When foreigners come to work in China, how to distinguish A、B、C foreign talents?

Since April 1, 2017, the country has uniformly implemented the foreigner work permit system in China. In accordance with the unified deployment of the State Council, the previous "Foreign Experts Work Permit in China" and "Foreigner Entry Employment Permit" have been integrated into the "Foreigner Entry Employment Permit". "Work Permit to Work in China", which is the basic prerequisite for foreigners to legally work in China, and is organized and implemented by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. Foreigners coming to work in China are divided into three categories: foreign high-end talents (Category A), foreign professional talents (Category B), and foreign ordinary personnel (Category C) and are subject to classified management.

What conditions do ABC category foreigners need to meet?

Foreign high-end talents (Category A talents)

It refers to scientists, leading scientific and technological talents, international entrepreneurs, specialized talents, etc. who are in line with the "high-tech shortage" and market demand orientation, China's economic and social development, as well as those who meet the points-based high-end foreign talent standards. High-end foreign talents are not subject to age and work experience restrictions.

Those that meet any of the following conditions are determined to be Category A and will be subject to "green channel" and "vacancy acceptance" services.

(1) Those selected into the domestic talent introduction plan

(2) Meet internationally recognized professional achievement recognition standards

(3) Foreign talents who meet the needs of market-oriented encouraged positions

(4) Innovative and entrepreneurial talents

(5) Outstanding young talents

(6) Points scored above 85 points

Foreign professional talents (Category B talents)

It refers to those who meet the guidance catalog and job requirements for foreigners coming to China, as well as meet the points-based foreign professional talent standards, and should be no more than 60 years old. Possess a bachelor's degree or above and 2 years or more of relevant work experience.

Those that meet one of the following conditions are determined to be Category B.

(1) Foreign professionals with a bachelor’s degree or above and 2 years or more of relevant work experience. Comply with one of the following provisions:

(2) Hold international vocational skills qualification certificates or are in urgent need of skilled talents.

(3) Foreign language teaching personnel.

(4) Foreign talents whose average salary income is no less than 4 times the average social salary income in the region in the previous year.

(5) Specialized personnel and project implementation personnel who meet the requirements of relevant national departments.

(6) Foreign students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree or above after graduating from higher education institutions in my country (including higher education institutions in Hong Kong and Macao) and working in Shenzhen.

(7) Professional talents with more than 60 points.

Ordinary foreign personnel (Category C talents)

It refers to meeting the needs of the domestic labor market and engaging in temporary, seasonal, unskilled, or service-based work that complies with national policies.

Those that meet the following conditions are determined to be Category C.

(1) Foreign personnel who comply with the current management regulations for foreigners working in China;

(2) Foreign personnel engaged in temporary, short-term (not exceeding 90 days) work;

(3) Personnel subject to quota system management include foreign youths who come to China for internships in accordance with intergovernmental agreements, foreign students who meet the prescribed conditions, foreign graduates from overseas universities, foreigners working in special fields such as offshore fishing, etc.

Generally speaking, they are "other foreigners who comply with national regulations", including foreign youths who come to China for internships, college graduates and other fields. China does not reject Category A personnel unless they have a bad record; Category B is slightly controlled and based on domestic demand, and the number is not allowed to expand sharply; while Category C is heavily restricted, the fewer the better. Judging from the classification management and point calculation of the three categories of talents A, B and C (mainly for category B, category A is mostly classified according to standards), it will become increasingly difficult for category C foreigners to find employment.