Recently, through active efforts with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, SIP has been authorized to issue the "Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents," making it the first district in China to have this authority. This provides a green channel for high-level foreign talents to visit, exchange, and start businesses in SIP.
Foreign high-level talents holding the "Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents" can obtain a multiple-entry foreign talent visa (R visa) valid for 5 to 10 years at our embassies and consulates abroad. They can enjoy a maximum stay of up to 180 days per visit. Additionally, spouses and minor children of foreign talent visa holders will receive visas of the same duration, multiple entries, and corresponding types.
How to Apply for the "Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents"
Applicable Objects
This policy applies to foreign high-level talents invited by legally established entities within the People's Republic of China for the application of foreign talent visas ("R visas").
Legal Basis
1. Article 16 of the "Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China."
2. Articles 6 and 7 of the "Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners of the People's Republic of China."
3. "Implementation Measures for the Foreign Talent Visa System" ([2017] No. 218).
Application Conditions
Basic Conditions for Inviting Units
1. Legally established, with actual business premises, legally paying taxes, and social insurance, without serious illegal or dishonest records. If industry regulatory approval is required by laws and regulations, it must be approved.
Basic Conditions for Applicants
1. Must be at least 18 years old, in good health, with no criminal record, having a definite inviting unit within the country, and a good credit record.
2. Must be high-level talents and urgently needed talents for the country's economic and social development, meeting the "high-precision-shortage" and market demand-oriented standards. This includes scientists, leading technology talents, international entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and high-skilled talents who meet the standards for foreign high-level talents (Category A) in the "Standards for the Classification of Foreigners Coming to Work in China (Trial)" and have made special contributions to Jiangsu Province. The State Administration of Foreign Experts, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security, may adjust the standards for foreign high-level talents as needed based on economic and social development and talent resource supply and demand.
3. If there are other provisions for foreigners working in China by laws and regulations, those provisions shall prevail.
Recognition Standards
1. Selected for relevant domestic talent programs.
2. Meeting internationally recognized professional achievement standards.
3. Foreign talents meeting market-oriented encouraged positions (excluding foreign talents with an average salary income not less than six times the average social salary income of the previous year in the region).
4. Innovative and entrepreneurial talents.
5. Outstanding young talents.
6. High-level talents recognized by the SIP management committee and the Suzhou Free Trade Zone management committee according to the "Measures for the Facilitation of Work and Life Services for Foreign Talents."
Application Materials
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Original electronic files of the application form for the Confirmation Letter for High-Level Talents, original electronic files of the invitation letter from the domestic unit, original electronic files of the relevant supporting documents that meet the talent recognition standards for the R visa, original electronic files of the applicant's passport or international travel document, original electronic files of the applicant's front-facing passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months, and documents proving special contributions. All materials that are not in Chinese must be accompanied by a Chinese translation stamped with the company seal, except for the passport and international travel document.
Processing Procedure
1. **Online Application:** The inviting unit logs into the "Foreigners Coming to Work in China Management Service System" on the website of the State Administration of Foreign Experts (https://fwp.safea.gov.cn/), submits application information online, and provides relevant electronic materials.
2. **Online Acceptance:** After online review by the acceptance agency, a decision is made whether to accept the application. If the application materials are complete and meet the requirements, it should be accepted within one working day from the date of submission (the submission day is not counted). If the application materials are incomplete or do not meet the legal form, the required supplementary materials will be notified online in one go.
3. **Online Review:** After online acceptance, the acceptance agency should review within the specified time.
4. **Online Decision:** If the conditions and standards are met, the decision agency will make a decision within 5 working days and issue the "Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents" online.
Processing Time
6 working days
Office Hours
Working days:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM (excluding legal holidays)
Consultation Window
1st Floor, One-Stop Service Center, Industrial and Commercial Building, 351 Suzhou Avenue East, Suzhou Industrial Park, Windows 2 and 3
Consultation Phone
0512-66683196, 66683197
Notes
1. The inviting unit can log into the system to check the processing status and decision results in real-time from the date of online submission. After the decision is passed, the "Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents" can be printed online directly.
2. The acceptance or decision agency may take measures such as interviews, telephone inquiries, on-site investigations, and random inspections as needed to verify the authenticity of the application materials.
3. **Applying for an R Visa with the "Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents":** The applicant should apply for an R visa at our embassies, consulates, or the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions within 6 months from the date of issuance of the "Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents," and submit the following materials:
1. Visa application form.
2. Passport (valid for more than 6 months) and compliant photos.
3. Printed "Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents."
4. Other materials required by the embassy, consulate, or other overseas agencies entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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