The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security jointly released the Notice on Issuing of Implementation Measures of Foreign Talent Visa Rules on 28 November 2017. The Implementation Measures of Foreign Talent Visa Rules (“Measures”) then came into force.

The Measures aim to facilitate foreign talents to conduct innovative and entrepreneurial activities in China and align the R visa and foreigner’s work permit as well as the residence permit.

Those foreign talents falling within Class A foreign employees according to Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China (Trial Version) are eligible for obtaining the R visa of 5 - 10 years with multiple entries for themselves and their spouse as well as minor children. The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security may, where appropriate, jointly adjust the standards for categorizing foreign high-end talents based on social and economic developments and the HR market demand.

The general application process shall be as follows:

(a)The Chinese entity giving the invitation applies with the provincial - level authorities in charge of foreigner’s working in China for the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents via online system by submitting the application form, invitation letter issued by the Chinese entity and the materials for proving satisfaction of Class A standards;

(b)The authorities in charge issue the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents within 5 working days, which shall also share such information with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate accordingly;

(c)The foreign talent then applies for R visa with the Chinese embassy or consulate; where the application is urgent, such application process can be expedited and completed within 2 working days.