I. Applicable cases

1. Work permit applications are currently in progress.

2. Holders of physical work permits applying for an electronic social security card.

II. Application procedures

1. Work permit applications in progress

(1) Applications with a Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit can proceed as usual.

(2) Applications for physical work permits will be returned to the pre-approval stage for review. Employers can check the status in "我的在办件" (My In-process Cases) under the "我的" (My) menu on the left side of the Service System for Foreigners Working in China. After approval, employers should download the updated notification letter and the Decision on Granting Administrative Licenses (《准予行政许可决定书》) and register for the electronic social security card.

(3) For cases in which the application procedures for the notification letter have been completed but the work permit has not yet been applied, employers must resubmit the application through the "换发新版工作许可通知" (Renew Notification Letter) menu on the left side of the system. After re-approval, employers should download the updated notification letter and the Decision on Granting Administrative Licenses and register for the electronic social security card.

Procedure steps:

(1) Log in to the Service System for Foreigners Working in China.

(2) Click the "换发新版工作许可通知" (Renew Notification Letter) menu on the left side of the page and enter the business number to search.

(3) Click "操作" (Operate) to edit and update the application.

(4) Submit the revised application for review.

(5) After approval, the employer may view the application in "我的在办件" (My In-process Cases) under the "我的" (My) menu on the left side of the system, download the updated notification letter and the Decision on Granting Administrative Licenses (《准予行政许可决定书》), and register for the electronic social security card.

2. Holders of physical work permits applying for an electronic social security card

(1) No changes are required until carrying out work permit renewal or modification. At that time, the integration procedures will apply.

(2) Alternatively, employers may apply through the “换发电子证照” (Replace with E-Certificate) function in the system and register for the electronic social security card after approval.

The steps are as follows:

(1) Log in to the Service System for Foreigners Working in China.

(2) Click the “换发电子证照” (Replace with E-Certificate) menu on the left side of the page and enter the work permit number to search.

(3) Click "操作" (Operate) to access the e-certificate replacement page.

(4) The system will automatically select the "只换发电子证照" (Replace with E-Certificate Only) option.

(5) Confirm that all information is correct, upload the required attachments, and submit the application for approval.

Required materials

1. Application Form for Change of Foreigner's Work Permit: Complete the form online, print it, have the applicant sign it, and upload the signed form with the employer's official seal or the seal of an authorized department to the system.

2. Supporting documents for the requested changes.

III. Verification of original documents

1. Foreign nationals applying for a Foreigner's Work Permit for the first time from abroad

Within one month after a foreign national enters China with the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit and a work visa, the employer must present all original documents submitted during the Foreigner's Work Permit application at the service window for verification before applying for a work residence permit.

2. Applicants in China

The current process remains unchanged. After the pre-approval of the application materials, the employer must present all original documents submitted during the application to the service window for verification.

IV. Processing times

1. Work permit applications in progress

Pre-approval: 5 working days.

Approval: 5 working days for Class A; 8 working days for Classes B and C.

2. Applications for electronic social security card

Pre-approval: 5 working days.

Approval: 3 working days.

Source: Shanghai International Talent website