These Work Permits to Go Nationwide, China Updates A&B Standards

Source: OT-Team(G), 人力资源社会保障部办公厅

On September 30, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) issued a notice on further optimizing the criteria for recognizing foreign talent in the top-level, highly-skilled, cutting-edge and urgently required categories.

Key Points of the Notice:

1.Refining National Standards

The recognition criteria for foreign high-end talent will be revised to emphasize internationally recognized achievements and the country's key development priorities. A unified national framework will be established, while allowing local governments to develop supplementary standards tailored to their regional industrial, social, and economic needs. Local authorities may also consider the demand for foreign expertise in universities, research institutions, and enterprises when formulating these standards.

2.Developing Local Talent Directories

Local governments are permitted to draft regional versions of the Guidance Catalog for Foreigners Working in China. These catalogs will specify detailed requirements for urgently needed professional talent, aligning with the structure of the current National Occupational Classification. The catalogs must refine occupational categories down to "sub-class" levels, listing corresponding occupational codes and competency requirements.

3.Authority and Participation

Provincial-level human resources and social security departments, which oversee foreign experts' affairs, are responsible for formulating regional recognition standards and guidance catalogs. In principle, sub-provincial authorities should not establish independent criteria. The drafting process should involve industry associations, human resource service agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure broad consultation and sectoral input.

4.Approval and Publication

All regional standards and catalogs must be submitted to the MOHRSS (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) for review and approval before implementation. Once approved, they will be published on designated local websites, with a validity period generally set at three to five years. Standards not updated after expiration will automatically lapse.

5.Work Permit Facilitation

Foreign high-end talent meeting the unified national standards will be eligible for "one-time approval, nationwide recognition." If their employer changes, they may directly apply for the same category of work permit in their new location without resubmitting supporting documentation. Foreign professionals recognized under regional standards and listed occupations in the guidance catalogs will be issued corresponding work permits. Local governments are encouraged to explore mechanisms for mutual recognition of regional standards.

6.Implementation and Oversight

From the date of issuance, provincial departments may begin developing and filing their recognition standards and guidance catalogs. Standards for other foreign workers (Category C) will remain unchanged for now. Local authorities are instructed to strengthen training for staff managing foreign work permits, provide clear policy guidance, and improve public communication to address concerns. Significant matters should be promptly reported to the MOHRSS (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs).