"I can finally work and stay in Hangzhou!" exclaimed Mary, a foreign talent hired by Zhejiang Yunduan Era of Technology after receiving her work visa.

Mary began her journey in cross-border e-commerce during her second year of graduate school and has since become a core figure at Yunduan Era. In July, after graduating from her postgraduate studies, she chose to stay in Hangzhou to pursue her career. "I've grown accustomed to this job and am optimistic about the market prospects of cross-border e-commerce," she said.

In August, with support from the E-commerce Department of the Linping District Business Bureau and the Talent Service Department (Foreign Experts Department) of the Linping District Economic and Science Technology Bureau, Mary obtained the first foreign A-type talent visa in Linping's cross-border e-commerce sector.

Recruiting foreign talent can be pivotal for many cross-border e-commerce enterprises, but visa issues have always posed significant challenges for both companies and foreign talent.

To address the challenges foreign talent face in staying in Hangzhou, the city has formulated the Standards for Highly Skilled and Outstanding Foreign Talent in Hangzhou (Trial Implementation) and the Criteria for Recognizing Outstanding Cross-Border E-Commerce Talent in Hangzhou (Trial Implementation).

These standards took effect this year. Once recognized as an outstanding foreign cross-border e-commerce talent in Hangzhou, individuals can apply for a work visa within a year.

To be eligible, individuals must be at least 18, have a diploma or higher education recognized by China's Ministry of Education or an equivalent qualification certified by the Chinese Embassy, possess at least six months of relevant work experience, and be employed by a cross-border e-commerce enterprise with a definite position.

To apply for the visa, qualified foreign cross-border e-commerce talent recommended by their enterprise must complete the Hangzhou Foreign Cross-Border E-Commerce Talent Work Permit Application Form and prepare documents.

Once the application form is submitted, the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce and the Hangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau will conduct the final review and release the list of foreign cross-border e-commerce talent in Hangzhou along with the certification letter.

Accreditation takes place twice a year, in May-June and November-December. The deadline for this round of applications is Nov 15. For questions, call 86-571- 85257821 for consultation.