Jason Lott Evans, a scholar at the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, becomes the first foreign expert to apply for both work and residence permits at a single window at the municipal bureau of exit-entry administration. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Since Dec 2, foreigners in Shanghai have been able to apply for both work and residence permits at a single service window at the municipal bureau of exit-entry administration. This saves them the trouble of having to travel to multiple places to apply for their work and residence permits.

Previously, foreigners first needed to go to the municipal bureau of foreign expert affairs to apply for a work permit, which could then take up to 10 working days to process. They then needed to go to the municipal bureau of exit-entry administration to apply for a residence permit, which would take up to seven working days to be approved.

These procedures have now been streamlined and approval time for the two permits has been reduced from a total of 17 working days to just seven working days.

"Foreign experts will benefit a lot from this policy," said Li Yahui, director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Affairs Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

"The entry visas held by foreign experts when they come to China are valid for only 30 days, and all formalities must be completed during this period before they can work legally. When it takes 17 working days just to receive work and residence permits, the time left over for other requirements is very limited."

The two aforementioned municipal government departments will cooperate to review application documents and issue permits to foreigners more quickly. Foreigners can choose to collect the permits themselves or receive them in the mail.

Permits can be picked up at exit-entry windows throughout the city, and foreigners will be able to make appointments via online government platforms.

A flow chart of the streamlined application procedures for work and residence permits [Photo/WeChat account: sh-italent]