Under the Foreigner Work Permit System implemented nationwide in 2017, foreign workers in China fall into three categories: A (high‑end), B (professional), and C (ordinary). Category A is reserved for scientists, technology leaders, international entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and those meeting the points‑based criteria.
A‑class talent is not limited by age, education, or work experience (the "no limit" clause means requirements are not hard and fast for this category), and enjoys "green channel" and "reserved acceptance" services, with streamlined approval procedures. The bulk of Category A classification revolves around meeting established standards, regardless of whether the applicant falls into any of the direct‑qualification routes (renowned awards, national talent programs, market‑driven encouraged jobs, innovation/entrepreneurship, youth talent, etc.).
A‑class approval generally takes 5–10 working days, with some areas able to complete in as little as 3 days. The work permit card is typically valid for 2–5 years (commonly 2–4 years), after which it may be extended for a similar term.
The points‑based assessment tool is one of the key policy instruments for determining the classification of foreign workers. Applicants are evaluated across several dimensions: annual salary (up to 20 points), educational level (up to 20 points), work experience (up to 20 points), Chinese language proficiency (up to 10 points), age (up to 10 points) etc., plus a "regional orientation" bonus of up to 10 points for jobs located in key development regions.
A total cumulative score of 85 points or above qualifies the applicant for Category A (high‑end talent) classification. Applicants scoring between 60 and 84 points are classified as B (professional) class, while those scoring below 60 fall into C (ordinary) class.
Employer sponsorship and actual job offer must exist in all cases. The exact point valuation table is periodically updated, and applicants may need to provide full supporting evidence (salary slips, degree certificates, language test reports, etc.).
Within the Greater Bay Area, several cities have introduced local innovations to attract Category A talents:
The "salary pathway" has been part of the national policy since 2017 and continues to provide one direct route to Category A. Under this pathway, a foreign candidate whose monthly salary is at least six times the previous year‘s local average social wage is automatically eligible for Category A classification.
As of early 2026, Beijing and Shanghai have begun strictly enforcing this six‑times multiplier, applying the national requirement with less flexibility compared to the pandemic period. In these municipalities, the six‑times monthly salary threshold often translates into an annual salary requirement of approximately four times the national average, roughly in the range of RMB 800,000–900,000 per year depending on the year‘s local statistics. Employers applying under the salary‑based route in Beijing or Shanghai should ensure their salary proposals meet this requirement.
For Category A applicants: A‑class talents are generally not subject to a rigid age cap. Under national standards, foreign high‑end talents may be granted work permits regardless of age.
For Category B applicants: In most regions, there is an upper age limit of 60 for new first‑time permit applications. However, exceptions exist in certain cases: an upper limit of 65 or 70 may be applied, and a limited waiver may be granted in some circumstances.
In the GBA, the Guangzhou‑Foshan joint measures have aligned the B‑class age cap with China‘s statutory retirement age—currently 60 for men and 55 for women—with policy experiments underway in several cities.
Under MOHRSS Office Document No. 46 (2025), some national‑level optimisation has been introduced:
• The definition of "internationally recognised professional achievements" has been refined, with clearer guidelines on awards, academic society memberships, and senior editorial roles.
• Local authorities are allowed to develop their own high‑end foreign talent recognition criteria (alongside the national unified standards), but must report them to MOHRSS for approval.
• "One approval, nationwide mutual recognition" scheme: For foreign high‑end talents meeting the national unified criteria, A‑class status can be recognised across cities when changing employers, with reduced documentation requirements.
• Local governments are encouraged to share their own standards among neighbouring jurisdictions, promoting cooperation within regional economic circles.
The Guangdong provincial notification implementing these initiatives promotes mutual recognition of high‑end foreign talent classification and encourages the expansion of points‑based pathways for STEM‑focused candidates.
As a licensed agency with over 20 years of experience in Guangzhou and Foshan, we provide full‑service support for Category A and B classification applications:
Our team handles dozens of work permit cases every month, including complex Category A classifications.
Do not rely on outdated eligibility criteria. Our consultants provide accurate, up‑to‑date advice based on official regulations and local implementation practices. We offer a free initial assessment of your situation and a clear roadmap to lawful work status in China.
Contact Finerise Consultants → Learn more about work permit services
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