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China Talent Visa (R)

Chinese talent visa, namely the R Visa is issued to foreign high-level personnel and much-needed highly talented people who need to stay and work in China. Usually they can get a multiple-entry talent visa with the validity of five or ten years, and their spouse and minor children can obtain a relative visa, which refers to the S2 type in most cases, with the same validity. The duration of each stay can be as long as 180 days.

The measure complements the existing Work Z Visa that allows foreigners to work in China if they have a work permit or employment certificate issued by the competent Chinese authorities. The Chinese government has shown its sincerity towards global talents with this policy and created a friendly environment for them to work in China.
 

Who Count as High Level Talents?

Indubitably, eligible applicants for the R visa must have the highly-skilled and specialized qualities that are urgently needed due to a short supply among Chinese. Here we list major types of talents qualifying for the China talent visa but not all of them.

1. Those who have been selected to join China’s talents introduction programs accredited by talents management authorities, such as the Program for the Introduction of Renowned Overseas Professors, 1,000 Talents Plan, 100 Talents Plan, and CAS Hundred Talents Project.

2. Those who have accomplished achievements in professional fields recognized internationally, including Nobel Prize winners, scholars from Academy of Science or Academy of Engineering in foreign countries, professors and vice professors taking a position in the world’s top 200 universities, etc.

3. Foreigners who are capable of taking market-oriented positions in enterprises encouraged by the government, including senior management staff in China’s state-owned enterprises, Fortune Global 500 Enterprises, etc.
 

China Talent Visa Requirements & Documents

1. Passport

- Your original passport valid for at least 6 months and a copy of its information page.

2. Application Form

- One accurately and truthfully completed China Visa Application Form signed by the applicant. 

3. Recent Photo

- One recently-taken colored photo. The size of the photo should be 48mm x 33mm, with head width 21mm - 24mm and head length 28mm - 33mm, in white, light grey or light blue background.

4. The Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents

- to be obtained from China’s provincial level Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs. (Download Sample of the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents)

5. Other documents as required by the Chinese embassy or consulate.

 

How to Apply for China R Visa

First, applicants need to ask the Chinese organization inviting them to apply online for the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents, which may take five working days for processing.

Then prepare other documents mentioned above and submit all these documents to the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) wherever available in person or by someone else or entrusted travel agent. Appointment is usually required. Meanwhile, mail applications are not acceptable by most embassies, consulates and CVASC. In cases where application by post at CVASC is available, extra service fee might be charged.
 

Processing Time

The normal processing takes about 4 working days and can be shortened to two working days only upon the request of the applicant. The same applies to the applicant’s spouse and minor children.
 

Chinese R Visa Fees

The talents and their accompanying spouses and minor children can get the visa for free. Neither do they need to pay for the express service fee. However, if applying through the CVASC, they may need to pay some money to the CVASC.
 

Things to Know after Entering China

Talents working in China with the R visa should apply for a Foreigners Work Permit with the help of their working organization at the local Foreigners Working Management Bureau or its entrusted agencies after entering. Their passports, R visa, the contract of employment, and a physical examination record will be required to submit.

As for the extension, renewal, and replacement of the Foreigners Work Permit, the contract of employment, or certificate of employment issued by the Chinese organization where they work in, a physical examination record, the original R visa and endorsement pages, and passport information page copies are required.
 

Further Reading:

8 Tips for Filling Out Chinese Visa Application Form

- Last updated on May. 25, 2023 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on China Talent Visa
Asked by Antje from GERMANY | May. 25, 2023 02:38Reply
Fingerprints necessary?
Is it mandatory for the R type visa to submit fingerprints, which means one definitely needs to go in person to the embassy and can not ask an agency?
Answers (1)
Answered by Andrew | May. 25, 2023 20:16
00Reply


I'm afraid the answer is yes.
Asked by Alex from IRAN | May. 17, 2023 13:57Reply
Hello, can you please tell me how can we apply for “confirmation letter of talents” ?
Hello, can you please tell me how can we apply for “confirmation letter of talents” R talent visa? Should we find any sponsor? Can we apply for this letter ourselves directly?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jesse | May. 17, 2023 23:10
00Reply


This confirmation letter of talents cannot be applied by yourselves. Generally, there must be a Chinese entity inviting you and the entity should apply it from Chinese authorities and then get it if you are eligible for the related requirements.
Asked by Anders M. Jorgensen from CHINA | May. 17, 2023 06:11Reply
Exchanging CNY to USD on an R visa
I think I read somewhere that an R visa holder can more easily exchange money to take out of the country. But I can no longer find a reference to this. I would like to take $5K cash with me out of my compensation when I next leave in about 10 days. Suggestions?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jenny | May. 17, 2023 19:53
00Reply


I haven't heard such a policy. However, for R visa holders, they can enjoy different advantages in different cities. About taking out cash, according to China customs, all people can take out at most $5K cash without a declaration. So it is okay for you to take it.
Asked by HH from CHINA | May. 15, 2023 23:06Reply
Visa for 10 years
I have another 2 years on my job contract in China. I have High Level Foreign Talent certificate.

Can I get an R visa for 10 years, then come to China any time I want in the next 10 years (for up to 6 months per visit) even if I don't continue to have a job in China?
Answers (1)
Answered by Emma | May. 16, 2023 01:57
00Reply


As I know, your High Level Foreign Talent Certificate is only valid within 6 months. You have to apply for a R visa in its valid date. If you only have a 2-year job contract, then you probably get an R visa only for 2 years. In principle, its validity conincides with your contract.
Asked by Charlie from UNITED KINGDOM | Apr. 27, 2023 06:40Reply
Rvisa valid
Hi I have received my Rvisa last year. But I ended up not going to China because of Covid situation and flight ticket. Am I wondering is my visa still valid or do I have to do anything more? On paper it last for 10 years. But I assume you have to enter a country within 6 months or something like this? Please kindly advise
Answers (3)
Answered by Andrew | Apr. 27, 2023 23:51
00Reply


In fact, it is still valid and you have a maximum stay of 180 days at a time.
Answered by Charlie | May. 01, 2023 06:57
00Reply


Thank you, is it still true even if organisation I am going to work for in china change?
Answered by Eric | May. 03, 2023 23:27
00Reply


It's fine as long as the visa is valid.
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