New R (Talent) Visa Policy Clarified

In recent years, China has issued many policies to encourage and attract overseas talents, the R Visa (Talent Visa) issued in 2018 is an example of these policies. Since then, thousands of people have obtained Talent Visas and after one year of its implementation, China has decided to improve the policy in order to facilitate even more the application process.

New Chinese Talent Visa Policy: Now Much Easier
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The R (Talent) Visa can be applied for in the Chinese Embassy of any country, it is given to people who have a high-level confirmation letter issued by the China Labor Bureau. It has a validity of 5-10 years with a duration of a maximum of 180 days for each stay. The processing time of an R Visa is of 1 or 2 days (sometimes you can apply for it in the morning and get it in the afternoon) and there is no visa fee. For qualifications on whether or not you can apply for an R (Talent) Visa, please check our previous article.

If you get the R (Talent) visa and keep working in China for 3 consecutive years, you will be able to apply for the China Permanent Residence.

The R (Talent Visa) can be also applied in Shanghai at the immigration bureau or airport as long as you fulfil any of the following qualifications:
1. If you are one of the high-level talents introduced by the Chinese government
2. If you have the High-level Talent Confirmation Letter
3. If your employer belongs to the list of Shanghai Scientific & Technology Innovation Companies and can issue you a recommendation (please check with VisaOfChina to know whether your company is on the list)
4. If you hold a Master’s Degree or higher
5. If you are recommended by a company that operates within the Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone, Free Trade Zone, Shanghai Universities or Institutions

What documents do you need to prepare?
Here’s the list:
1. Your original passport
2. Your temporary registration paper issued by your local police station
3. Application form (can be printed out at the auto-machine in the Shanghai Immigration Bureau)
4. Application letter from your employer
5. Your employer’s copy and original business license (original to check and copy to submit)
6. Recommendation letter from your employer OR your original degree with an authentication report (this needs to be legalized by either the Chinese Embassy in your country OR your country’s embassy in China)

The R (Talent) Residence Permit can be applied for by people who already have a working permit in China and wish to apply for a Work Visa.

Here are the requirements for the R (Talent) Residence Permit:
1. If you are one of the high-level talents introduced by the Chinese government
2. If you have the High-level Talent Confirmation Letter
3. If your employer belongs to the list of Shanghai Scientific & Technology Innovation Companies and can issue you a recommendation

Depending on your situation, you might be scheduled for an interview with an officer, if approved, you’ll get the Talent visa (Resident Permit) within 2 to 4 working days.

Please note that even if you get the 5 to 10 years Talent Visa (resident permit), you may still need to renew your work permit (talent work permits are usually valid until the expiry date of your labour contract).