(Yicai Global) Jan. 16 -- As China has unveiled a new visa policy for top foreign talent, giving them multiple entry and lengthier stay rights, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs of has issued the first batch of top foreign talent visa confirmation letters to eight foreigners.

The experts include highly-regarded talent invited by universities, research institutes, foreign-funded research and development centers and are successful names in their fields of interest. The recipient will be able to obtain a multiple-entry foreign talent visa (R-visa) valid for five to 10 years from Chinese embassies and consulates abroad with the confirmation letter.

The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Public Security jointly issued new regulations on foreign talent visa system last November. Shanghai was one of the first nine provincial-level cities and provinces to pilot the practice. The regulations stipulate that all those who are qualified for foreign high-end talent standards and are working in China can also apply for the R-visa.

The certificate application will be processed within five days. Top talents and their spouses and children can get their visas as early as next day after application with the certificate. Application for work permit related matters will be processed within three working days. The R-visa will allow the holder to stay in China for up to 180 days at a time.