Greetings, all. I considered posting this in the main visa thread, but opted to create a new thread because the visa thread deals mostly with L, M, X, and Q visas, while Z visas (which convert to work permits) are a separate beast.

I encourage general discussion about all aspects of the work permit system here, but I'm particularly interested in how the grading process works, and the benefits of A v B v C v "green card".

I applied for a work permit earlier this year, and don't actually know my score, but I'm pretty sure it's a high B. At the time of application, nobody explained the benefits of A v B to me; otherwise, I might have taken the HSK (or raised my in China salary) if doing so would have gotten me over the threshold.

The benefits of A that I've heard through the grapevine are:
1. 5 year validity (this is worth it, in and of itself)
2. 5 day processing time (not a big deal for me, but perhaps people who travel internationally a lot disagree)
3. ability to import a car tax free
---there must be others

China Work Permits: Are You an A, B, or C Tier Talent? - China Briefing News