To relevant entities:

In order to speed up the construction of Shanghai as a science and technology innovation center with global influence and comply with the city's more active, open and effective policy of introducing foreign talents, the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs has agreed that the city should be one of the first cities simplifying the procedures for foreigners who meet the preferential policies of the free trade zone and the comprehensive innovation and reform test zone to apply for work permits in China. To further implement the important instructions of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and conduct the management and service for foreigners in this city, we hereby notify the following:

I. Work permit application procedures have been simplified for foreigners who have entered China with valid visas but do not meet the requirements for foreign high-end talents.Foreigners who have already entered China with L, M and other types of visas but fail to meet the requirements for foreign high-end talents are allowed to apply for Work Permit for Foreigners Working in China directly (exempting from Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners) subject to such review conditions and on the basis of such application materials as stipulated in relevant documents of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, and then apply to the entry-exit administrative body of the public security organ with the Work Permit for Foreigners Working in China and other materials for work type residence permit. Applicants who are not eligible for the Work Permit for Foreigners Working in China but have already entered China will be required to apply for the Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners.

II. Operation Process on the Service System for Foreigners Working in ChinaWith regard to the application for the Work Permit for Foreigners Working in China of foreigners entered China with type L, M or other visas but not eligible for the conditions on foreign high-end talents, corresponding employers shall allow such domestic applications submitted by those foreigners who meet the preferential policies for the free trade zone and the comprehensive innovation and reform test zone during the operation process on the Service System for Foreigners Working in China.

The Notice shall come into force on the date of issuance.

Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs

August 10, 2017