The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) has released the 2026 revisions to the work permit points-based system (积分制), effective January 1, 2026. Key changes include increased points for master‘s degrees, new bonus points for STEM field graduates, and reduced points for applicants over age 55. The updated criteria affect scoring for Category A (high‑level talent, 85+ points) and Category B (professional talent, 60‑84 points). An updated online points calculator is available to help applicants estimate their scores. This guide explains the new scoring criteria, category thresholds, and practical steps for applicants and employers.
1. Points System Overview – Category A vs. Category B
The points-based system evaluates foreign applicants across 12 categories. Total score determines eligibility for:
- Category A (high‑level talent): ≥85 points. Benefits: faster approval (5‑7 working days), 5‑year work permit, priority processing, family included.
- Category B (professional talent): 60‑84 points. Standard approval (10‑15 working days), 2‑year work permit.
- Category C (unskilled/temporary): ≤59 points. Limited quota, short‑term permits.
The 2026 revisions adjust scoring for education, field of study, age, and other factors to better attract STEM talent and younger professionals.
2. Education Points – Increased for Master‘s & STEM Bonus
The most significant changes are in the education category:
- PhD degree: 20 points (unchanged).
- Master‘s degree: 15 points (increased from 10 points).
- Bachelor‘s degree: 10 points (unchanged).
- Associate degree or vocational diploma: 5 points (unchanged).
- No degree: 0 points.
- STEM field bonus (new): 5 additional points for graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields. The degree must be from an accredited university (QS ranking not required). STEM fields include: computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, data science, AI, robotics, etc.
- Top university bonus (unchanged): 10 points for graduates from QS World University Rankings top 100 universities (previously top 200).
Example: A master‘s degree holder in computer science from a top 100 university now earns: 15 (master‘s) + 5 (STEM) + 10 (top 100 bonus) = 30 points (previously 20 points).
3. Age Points – Reduced for Applicants Over 55
Age points have been adjusted to favor younger applicants:
- Under 30: 15 points (unchanged).
- 31‑40: 12 points (unchanged).
- 41‑50: 10 points (unchanged).
- 51‑55: 5 points (reduced from 8 points).
- 56‑60: 2 points (reduced from 5 points).
- Over 60: 0 points (unchanged).
Applicants over 55 will need to compensate with higher points in other categories (education, salary, work experience) to reach Category A or B thresholds.
4. Work Experience Points – Reduced Annual Points
Work experience points have been adjusted to cap at 15 points (previously 20):
- 1 point per year of relevant work experience (previously 2 points per year).
- Maximum 15 points (previously 20).
- Relevant work experience: Must be in the same field as the intended job in China. Unrelated experience does not count.
- Documentation required: Employment verification letters from previous employers (English and Chinese translation).
For applicants with 15+ years of experience, points reduced from 20 to 15. Applicants with 10 years of experience: 10 points (previously 20). This change makes it more important to earn points in education and salary categories.
5. Salary Points – Increased for Higher Income Brackets
Salary points have been adjusted to increase the maximum and add new brackets:
- ≥ RMB 1,000,000/year: 25 points (new bracket).
- RMB 800,000‑999,999: 20 points (unchanged).
- RMB 600,000‑799,999: 15 points (unchanged).
- RMB 400,000‑599,999: 10 points (unchanged).
- RMB 200,000‑399,999: 5 points (unchanged).
- Below RMB 200,000: 0 points.
Salary must be documented with employment contract and recent pay stubs (or bank statements). For applicants already working in China, tax records are required.
6. Chinese Language Proficiency – Increased Points for HSK 5+
Chinese language proficiency points have been increased for higher levels:
- HSK Level 5 or 6: 5 points (increased from 3 points).
- HSK Level 4: 3 points (increased from 2 points).
- HSK Level 3: 1 point (unchanged).
- HSK Level 2 or below: 0 points.
Applicants with advanced Chinese proficiency can earn up to 5 points. For those close to the Category A threshold (85 points), HSK 5 can make the difference.
7. Other Point Categories – Unchanged
The following categories remain unchanged from previous years:
- Work location (max 10 points): Western or northeastern provinces: 10 points; key development zones: 5 points.
- International work experience (max 5 points): 2+ years working outside China for multinational company.
- Entrepreneurship (max 5 points): Founder of a startup with annual revenue ≥ RMB 5 million.
- Professional certifications (max 5 points): CPA, PMP, CFA, etc.
- Recommendation letter from employer (max 5 points): From provincial or national level industry association.
- Published research (max 5 points): 3+ peer‑reviewed publications as first author.
Applicants should claim all applicable points with supporting documentation.
8. Updated Points Calculator – Available Online
SAFEA has released an updated online points calculator reflecting the 2026 changes. The calculator is available on the SAFEA website (https://fwp.safea.gov.cn). Features:
- Interactive form: Enter your education, age, work experience, salary, language proficiency, and other factors.
- Real‑time score calculation: See your estimated total points and category (A, B, or C) instantly.
- PDF report: Download a detailed score breakdown to submit with your application.
- Employer access: Employers can calculate scores for prospective hires.
Applicants are encouraged to use the calculator before submitting an application to identify any gaps (e.g., need for HSK certification or salary adjustment).
9. Practical Roadmap for Applicants
To maximize your work permit points under the 2026 system, follow this six‑step roadmap:
- Calculate your points using the online calculator (Immediate). Identify gaps. If below 60 points (Category B), consider options to increase points: improve Chinese language proficiency (HSK 4 or 5); negotiate higher salary; verify if your degree qualifies for STEM bonus; check if your university is QS top 100.
- For master‘s degree holders, ensure your degree is authenticated (Immediate). Notarized, legalized, or apostilled depending on country. Chinese translation required.
- For STEM graduates, prepare degree certificate and transcript (Week 1). Ensure the field of study is clearly stated (e.g., “Master of Science in Computer Engineering”).
- Gather work experience letters (Week 1‑2). Obtain letters from previous employers specifying job title, dates, and responsibilities. Translate into Chinese.
- Take HSK exam if needed (Month 1‑2). To claim language points, take the HSK exam at a Confucius Institute or authorized test center. Results take 2‑3 weeks.
- Submit application via employer (Month 2‑3). Ensure employer has a valid business license and SAFEA account.
Summary: The 2026 work permit points system increases points for master‘s degrees (10→15 points), adds a 5‑point STEM field bonus, and reduces points for applicants over 55 (51‑55: 8→5 points). Category A (high‑level talent) requires ≥85 points; Category B (professional talent) requires 60‑84 points. Education points now max at 20 (PhD) + 5 (STEM) + 10 (top 100 university) = 35 points. Work experience points reduced to 1 point per year (max 15 points). Salary points increased to 25 points for ≥ RMB 1,000,000/year. Chinese language points increased (HSK 5+: 5 points). An updated online points calculator is available for self‑assessment. By calculating points, preparing documents, and improving language or salary where needed, applicants can achieve Category A or B status and secure work authorization in China.