Introduction:

After becoming Australian citizens, Chinese nationals often face a complicated process when wishing to return to China, with the main hurdle being the requirement to apply for a Chinese visa. However, the Chinese immigration authority has announced that certain Australian citizens of Chinese descent can bypass the visa application process and directly apply for a Chinese Green Card. In fact, some Australians of Chinese descent have already successfully received their Green Cards!

1. Australian Citizens of Chinese Descent Receive the Chinese Green Card in 6 Months

The Foreign Permanent Resident Identity Card of the People's Republic of China, commonly known as the "Chinese Green Card," allows foreigners to legally reside in China. With this card, Chinese nationals who have acquired foreign citizenship can settle in China without hassle.

However, as many know, obtaining a Chinese Green Card has historically been a difficult process and is known worldwide for its high barriers.

Recently, an Australian citizen of Chinese descent (referred to as "D") successfully obtained a Chinese Green Card. D lives in Hefei, Anhui Province, China.

D submitted her application for permanent residency in China in September of last year.

After 6 months, she was granted the Green Card in April of this year.

The total process cost was around ¥1800, which included an application fee of ¥1500 and a certification fee of ¥300.

The reason D succeeded is due to a recently announced talent introduction plan in China. According to this policy, Chinese nationals who have obtained foreign citizenship and hold a doctoral degree or higher are eligible to apply for permanent residency if they have worked in key development areas of China for at least 4 years and resided in China for no less than 6 months per year.

2. Has the Chinese Green Card Policy Been Relaxed? Which Australian Citizens Are Eligible for Permanent Residency?

Previously, the Chinese National Immigration Administration clarified the process for foreign nationals of Chinese descent holding a doctoral degree to apply for permanent residency in China.

According to the guidelines, foreign nationals of Chinese descent with a doctoral degree can apply for permanent residency in China by simply submitting the required documents.

To apply for permanent residency in China, eligible foreign nationals of Chinese descent need to submit the following materials:

Application form for foreigners seeking permanent residency in China, along with a passport-sized photo.

A valid passport and residence permit copy.

Proof of foreign citizenship (e.g., proof of renunciation of Chinese citizenship, or a letter from local government departments confirming foreign citizenship).

Doctoral degree certificate and certification from the Ministry of Education for foreign degrees.

Employment certificate from an employer in China, with copies of business licenses and foreign worker permits.

Police clearance certificate from the country of origin, notarized by a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Health examination certificate issued by a recognized medical institution.

Translated documents (if they are in a foreign language, they must be translated into Chinese).

In addition, according to the regulations, foreign nationals who are doctoral graduates can also apply for permanent residency for their foreign spouses and minor children.

This policy is not entirely new. In August 2019, the Chinese National Immigration Administration implemented 12 immigration facilitation measures for foreign nationals, including those for foreign nationals of Chinese descent with doctoral degrees.

The policy states that if foreign nationals of Chinese descent meet the doctoral degree requirement, they are only required to reside for at least 6 months per year in key development areas and do not need to meet the work experience requirement.

This simplified requirement makes it easier for foreign doctoral graduates who want to settle in China, and it has created a major convenience for highly skilled individuals.

3. The 12 Immigration Facilitation Policies: Which Foreign Nationals Can Apply for Permanent Residency?

In addition to foreign nationals of Chinese descent with doctoral degrees, other foreign nationals may also be eligible for a Chinese Green Card under the following circumstances:

Highly skilled foreign talent with major contributions or in fields urgently needed by China can apply for permanent residency, including their foreign spouses and minor children.

Foreign nationals working in China for 4 consecutive years, residing in China for no less than 6 months per year, earning a salary that is at least six times the average salary of local workers, and paying personal income tax of at least 20% of their income may apply for permanent residency in China.

Foreign experts invited by key domestic universities, research institutions, and enterprises can apply for a visa upon entry and a 5-year multiple-entry visa or residence permit.

Foreign nationals invited to work in important domestic sectors or innovation/entrepreneurship teams can apply for a 5-year residence permit.

Foreign nationals with major contributions to China can apply for a long-term visa or residence permit for their work teams and research assistants.

Foreign employees in Chinese enterprises can apply for a work-related residence permit, with the possibility of applying for a 5-year permit after multiple renewals without violations.

Foreign graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher who work in China in innovation/entrepreneurship can apply for a residence permit for 2-5 years.

International students who graduate from world-renowned universities and wish to innovate/entrepreneur in China within 2 years can apply for a residence permit for 2 years.

Final Thoughts

Many Chinese nationals in Australia have been hesitant to apply for citizenship due to the complex process of returning to China. However, as long as they possess outstanding qualifications, they now don’t need to worry, as high-end talent is in demand no matter where they are located!

If you meet the necessary requirements and have a doctoral degree or contribute significantly to a specific sector, you can now look forward to a more straightforward path to settle permanently in China.