Relaxed Requirements! Chinese Green Cards for Australian Citizens of Chinese Descent in 6 Months! Im
Introduction:
For Chinese individuals who have become Australian citizens and wish to return to China, the process has traditionally been cumbersome. The main hurdle is usually applying for a visa to return. However, the Chinese Immigration Bureau has announced that a specific category of Australian citizens of Chinese descent no longer need to apply for a visa to return. Instead, they can directly apply for a Chinese Green Card, with some Australian Chinese already successfully receiving it!
1. Australian Chinese Get Chinese Green Card in Just 6 Months
The Foreigners' Permanent Resident Identity Card of the People's Republic of China, commonly known as the Chinese Green Card, allows foreign nationals, even those who have acquired foreign nationality, to legally reside in China.
Obtaining the Chinese Green Card is globally known to be a challenging process. However, recently, an Australian Chinese individual has successfully obtained the Chinese Green Card.
This individual, referred to as D, lives in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. She submitted her application for permanent residency in China in September of the previous year. After 6 months, she successfully received her Green Card in early April this year.
The total cost for the process, including an application fee of 1,500 RMB and a certificate fee of 300 RMB, was 1,800 RMB.
Her success can be attributed to a recent policy announcement that affects individuals like her. According to a talent recruitment plan, Australian Chinese citizens who have a PhD or above, and who have worked in key national development regions for a continuous period of 4 years, with at least 6 months of actual residence each year, are eligible to apply for a Green Card.
2. Chinese Green Card Criteria Relaxed: Which Australian Chinese Citizens Are Eligible for Permanent Residency?
Previously, the China National Immigration Administration clarified the process for foreign Chinese citizens holding a PhD to apply for permanent residency in China.
According to the immigration bureau's regulations, foreign Chinese citizens with a PhD can apply for permanent residency in China by submitting the required materials.
Eligible individuals must submit the following documents:
Foreigners' Application Form for Permanent Residency in China and a passport-sized photo.
A copy of the valid passport and residence permit.
Proof of foreign Chinese nationality (such as proof of acquiring foreign nationality and proof of canceling Chinese household registration, or a certificate from local authorities confirming foreign nationality).
PhD certificate and for overseas degrees, an education certificate from the Ministry of Education's Study Abroad Service Center.
Employment certificate from the employer, the company's business license copy, and a Foreigners' Work Permit.
A no criminal record certificate authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate.
A health certificate, provided by a health agency recognized by the Chinese government or an international medical institution, authenticated by the embassy.
Translations of foreign documents into Chinese, stamped by a translation company.
In addition to this, the foreign spouse and minor children of the foreign Chinese PhD holders are also eligible to apply for permanent residency along with the applicant.
This policy isn't entirely new. It was first implemented as part of 12 immigration and entry-exit facilitation measures by the National Immigration Administration on August 1, 2019. The policy allows foreign Chinese citizens with a PhD to bypass the requirement of continuous work and residency, with the only requirement being 6 months of actual residence each year.
The new policy is a major convenience for foreign Chinese PhDs seeking to return to China, allowing them to settle down in China much more easily.
Some people are supportive of this policy, stating that if these individuals are truly capable, they can return to China to contribute using the skills they acquired abroad.
Others argue that this might indirectly provide foreign Chinese PhDs with a "dual nationality" option.
3. 12 Immigration Facilitation Policies: Who Else Can Apply for Chinese Permanent Residency?
Besides foreign Chinese PhDs, other foreign nationals can also apply for Chinese permanent residency under certain conditions:
High-level foreign talent or those who have made significant contributions, or are in sectors particularly needed by the country, can apply for permanent residency with the recommendation of relevant government departments, provincial governments, or key national development regions.
Foreigners working in China who have worked for 4 continuous years, resided in China for at least 6 months per year, earn 6 times the average annual wage of local employees, and pay at least 20% of their income in taxes can apply for permanent residency.
Foreign experts and scholars invited by domestic universities, research institutions, and well-known enterprises can apply for a multi-entry visa or residence permit valid for up to 5 years.
Foreign talents and innovation teams invited by key domestic sectors or industries can apply for a residence permit valid for up to 5 years.
Foreigners with significant contributions and national importance can apply for a 5-year long-term visa or residence permit for their team members and research assistants.
Foreigners working in China with a valid work permit can apply for a work-related residence permit. If they've already applied for work-related residence twice without any violations, they can apply for a 5-year work-related residence permit.
Foreign experts with a high-level position in key Chinese universities can apply for residence permits for their part-time innovative or entrepreneurial roles.
Excellent foreign students who graduated from top universities in China can apply for a residence permit to engage in innovation or entrepreneurship activities.
Foreign students who graduated from well-known international universities can apply for a residence permit to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship in China within 2 years of graduation.
Foreign students invited for internships by domestic companies can apply for a 1-year internship visa.
The establishment of immigrant service centers will help foreigners living in certain regions access legal, travel, and policy support.
Conclusion:
For many Australian Chinese, the issue of whether or not to take Australian citizenship was complicated by the challenges of returning to China. However, this new policy is a welcome change. As long as they meet the criteria of being high-end talent, there's no longer a need to worry about complicated visa processes. In the end, talented individuals, no matter where they are, are always in demand.