China work permits sort foreign workers into three tiers: A (high-end - academicians, Nobel laureates, senior executives), B (professional - most white-collar posts), C (ordinary - domestic help, language assistants).
A-category perks: no age cap, up to 5-year permits, spouse and minor children may join with residence, and a fast-track green channel for approval.
B-category conditions: bachelor degree or above + 2+ years relevant experience (exceptions for some posts) + clean criminal record; or 60+ points under the scoring system.
C-category limits: capped quotas, short permit validity (usually 1 year), and additional age/skill requirements.
Points system: education (PhD 20), annual salary (500,000+ RMB 20), work years, age (under 40 adds), language ability and more - 60 points qualifies for B.
Upgrading: strong performers may move from B to A via talent recognition or salary thresholds; standards follow the latest local science/foreign-expert bureau policy.
