Learn how China’s work permit points system (Class A/B/C) aligns with visa types (Z, M, F, etc.). Get 2024–2025 updates, real examples, and actionable steps to secure eligibility and avoid rejection.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Points decide if you can work. Visas let you enter China. China uses a points system to sort foreign workers into Class A, B, or C. Your score depends on your salary, education, work experience, and Chinese skills. Your visa (like a Z visa) is how you get into the country.
- The Z visa is your ticket to work. When you get a Z visa, you usually have 30 days after you arrive to swap it for a residence permit. Most foreign workers get Class B status. Class A gets faster approval.
- Your age, pay, and skills count. Most workers are between 18 and 60. You can earn more points with a high salary, a great degree, experience at a top company, patents, or Chinese language skills. This can move you up to a better class.
- Timing is key. You must get your Work Permit Notification Letter before you apply for the Z visa. Once you enter China, convert your visa to a residence permit within 30 days.
- Make your profile stronger. You can improve your class (and speed up approval) with good HSK test scores, a recognized degree, and solid work experience.
Work in China: How Points and Visas Work Together
Two Systems, One Goal
To work in China, you need to understand two things: the work permit points system and the visa system. Your points decide if China wants you to work. Your visa decides how you get in and stay. This guide shows how both work in 2024-2025. It gives you clear steps to go from applicant to approved worker.
Check your potential points early using a tool like the China work visa points calculator.
How the Points System Works
The A, B, and C Classes
China gives foreign workers a score. This score puts them in one of three groups:
- Class A (High-level Talent): This is the top group. You need 86 points or more. If you have a high salary, a top job, or special skills, you can get here. Approval is fast.
- Class B (Professional Talent): Most foreign workers are in this group. Scores are between 60 and 85 points. You need good qualifications and relevant experience.
- Class C (Restricted): This is for scores below 60. It often includes entry-level or short-term jobs. Getting approved is harder and comes with more rules.
What Gives You Points?
Not everything counts the same. The biggest factors are your salary (paid by your Chinese employer) and your education (like a Master’s or PhD). Other things can help too:
- High Salary: A high pay is a very strong way to reach Class A.
- Education: Advanced degrees score well.
- Experience: More years in your field adds points.
- Chinese Skills: HSK test scores give you extra points.
- Top Companies & Universities: Experience at a Fortune 500 company or a degree from a top school helps.
- Patents: Having patents shows innovation and can push you into a higher class.
From Class B to Class A: A Real Example
Imagine an engineer with a Master’s degree, 8 years of work, and HSK 4. They probably fall into Class B. But if they get a big salary raise or register a patent, their score could jump above 86. That moves them to Class A for faster processing.
Understanding Visa Types
The Visa Alphabet
China has different visas for different reasons. For work, the Z visa is the one you need. Other common visas include:
- Z Visa (Work): This is for a real job. After you arrive, you convert it to a residence permit.
- M Visa (Business): This is for short business trips. You cannot use it for a paid job.
- F Visa (Exchanges): This is for visits and non-commercial exchanges. It does not let you work.
- X Visa (Study): This is for students. You cannot work on this visa without special permission.
- Q/S Visa (Family): This is for family visits. It is not for work.
Always apply for the visa that matches what you will do. Using the wrong visa to work is illegal and causes big problems.
The Z Visa Process
You get a Z visa first. It usually lets you stay for 30 days after you arrive. In that time, you must get your residence permit. This permit is tied to your work contract. It can be valid for anywhere from 90 days up to 5 years. Think of it as a two-step process: Z visa to enter, residence permit to live and work.
Age Rules
The standard age for a Z visa is 18 to 60. But there is some flexibility. If you have rare skills and a strong employer, you might get approval even if you are older.
How Points and Visas Connect
The Right Order is Everything
First, you qualify for a work permit through the points system. This gets you the Work Permit Notification Letter. Then you use that letter to apply for your Z visa. The visa lets you travel to China to finalize your residence permit.
Why Your Class Matters
- Class A: You get faster processing and extra support.
- Class B: This is the standard path. Approval is common if your documents are in order.
- Class C: Expect more checks and shorter permit lengths.
Everyone using a Z visa for a job follows the same basic steps. But your points category affects the speed and ease of the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Wrong Visa: Do not try to work on a business (M) or tourist (L) visa. This is illegal.
- Skipping the Points System: You must get your Work Permit Notification Letter before the Z visa. You cannot skip this step.
- Missing the 30-Day Window: Do not forget to convert your Z visa to a residence permit after you arrive.
- Bad Documents: Make sure your degrees are notarized and your experience is well-documented. Small errors cause big delays.
- Ignoring Age Limits: If you are outside the 18-60 range, you need a very strong application to succeed.
How to Improve Your Profile
Boost Your Points
- Ask for a Higher Salary: This is the most powerful way to increase your score.
- Get Your Degrees Certified: Make sure your diplomas are properly notarized.
- Show Your Achievements: Patents, awards, and experience at top companies help a lot.
- Learn Chinese: HSK scores add points and show you are serious about living in China.
Help Your Employer Help You
- Align with Local Needs: Jobs in fields the government encourages get smoother approvals.
- Plan for Speed: For Class A hires, coordinate the timing of the notification letter, visa, and permit conversion closely.
- Be Precise: Small mistakes in paperwork can cause long delays. Double-check everything.
At-a-Glance Guides
Work Permit Classes
| Class | Points Needed | Typical Profile | Processing Speed | Permit Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 86+ | High-salary executives, top experts | Fast-track | Multi-year |
| B | 60-85 | Skilled professionals with degrees | Standard | 1-3 years |
| C | <60 | Entry-level or temporary roles | Slow, strict | Short term |
Visa Types & Rules
| Visa | Purpose | Can You Work? | Get a Residence Permit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z | Job | Yes, after conversion | Yes, for 90 days to 5 years |
| M | Business | No | No |
| F | Visit | No | No |
| X | Study | No | No, need separate work permit |
| Q/S | Family | No | No |
Understanding these China visa rules is your first step to a smooth application.
Your Action Plan
- Check Your Class: See where you fit (A, B, or C). Use a China work visa calculator to see your score. Find your weak spots.
- Talk to Your Employer: Make sure your employer in China is ready to give you all the documents you need.
- Gather Your Papers: Get your degree, experience letters, police check, and medical exam. Notarize everything.
- Follow the Steps: Get your notification letter first. Then apply for the Z visa. Convert it to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
- Plan Your Time: It takes weeks to prepare documents and get approvals. A China visa days calculator can help you plan your timeline.
Ready to Start?
Working in China is about two things: your points and your visa. Your points show you are eligible. Your visa lets you in. Know your class, get your papers right, and follow the steps in order.
If you are close to a higher class, a small change in your salary or skills can make a big difference.
Next Step: Check your points online with a china visa points calculator. Talk to your employer in China about your documents and timeline. Prepare your Z visa application now for a smooth move later.
Need a personal plan? Share your job, salary, degree, HSK level, and experience. I can help map your best path to approval based on the latest visa china requirements.
