If you're a foreigner living in Shanghai, a newcomer to the city, or planning a trip here, remember one essential number – 12367.

Legend has it that this hotline is a favorite among Shanghai's international residents!

From January to May this year, the Shanghai Immigration Service Platform fielded a whopping 210,912 calls, averaging around 1,388 calls per day (ranking second nationwide). Impressive stats indeed: a connection rate of 98.01 percent, with 95.22 percent connecting within 15 seconds, and a satisfaction rate of 100 percent, all surpassing the national average.

But what's the allure of this number, the service hotline of the National Immigration Administration?

Here's a real-life scenario: imagine a foreign friend accidentally drops their passport into the Huangpu River. A call to 021-12367 swiftly provides expert guidance on the reissue of lost documents.

So, what are the most common inquiries from foreigners? We can take a look at some past cases.

Q: My husband is a university professor and he wants to apply for permanent residency. What should he do? What documents are required for applying for permanent residency?

A: There are several pathways to apply for permanent residency. For instance, if he's a university professor, he can seek permanent residency through a university recommendation or explore alternative routes, providing documents such as his doctoral degree certificate or evidence of meeting specific salary criteria annually.

Q: I hold a foreigner residence permit in China, and my relatives want to visit me in China. What type of visa should they apply for? What documents do I need to provide?

A: If she's studying in China and holds a student residence permit, her family members can apply for a family visit visa (S1 or S2 visa). Should parents, spouses, or children wish to extend their stay, they can apply for visa extensions or residence permits, provided that the validity period does not exceed her student residence permit.

Q: What is the Five Star Permanent Residence Card?

A: The Five Star Permanent Residence Card is the latest iteration of the permanent residence card, boasting several enhancements over its predecessor. Notably, the card number has expanded from 15 to 18 digits, while the chip has undergone an upgrade to better align with evolving social needs. This card offers enhanced convenience and efficiency for cardholders when traveling or staying in hotels in China.

Q: If someone already possesses a permanent residence card, do they need to apply for the Five Star Permanent Residence Card? What are the distinctions between the two?

A: At present, there's no immediate need to transition from the old permanent residence card to the Five Star Permanent Residence Card, given that the former remains valid and functional. Our ongoing efforts strive to ensure that both versions of the permanent residence card offer ease of application and utilization.

Q: What specific functions does the Five Star Permanent Residence Card provide?

A: The Five Star Permanent Residence Card mirrors a Chinese ID card and serves as a standalone identification document in China. For instance, when purchasing airplane or train tickets, it can be utilized independently, obviating the need to present a foreign passport. Typically, this card is valid for 10 years, after which renewal is required. Cardholders enjoy uninterrupted residency in China, with permanent residency status. Should cardholders aspire to work in China, they're exempt from applying for a work permit.

According to National Immigration Administration data, up to April 7 the 12367 service platform handled a remarkable 10.916 million inquiries, suggestions, and reports on immigration management matters in China accumulated over a period of 3 years. This service, available 24/7 and offered in Chinese and English, spans across 143 countries and regions globally.

Plus, you can handle transactions conveniently through the National Immigration Administration mini-program.