Eligibility & Application

After the work permit has been successfully issued, foreign experts may apply for a work-type residence permit at the Exit-Entry Administration Service Center, Public Security Bureau of Hefei City (合肥市公安局出入境接待大厅).

Accompanying family members may apply simultaneously for a family reunion residence permit. A separate application for family members can also be made at a later stage. Please contact us separately if needed. To apply for a family member, please provide a copy of the family member’s passport information page and current residence permit page.

If your family members are currently outside China and need a visa to enter China, please check the requirements of the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate and assist them in applying for an S1/S2 visa. After they arrive at USTC, please contact us to apply for a residence permit.

Application Location

In principle, each applicant should bring their passport in person to the Exit-Entry Administration authority to complete the application. Photos can be taken and the application form can be completed on site.

Current address:

Exit-Entry Administration Service Center, Public Security Bureau of Hefei City
2nd Floor, Zone B, Elements Market
No. 2588 Nanjing Road, Hefei （南京路2588号要素大市场B区二楼）

Office hours:
9:00–12:00
14:30–17:00

Foreign-related services are not available on weekends or public holidays.

Processing Time & Passport Collection

After the application materials are submitted, an Application Acceptance Notice will be issued.

The residence permit is normally processed within 15 working days, during which the applicant’s passport will be retained by the Exit-Entry Administration Service Center.

If you need to use your passport during this period—for example, to purchase train or air tickets—please take the Application Acceptance Notice to the 3rd floor of the Exit-Entry Administration Division to have it officially stamped. The stamped notice can be used as temporary proof of identity during the processing period.

Required Documents

1. Official Letter and Work Permit Documents

The following documents will be issued by the Office of International Cooperation:

• Official Supporting letter of USTC
• Copy of the Legal Person of Institution of USTC
• Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit

After the work permit application has been completed, the Office of International Cooperation will notify the applicant when these documents are ready for collection.

If you also need to apply for a residence permit for a family member, please provide the accompanying family member’s information when applying for the work permit, or contact us separately to arrange the required documents.

2. Medical Examination Certificate

A medical examination certificate is required when applying for a residence permit valid for one year or longer. The certificate is valid for six months.

Applicants under 18 years of age are exempt from this requirement.

The foreign applicant should bring:

• Three 2-inch ID photos
• Passport

Please complete the medical examination on an empty stomach at:

Anhui International Travel Healthcare Center (安徽国际旅行卫生保健中心)
No. 367 Wuhu Road, Baohe District, Hefei (包河区芜湖路367号)

The medical examination certificate is generally issued approximately 3 working days after the examination.

3. Accommodation Registration Form

Please provide the Accommodation Registration Form.

The passport number and other passport information shown on the registration form must be consistent with the applicant’s current passport.

4. Certified Marriage and Parent-Child Relationship Documents

Where applicable, please provide:

• Certified marriage certificate
• Certified proof of parent-child relationship

These documents are required when applying for a residence permit for accompanying family members.