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When a foreign company hires an overseas employee in China, that employee does not simply apply for a visa — they must first be classified under China’s points-based work permit system. Every foreign applicant is scored and placed into one of three categories: A, B, or C. The category determines how quickly the permit is processed, how long it remains valid, and in some cases whether the application is approved at all. This guide explains how the points system works in 2026, what each category means, and what employers in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan need to know before extending a job offer.
How the Work Permit Points System Works
China introduced the unified foreigner work permit system in 2017, replacing the earlier employment permit and foreign expert permit with a single framework. Under this system, every foreign applicant is evaluated against a scoring table that weighs factors such as salary, education, work experience, age, Chinese language ability, and the region where they will work. The resulting score places the applicant into one of three tiers, and that tier governs the rest of the process. Applicants who meet the qualifying criteria outright can be classified directly, while everyone else is scored on the points table.
Category A: High-End Talent
Category A is reserved for high-end talent — the most sought-after applicants. This tier includes senior executives, scientific and technical leaders, high earners, and people with exceptional credentials. The thresholds are demanding: a score of at least 85 points, or satisfaction of one of the listed qualifying criteria such as a top academic qualification, a senior management role at a recognized enterprise, or a salary well above the local average. Category A applicants enjoy real advantages, including expedited processing, longer permit validity periods, and a smoother pathway toward permanent residence. For an employer, securing Category A classification for a key hire means fewer delays and less paperwork.
Category B: Professional Talent
Category B is where most foreign professionals land. It covers applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least two years of relevant work experience, or who score between 60 and 84 points on the table. This is the standard tier for managers, engineers, teachers, and specialist staff working in cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Category B processing is routine and reliable, but the application still requires complete documentation — degree certificates, a clean criminal record check, a medical examination, and evidence of work experience — and the permit must be tied to a specific employer. Most foreign-invested companies will process the majority of their hires through this tier.
Category C: Ordinary Talent
Category C is the most restrictive tier, covering applicants who score below 60 points and who are generally limited to roles that meet specific policy goals, such as seasonal work, short-term assignments, or roles permitted under special regional or youth-employment programs. Category C approvals are subject to quotas and are not available for the kind of professional positions that a foreign-invested company typically needs to fill. If a candidate would fall into Category C, the practical answer is usually that the hire is not viable under current rules, and the employer should reassess whether the role can be filled locally or restructured to meet Category B criteria.
How Points Are Scored
The points table rewards applicants who are well educated, well paid, experienced, and a good fit for the location where they will work. Annual salary is one of the heaviest-weighted factors, so a competitive compensation package can lift a candidate’s score meaningfully. Education also matters: higher degrees earn more points. Relevant work experience, age in the prime working range, and Chinese language proficiency each contribute points as well. A key element for employers in Guangdong is the location factor — applicants taking positions in the central and western regions of China receive bonus points, while roles in more developed coastal cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan rely more on salary, education, and experience to reach the required threshold. Understanding this balance helps an employer structure a compliant, approvable offer.
Why the Category Matters for Employers
The category is not a formality — it directly affects the hiring timeline and the cost of getting a foreign employee to work in China. A Category A application moves faster and carries a longer permit, reducing the frequency of renewals. A Category B application is the workhorse of the system and is entirely manageable when the documentation is complete and the applicant genuinely qualifies. A candidate who only qualifies for Category C, by contrast, will usually be unable to obtain a standard work permit for a professional role. Because the classification is tied to the specific employer and the specific position, changing jobs or relocating between cities requires a new application, which is why companies should assess eligibility before making an offer rather than after.
Hiring in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan
The points system is applied nationally, but the practical experience differs from city to city. Guangzhou and Shenzhen process large volumes of Category A and B applications and have well-established review procedures, while Foshan and Dongguan, as manufacturing and trading hubs, see substantial demand for technical and managerial roles tied to factory operations and supply chains. In all four cities, the key to a smooth approval is preparing the right evidence upfront: a degree that meets the standard, verified work experience, a competitive salary that supports the category, and a clean application package. Working with a firm that understands the local requirements in each of these cities can turn what feels like a complex points calculation into a predictable, on-time work permit.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. China’s work permit points system, scoring criteria, and category thresholds are subject to change, and individual eligibility depends on the applicant’s specific qualifications and the position at issue. You should consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your particular hiring situation.
