What Categories of Foreign Experts can Apply for R Visas?
Foreigners who meet the requirements of High-end Foreign Talents of Category A (A1-A4) set forth in the Classification Criteria for Foreigners’ Work in China can apply for the R visa for the convenience of coming to China to engage in projects in management, technical development, scientific research, teaching and consultation.
What are the Benefits of the R visa?
1) The Shortest Processing Times for Examination and Approval.
The Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents will be issued within 5 working days. The visas for high-end talents and their spouses and children can be obtained as fast as the next day after submitting the application. The application for the work permit can be granted in 3 working days.
2) The Longest Validity Period.
Multiply entries on this type of visa which is valid from 5 to 10 years shall be issued to the foreign talents who meet the necessary criteria set forth by the authorities dealing with foreign talents.
3) The Longest Duration of Stay.
Qualified applicants will be allowed to stay in China for up to 180 days at a time, and this is the longest duration of each single stay among all visa types in China.
4) The Most Preferential Treatment.
There are not any fees having to be paid when the applicant applies for the R visa and this applies to family members (the spouses and minor children of the foreigners holding the talent visa) applying for corresponding visas with the same validity period permitting multiple entries. Applicants for the R visa do not need to pay any fees for using the express service for delivery.
How to Apply for the R Visa?
The International Office of USTB will apply to Beijing Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs for the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents. With this confirmation letter, the R visa can be applied for at an embassy of China in the experts’ home country. The following is a flowchart, which shows how to obtain a Confirmation Letter for the High-Level Foreign Talents Application.
Application Materials
1. Application form of the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talent;
2. Materials for the certification of Category A high-end foreign talents (See the Classification Criteria for Foreigners’ work in China)
3. Copies of the applicant’s valid passport
4. Copies and translations of the Invitation Letter or the original employment contracts.
