
Country / Territory
The State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs of China has released policy guidelines for the Unified Work Authorization Application, which has been designed to attract highly-skilled foreign nationals, streamline the application process, increase transparency and improve data sharing schemes. Further implementation details for the three different categories of foreign applicants are expected to be released in the near future.
The policy will be piloted in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and the provinces of Anhui, Guangdong, Hebei, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region through March 2017.
Background
Some of the new practices have been adopted from other countries, such as web-based services, a points-based eligibility system based on factors such as work experience and education, and different application processes depending on whether the applicant is working on- or off-shore.
The unified online application system should allow data sharing between the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Public Security.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
The unified online application system should standardize processing times and work permit application document requirements nationally.
Fragomen China is working closely with government authorities on the policy details and will report on further details as they become available.
Fragomen China will be sending a webinar invitation to assist clients in preparing for the related changes.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Fragomen in China is Fragomen (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in China.
Country / Territory
Explore more at Fragomen

Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Blog post
Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Blog post
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Fragomen news
Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Awards
Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Media mentions
Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Blog post
Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Blog post
Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Blog post
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Fragomen news
Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Awards
Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Media mentions
Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Blog post
Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.