From December 1, 2024, foreigners’ work permits will be merged with the electronic social security card, and the original work permit information will be loaded into the electronic social security card. The electronic social security card will also have the service functions of querying and downloading work permit information, two-dimensional code verification and message notification, providing more convenience for foreigners to work and live in China.
So what impact will the policy of integrating certificates and cards have on new applications for work visas?
The card integration policy will have the following impact on the new application of foreigners for work visas in China:
01 Facilitation of Work Permit Processing
Online operation: The application, extension, change and cancellation of foreigners’ work permits in China can now be operated online through the work management service system, which means that there is no need to apply for physical work permits after entry, greatly simplifying the process.
The principle of “no change”: Foreigners who have held physical work permits will implement card integration in accordance with the new system procedures when applying for extension or change, maintaining the continuity and stability of the policy.
Process integration: The business process of overseas application for work permit of foreigners in China is integrated. The original two processes [Notice of Application for Work Permit (before entry)] and [Application for Work Permit (after entry)] are merged into one, and only the import application of [Overseas submission of work permit of foreigners in China] in [Application for Work Permit of Foreigners (more than 90 days)] is required.
02 Convenient Access to Electronic Social Security Cards
Electronic social security card APP: After foreigners enter the country, they can download the electronic social security card APP through their mobile phones, register through information such as name, work permit number or social security number, and obtain the electronic social security card with work permit information after completing real name and personal authentication.
Synchronous service: if foreigners have applied for physical social security cards, electronic social security cards will provide standard services synchronously to ensure the consistency and real-time update of information.
03 Simplification of Residence Permit Processing
Convenient handling: After entering the country with the Z visa, foreigners can apply for the corresponding residence certificate at the exit and entry department of the public security in the workplace by virtue of the Notice of Foreigner’s Work Permit or the electronic social security card containing work permit information.
Information verification: Relevant departments can verify their work permit information through information systems, or directly view electronic social security cards, scan work permit QR codes, and query and obtain their work permit information, improving efficiency and accuracy.
04 Convenience of participating in social insurance
Insurance registration: The employment unit or the foreigner himself/herself can apply for insurance registration through the online social security service platform or the agency by virtue of the Foreigner Work Permit Notice or the electronic social security card.
Verification of social security information: the social security agency needs to verify its work permit information through the work system in China, establish a social security number for foreigners who meet the insurance conditions, and the social security card management service department will issue physical social security cards.
Expansion of the “One Card” Service in 05
Human resources social security services: local human resources social security departments make full use of physical social security cards and electronic social security cards to provide foreigners with human resources social security services such as business information query, treatment and subsidy collection, according to the actual situation.
“All in one card” application services: further expand to more “All in one card” application services in areas where conditions permit, and provide more convenience for foreigners to work and live in China.
To sum up, the card integration policy will make it more convenient and efficient for foreigners to apply for and manage work visas in China, and also bring more convenience to their life and work in China.
