Visa & Immigration Update: A Guide to China's New Foreign Work Permit Application Process

Effective Date: 1 April, 2017
Impacted Area: China

China initiated a new program on April 1, 2017 that integrates the Foreigner Employment License and Foreign Expert License into a single Foreign Work Permit. Employers and assignees will now be able to complete and submit the application electronically. SIRVA breaks down the process into a simple guide to help you understand the new procedures and requirements.  

Stage	Process	Working Days	Authority	Applicant	Remarks
Preliminary	Medical Examination	7-10	Public Hospital	Assignee	Medical examination should be completed in country of origin. Alternatively, it can also be done during the look-and-see trip to China. The medical examination must be valid for six months from the date of issue.
	Legalization of Police Clearance Certificate and Highest Degree Certificate	30-37	Chinese Embassy	Assignee	Time frame is dependent on Chinese Embassy in the country of origin and schools.
Pre-Entry	Medical Examination Verification	5-7	Chinese Quarantine Bureau	SIRVA	All medical documents issued by overseas hospitals have to be delivered to SIRVA China for verification through the local quarantine bureau. A medical check-up certificate will be issued when all documents are verified.
	Documents Preparation	2-3	Expert Bureau	SIRVA	SIRVA will prepare documents in Chinese to apply for the Online Notification Letter. Some documents will be required for endorsements by both employee and company.
	Online Foreign Work Permit Notification Letter Application	5-15	Expert Bureau	SIRVA	SIRVA will submit the application on Expert Bureau website.
	Notification Letter Counter Submission	5-10	China Counter of Authority	SIRVA	SIRVA will submit the application to the China Country of Authority once the Notification Letter is issued by the Expert Bureau. A scan copy of the application will be emailed to the employee.
	Z-Visa Application	5-7	Chinese Embassy	Assignee	Application needs to be completed by employee at the Chinese Embassy of the country of origin. From the date of issuance of the Z-Visa, employee is given 3 months to enter China and is only permitted a single entry and up to 30 days of stay.
Upon Arrival	Temporary Residence Registration	1-2	Chinese Police station in the district/service apartment or hotel	Assignee	Registration must be completed within 24 hours upon arrival in China with the Z-Visa.
	Online Foreign Work Permit Card Application	5-15	Expert Bureau	SIRVA	Done online
	Foreign Work Permit Counter Submission	5-10	China Counter of Authority	SIRVA	SIRVA will submit the application to the China Counter of Authority
	Residence Permit Application	8	Public Security Bureau	SIRVA and Assignee	Sirva will arrange an appointment with the employee to submit the application at the Public Security Bureau together. Assignee's passport must be surrendered to the Public Security Bureau for 8 working days. During this time, assignee is restricted to only travel within China with a travel slip issued by the authority.

Note: Because this is a new process, SIRVA will work with the employees and our clients to address changes, corrections and other challenges that may arise as the government implements this new program. In addition, the Chinese authorities have the discretion to request for additional supporting documents throughout the process as each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and SIRVA will work with the employee/HR of company to address of any such requirements.

For more information, please reach out to our SIRVA Immigration Specialists in China:
Beijing - Assalli Xu | T 8610-58700866  Ext 119 | E assalli.xu@sirva.com
Shanghai - Ada Su | T 8621-63323322  Ext 209 | E ada.su@sirva.com
China - Sophia Hu | T 8621-633233 22 Ext 206 | E sophia.hu@sirva.com