[China Entry Policy] PU Letters Waived for Some Applicants
2022. 6. 9
[China Entry Policy] PU Letters Waived for Some Applicants
Starting from June 6, a major adjustment to the visa application policy for foreigners coming to China will no longer require the submission of an Invitation Letter (PU Letter) for the following people to apply for a visa in China.
According to the 50 Measures in the ‘Action Plan to Accelerate Recovery and Revitalization of the Economy in Shanghai’, the Shanghai Municipal Government will facilitate the invitation and entry and exit procedures for foreign employees of foreign-funded enterprises and their families stationed in Shanghai, global executives and professionals, and technical personnel conducting important business activities, as well as important overseas customers of foreign trade enterprises.
The latest news from a reliable source indicate that the Shanghai Municipal Government will further optimize the invitation letter policy for entry into China to provide a higher level of convenience in terms of entry. It is possible that it will be unified nationwide, as the implementation was recently also confirmed Beijing and in Guangzhou.
Before COVID-19, the procedures for foreigners to work in China were:
Work Permit Notice → Work Visa → Work Permit
During the COVID-19 period they were：
Work Permit Notice → Invitation Letter (PU Letter) → Work Visa → Work Permit
Now, it is the equivalent of reverting to the situation before COVID-19:
Work Permit Notice → Invitation Letter (PU Letter) → Work Visa → Work Permit
However, applications for visas to China for other reasons (e.g. business/M Visa, exchange visit/F visa) still require a corresponding Invitation Letter to China (PU Letter).
In addition, visa types such as tourist visas and student visas are still not open for application.
At present, we have not seen any official announcement from the official channels, and there is no corresponding notification from the Chinese institutions abroad. However, the Tokyo Visa Center and other parties have confirmed the relevant policy changes.
The above information is for reference only, and the official explanation still prevails. If the Chinese institutions abroad still require an Invitation Letter (PU Letter), please refer to their official requirements.
