Work visa
Work visa and Work permit residence
The Work Visa (Z-Visa) is granted to individuals who are employed, assume a professional post, or participate in commercial performances in China. After obtaining the Foreigner Work Permit Notification letter, applicants can proceed to apply for the China Work Visa at their local visa center or the nearest Chinese embassy.The general process for obtaining a Chinese work permit and work visa involves:
1. Job Offer: Secure a job offer from an employer in China.
2. Work Permit Notification: The employer applies for a Work Permit Notification at the local labor bureau in China.
3. Visa Application: Apply for a Z Visa at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate with the Work Permit Notification.
4. Entry into China: Enter China with the Z Visa.
5. Work Permit: Applicants must apply for the Work Permit within 15 days of entering China.
6. Residence Permit: If the duration of the work visa is more than 30 days, the holders of Z-Visa must apply for a residence permit from the immigration department of the local public security authority.
Work visa requirements:
Visa application form.
Important Note: Please send us electronically scans of ALL documents needed for the generation of your application form which are listed in all the requirements below;
Do not mail anything to Wondervisa without the generated application form.
Original passport.
The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph.
One digital photo.
No physical photo needs to be submitted.
Proof of status.
A NOTARIZED copy of Green Card (both sides) or other proof of legal status in the US (such as copy of I-20, I-797, US visa, H1B approval notice, I-94, etc.)
Work permit notice (Short-term or Long-term and Other Authority Approvals)
Copy of the Foreign Employment Permit Notice or Foreign Experts Card or Performance Permit or Short-term Work Notice.
Proof of residency.
Copy of driver's license, state issued ID, or major utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Sewage, phone) for in one of the most recent three month, showing the applicant's name and current address.
Previous visas.
If you no longer have possession of your previous Chinese visa you may include a letter to the Chinese consulate explaining when and where you received your previous visa and how the passport and visa were lost. The issuance of a new visa will be at the discretion of the consulate.
Where You Stay Form.
Please consult us before completing the form.
Work permit residence requirements:
Basic Eligibility for Work Permits The employers must legally comply, offer roles of special necessity where domestic candidates are unavailable, ensure wages meet or exceed local standards, and secure any necessary industry-specific regulatory approvals for foreign employees. The employees must be at least 18 years old and in good health, have no criminal record, and possess the required skills and a confirmed employer in China for their specific role.
Categories of Work Permits
The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) implemented a nationwide unified work permit system to assess foreign talents. This system uses market and international peer evaluations to emphasize abilities, achievements, and contributions. It integrates policy tools like points-based systems and guidance catalogs, dividing foreigners working in China into three groups: foreign high-end talents (Category A), foreign professionals (Category B), and ordinary foreign personnel (Category C).
Category A: Foreign High-end Talents
Category A refers to individuals such as scientists, technology leaders, international entrepreneurs, and specialized talents. This category also includes those who qualify as foreign high-end talents based on a points system – with 85 or more points. There is no age, educational, or professional experience restrictions for these talents.
Category B: Foreign Professionals
This category is for talents meeting specific educational, professional, or work criteria in China’s regulations. Typically, individuals with a bachelor’s degree and over two years of relevant work experience are eligible to apply for it. Foreign talents who have scored 60 or more in the scoring system also qualified.
Category C: Ordinary Foreigners
Ordinary foreigners are classified as Category C when they align with the domestic labour market needs, are employed in temporary (no more than 90 days), seasonal, non-technical, or service positions that adhere to China’s policies and regulations.
The Point-based Scoring System for China Work Permit.
Contact us to get the criterias for the point scoring system of the work permit.
