Work Permit Point Calculation China: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
China's work permit system for foreigners is merit-based, designed to attract top talent while managing the influx of general labor. The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) uses a tiered point system to classify applicants into three categories: Class A (High-Level Talent), Class B (Professional Talent), and Class C (Non-Technical/Service). Our **Work Permit Point Calculation China** tool helps you navigate this complex scoring matrix instantly.
Why Calculate Your Points?
Knowing your score before applying is crucial.
Class A applicants enjoy expedited processing (green channel), paperless applications, and longer visa durations (up to 5 years).
Class B is the standard route for most professionals, requiring 60+ points.
Class C is strictly quota-based and harder to obtain for long-term roles.
The 3 Tiers of Chinese Work Permits
Using our **China work visa calculator**, you will be placed into one of these categories:
Class A (85+ Points)
High-Level Foreign Talent. Scientists, international entrepreneurs, and top-tier executives. No age limit, faster processing.
Class B (60-84 Points)
Professional Talent. Teachers, managers, engineers. Must have a Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience. Subject to age limits (usually 60).
Class C (<60 Points)
Other Foreigners. Seasonal workers, interns, or service sector employees. Quotas apply and valid periods are shorter.
Breakdown of the Point System
Our **work permit point calculation China** tool accounts for every official criterion. Here is how you earn points:
1. Annual Salary (Max 20 Points)
This is often the easiest way to boost your score. Salaries above 450,000 RMB per year (pre-tax) grant the maximum 20 points. Salaries below 50,000 RMB get 0 points.
2. Education (Max 20 Points)
A Bachelor's degree (10 points) is the minimum for Class B. A Master's gets 15, and a PhD gets 20. Note: You usually need your degree notarized and authenticated.
3. Work Experience (Max 20 Points)
Points are awarded for relevant post-graduate experience. 2 years is the standard requirement, but having 10+ years can grant 15-20 points.
4. Age (Max 15 Points)
China prefers young talent. Applicants aged 26-45 get the maximum 15 points. Points drop significantly after age 55.
5. Chinese Proficiency (Max 10 Points)
Taking the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) exam helps. HSK 5 or higher grants 10 points. Even a basic HSK 1 certificate adds 2 points, which can be the difference between Class B and C.
Strategies to Reach 60 Points
If the **China work permit tier calculator** shows you are at 55 or 58 points, consider these tips:
- Learn Basic Chinese: An HSK 1 certificate is relatively easy to get and adds 2 points.
- Negotiate Salary: Sometimes a small raise pushes you into the next salary bracket, adding 3-4 points.
- Location: Working in less developed regions (e.g., Western China) grants 10 bonus points compared to working in Shanghai or Beijing.
FAQ
Do I need 60 points if I qualify directly?
Not necessarily. There are "Direct Qualifiers." For example, if your salary is over 600,000 RMB (and you pay tax on it), you may qualify as Class A regardless of points. This calculator focuses on the standard point system.
Does the university ranking matter?
Yes. If you graduated from a "Top 100" global university (according to lists like QS or THE), you get 5 bonus points.
Disclaimer: This calculator is based on the SAFEA guidelines. Immigration rules in China can change or be interpreted differently by local bureaus. Always consult a professional visa agent.