China will ease the permanent resident application process for foreigners, according to a circular issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council. According to the circular publicized Thursday, qualifications for permanent residence should be flexible and pragmatic.近日，中共中央和国务院办公厅发布一项通知，将放宽对外国人的永久居留申请程序。根据周四发布的这一通知，永久居住的申请资格应会变得灵活务实。Evaluation of applicants qualifications should serve the countrys development strategies, reflect market demand and be quantifiable, according to the circular. The country will explore grading applicants qualifications based on their salaries, taxes and social credit.根据这项通知，对“绿卡”申请人资格的评估应以国家发展战略为依据，反映市场需求，并可量化。国家将根据自己的工资、税收和社会信用，对申请人的资格进行分级。

For foreigners working in fields with strong government support, conversion of work permits to permanent residence permits should be eased. Outstanding overseas students should be subject to fewer limits if they want to work in China, the circular said.该通知指出，对于在政府支持力度比较大的领域工作的外国人，换工作需要永久居留证的情况应得到缓解。优秀的外国留学生如果想留在中国工作不应该受到很多限制。Red tape will be cut in examining and approving applications for permanent residence. For high-level professionals and foreigners who have made outstanding contributions, application requirements should be simplified and waiting time for approval shortened, according to the circular.永久居住申请的审批繁文缛节应减少。根据通知指示，对于做出突出贡献的高层次专业人士和外国友人们，其申请流程应该简化，等待时间也应缩短。The circular also clarified that permanent residence is an identity document for foreigners. Foreigners with permanent residence will enjoy equal treatment with Chinese citizens in purchasing property, childrens schooling, obtaining a drivers license, and other areas of life.通知还明确了永久居住证相当于外国人的身份证件。持有永久居住证的外国人在购买财产、子女就学、取得驾照、生活其他方面享有与中国公民同等的待遇。