visa is for individuals with a total of less than 60 points.

Points are obtained according to assessment criteria defined by the regulations as follows:

• Annual salary: if above 45,000 RMB, 20 points; between 35,000 and 45,000 excluded, 17 points; between 25,000 and 35,000 excluded, 14 points; between 15,000 and 25,000 excluded, 11 points; between 7000 and 15,000 excluded, 8 points; between 5000 and 7000 excluded, 5 points; below 5000, 0.

• The level of study: Doctorate, 20 points; Master's, 15 points; Bachelor's, 10 points.

• Professional experience in the employment sector in China: more than 2 years, 5 points (+ 1 point per additional year, up to a maximum of 15 points); 2 years, 5 points; less than 2 years, 0 points.

• The number of months of actual work in a year: more than 9 months, 15 points; between 6 and 9 months, 10 points; between 3 and 6 months, 5 points; less than 3 months, 0 points.

• Level of knowledge of the Chinese language: degree (bachelor's or higher) in teaching Chinese, 10 points; HSK5 and above, 10 points; HSK 4, 8 points; HSK3, 6 points; HSK2, 4 points; HSK1, 2 points.

• Workplace in China: West, Northeast, Central, 10 points; Other Regions: 0 points.

• The candidate's age: between 18 and 25 years (under 25 years), 10 points; between 26 and 45 years, 15 points; between 46 and 55 years, 10 points; between 56 and 60 years, 5 points; over 60 years, 0.

• The reputation of the host structure (company, school): 5 points if graduated from one of the top 100 universities in the world or 5 points if the candidate has worked in one of the top 500 companies in the world.

• Specific skills: points awarded on a case-by-case basis between 0 and 10 points.