China's points-based system is one of the pathways used to determine whether an applicant qualifies for Category A or B under the Foreigner's Work Permit system. Scoring factors include salary, education, work experience, age, Chinese language skills, time spent working annually in China, and certain additional qualifications.

Under this route, applicants need at least 85 points for Category A and 60 to 85 points for Category B. This guide explains five commonly used scoring items and the primary supporting documents required.

1. Salary

The annual salary paid by the China-based employer can contribute up to 20 points.

Annual salary paid by the China-based employer	Points
450,000 yuan or above	20
At least 350,000 yuan but less than 450,000 yuan	17
At least 250,000 yuan but less than 350,000 yuan	14
At least 150,000 yuan but less than 250,000 yuan	11
At least 70,000 yuan but less than 150,000 yuan	8
At least 50,000 yuan but less than 70,000 yuan	5
Below 50,000 yuan	0

When claiming salary points, the employer and applicant must jointly submit a Salary Commitment Form. The form includes information such as the applicant's annual salary and the place of tax payment. It must be signed by the applicant and stamped with the employer's official seal.

The employer must provide the corresponding tax records when handling subsequent work permit procedures, including extensions and cancellations.

Form tip: Employers and applicants claiming salary points should select the third option, "Other", calculate the annual salary based on the employment contract, and enter the amount in units of 10,000 yuan.

2. Work experience

Work experience can contribute up to 20 points. Applicants must provide supporting documents for all qualifying years for which points are claimed. The documents must be issued by former employers and demonstrate work experience relevant to the position offered in China. They must state the position held, the period of employment or relevant projects, bear the former employer's official seal or the signature of an authorized representative of the employer, and include a valid telephone number or email address for the contact person.

Qualifying work experience	Points
Less than two years	0
Two years	5
More than two years	5 points for the first two years, plus 1 point for each additional year. Maximum 20 points.

Example 1: 10 years of qualifying work experience earns 13 points: 5 points for the first two years, plus 8 points for the additional eight years.

Example 2: 17 years of qualifying work experience earns the maximum 20 points. More than 17 years does not generate additional points under this item.

3. Education

For degree-based scoring, a bachelor's degree earns 10 points, a master's degree 15 points, and a doctoral degree 20 points. Only the highest applicable degree is counted; points for multiple degrees cannot be combined. Vocational qualifications may also qualify under this scoring item.

Academic qualification	Points
Doctoral degree; internationally recognized highest-level vocational qualification; senior technician qualification or equivalent	20
Master's degree; technician qualification or equivalent	15
Bachelor's degree; senior skilled worker qualification or equivalent	10

Verification of degree documents

Degrees obtained overseas

The highest degree or academic qualification certificate must be authenticated by a Chinese embassy or consulate overseas, by the embassy or consulate in China of the country where the qualification was awarded, or by a recognized Chinese academic credential verification body.

Degrees obtained in the Hong Kong or Macao special administrative regions or the Taiwan region

The certificate must be verified by a recognized Chinese academic credential verification body or notarized by a notary in the relevant region.

Degrees obtained in the Chinese mainland

Only the original degree or academic qualification certificate is required.

4. Chinese-language proficiency

Chinese-language proficiency can contribute up to five points. Only one criterion can be counted; scores under this item cannot be combined.

Criterion	Points
Previously held Chinese nationality	5
Bachelor's degree or above earned through a program taught in Chinese	5
HSK Level 5 or above	5
HSK Level 4	4
HSK Level 3	3
HSK Level 2	2
HSK Level 1	1

Applicants who previously held Chinese nationality may submit supporting documents, such as a former Chinese identity card, household registration record, or Chinese passport.

5. Additional qualifications

The following additional qualifications can contribute up to five points. Only one option can be counted under this item.

Qualification	Points
Graduated from a qualifying high-level university outside the Chinese mainland	5
Worked for a Fortune Global 500 company	5
Holds intellectual property rights, such as patents	5
Worked continuously in China for at least five years	5

Applicants claiming points for graduation from a high-level university or experience at a Fortune Global 500 company should select the corresponding item in the application form.

Example: An applicant with a master's degree who also meets the separate criterion for graduating from a qualifying high-level university outside the Chinese mainland may receive 15 points for education and five points under the additional-qualification item, for a combined total of 20 points.

Where to find the table and forms

The Chinese version of the full Points-based Scoring Table is on the Shanghai International Talent website under "目录清单下载 (Catalogs and Lists)" in the Service Guide for Foreign Nationals Working in China. The latest Salary Commitment Form is available under "表格样张下载 (Forms and Samples)".

Note: The English wording in this guide is for reference only. Applicants and employers should review the latest Chinese-language forms and requirements before submitting. The competent authority makes the final assessment based on the documents provided.

 

Source: Shanghai International Talent

 

 

Updated Aug 13, 2026