General information only. Work authorisation, residence, permanent residence, and exit-entry enforcement turn on nationality, employer registration, local practice, and immigration history. This is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Confirm requirements with the competent authority and qualified counsel before you travel, start work, or change status.
Expat status & work authorisation cluster: Hub · Class A vs B · M-visa risks · Permit timeline · Five-Star Card · Overstay · Change employer · Job loss visa timeline · Police registration (24h) · Primary sources · Checklist
Candidate identity & background
- ☐ Passport (validity buffer; blank pages)
- ☐ Digital photo to local specification
- ☐ Up-to-date CV matching job description chronology
- ☐ Highest degree diploma + transcripts as required
- ☐ Authentication / Apostille / legalization chain accepted by the window
- ☐ Chinese translations from an accepted translator where required
- ☐ Criminal record check from required jurisdictions, within validity window
- ☐ Medical examination at approved facility when required
- ☐ Application forms signed consistently with passport name order
Employer / sponsorship
- ☐ Business licence and organisation codes as required
- ☐ Online work-permit account access and operator authorisation
- ☐ Job description, title, salary, work location
- ☐ Employment contract or offer in required bilingual format
- ☐ Invitation / notification supporting letters
- ☐ Industry licences if the role is regulated
After entry
- ☐ Temporary residence registration at actual address
- ☐ Work Permit completion steps post-entry
- ☐ Residence permit appointment documents
- ☐ Dependants’ parallel packs if applicable
Red-flag extras
- ☐ Name variations list (married names, Chinese characters, middle names)
- ☐ Prior China visa refusals / overstay explanations if any
- ☐ Secondment letters if payroll and host entity differ
Return to the hub for decision order, or open M-visa risks if the person is already working on the wrong status.
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