IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Shanghai officials have eased procedures for Category A work permit applicants.

What does the change mean? Category A work permit applicants can now submit both work permit and residence permit applications at the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau. Previously, work permits had to be submitted to the Shanghai Foreign Experts Bureau, while residence permit applications were submitted separately to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change was implemented Dec. 2.
  • Visas/permits affected: Category A work permits, residence permits.
  • Who is affected: Shanghai employers and foreign nationals applying for Category A work permits.
  • Impact on processing times: Category A work permit applicants can now obtain both their work and residence permit in seven business days. Previously, work permit processing took 10 business days, and residence permit processing took an additional seven. Under the old system, resident permits could not be submitted until work permits were approved.

Analysis & Comments: The change is welcome news as it will ease Category A work permit application procedures in Shanghai. In some cases, employers may be able to move up start dates because of faster end-to-end processing.

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