Q+A:

The standards are high for foreign highly-trained staff applying for a permanent residence permit in China. What is the difference between the national and Changchun New Area's criteria to identify this level of personnel? Where can foreign high-level personnel get a recommendation letter to apply for permanent residence?

When Changchun New Area's Identification Standards for Foreign Personnel were being formulated, officials referred to national standards set for foreigners working in China and the criteria of various national free trade zones. This was to establish strict and suitable standards for personnel management in Jilin province. Some senior management and technical staff from innovation companies in Jilin have been listed as Changchun New Area high-level personnel. Foreigners who fit the description of Changchun New Area's Identification Standards for Foreign Personnel can apply for recommendation letters from the Changchun New Area Administrative Committee for themselves, their spouses and children. (Yang Wenjun, deputy director of the Changchun new area administrative committee )

Overseas Chinese with doctorates and postdoctoral qualifications working in Changchun New Area can apply directly for a permanent residence permit. What is the definition of the above-mentioned overseas Chinese?

According to the Identification Standards for Overseas Chinese, the term here refers to foreign citizens of Chinese origin and their children. (Wang Pengfei, investigator at the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, Jilin province)

After the implementation of the new policies, what certificates should foreigners apply for if they want to work in Changchun New Area?

Foreign technical personnel and senior management working in Changchun New Area can directly apply for visas on arrival at ports of entry.

After entering China, they can apply for work permits and residence permits. Other foreign staff with stable jobs in Changchun New Area and without violations can apply for residence permits for work, valid up to five years.

The new policies simplify the procedures for applications and are convenient for foreigners who work in Changchun New Area. (Liu Bin, deputy director of Jilin Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs' management office)

What rights do foreigners have in terms of entering and exiting China, after they get a permanent residence permit or Chinese "Green Card"? How long is it valid and where can foreigners apply for it?

Cardholders can use the permit to deal with financial, educational, medical, transport, accommodation, communications and tax affairs.

The validity of the permit is five years for cardholders younger than 18 years old, and 10 years for people older than 18.

Foreigners in Changchun can apply for the permit at the Changchun public security bureau's exit and entry administration bureau or the Changchun New Area Foreigner Service Hall. For inquiries, call 0431-8892-7465. (Li Ran, director of Changchun public security bureau's exit and entry administration bureau)

(China Daily 12/18/2017 page12)