Q&A
Q1:What are the requirements for foreigners to qualify for a job in China?
A1:
• The candidate is 18 years old or older
• The candidate is in good health
• The candidate possesses the skills and work experience required for the job.
• The candidate has a non-criminal record.
• The candidate holds a valid passport or any other valid travel document in lieu of a passport.
Q2:How can I apply for a work permit?
A2:Applying for a work permit in China requires you to gather the following documents:
• Application form for your Chinese work permit.
• Job qualification certificate - signed/stamped letter from the previous employer-normally you need at least two years' work experience.
• Medical certificate from a recent health check - within 6 months
• Employment contract, employment certificate or government authorization letter.
• Passport, visa or valid residence permit.
• Non-criminal record certificate - notarized and authenticated.
• Certificate (diploma) of a highest academic degree or relevant vocational qualification certification- notarized and authenticated.
Q3:If I have a residence permit, so I can work, right?
A3:No. Each residence permit is issued for a different purpose, such as study or work, and is only valid for the purpose it was issued. You would need to get a new one issued if you are planning to change the purpose of your residence permit relating to the corresponding documents that are required for that residence permit. It is important to remember that the residence permit is not valid on its own.
Q4:I overstayed past my visa expiration date, so could I just leave the country?
A4:No. You will need a valid and legal visa to exit the country, otherwise, you will be taken for further questioning and you may not be allowed to board your flight, you may be questioned, or given further consequences. The best way to handle this is to turn yourself in and apologize. Often if it is your first time committing such a crime, while you will be punished, the punishments are lower than repeated offenses.
Q5:I heard that I can apply for a five-year work permit and residence permit. Is this true?
A5:Contracts for more than one year can be submitted to the government for the processing of one’s work permit and residence permit, but this does not mean that the entire time is granted. It has much to do with the applicant’s qualifications and to the details of the company (such as area of business, paid capital, investment in China, contribution to China, etc). It is also possible that the work permit could be longer than the residence permit. Importantly, we should remember that the standard is one year with some exceptions for longer-term ones. There is no specific law regarding a certain number of work visas in a row means that you will automatically obtain a longer one, and you could have a longer one and then on your renewal be granted a shorter one. Even if you have a long term work permit and residence permit, often times, it still requires annual updates.
Q6:How to apply for visa transfer if my employer changes?
A6:If you change your employer company but still the same position, you can apply for the visa transfer within its validity. The former company should cancel the work permit. With the canceled certificate issued by the government, you can apply for the transfer.
Q7:What should I do if I lose my passport during my stay in China?
A7:You should report the loss to local public security authorities as soon as possible and go to your country's embassy or consulate in China to apply for a replacement passport or travel document. After that, you must go to the local public security authorities to apply for a new entry and exit visa.
Q8:Which countries and regions are using English as their mother tongue or primary language?
A8:Ascension Island, Australia, Bermudas, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, Canada, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Guernsey, Guyana (formerly British Guyana) , Ireland, Isle of Man (British Irish Sea Territory), Jersey, New Zealand, Pitcairn Islands, Singapore, South Africa, Akrotiri of Cyprus and the British region of Dhekelia, South Georgia and South Sang Wichi Islands, St. Helena, Tristan da Cunha, United Kingdom, United States, US Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, British Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands.