China issues relatively few immigration visas compared to many other countries. The number of immigration visas issued by China annually is not widely publicized, and detailed official statistics are scarce. However, it is known that China has stringent immigration policies and primarily focuses on issuing temporary visas for work, study, and short-term stays rather than permanent residency or immigration visas.
China has several types of visas for foreigners:
Z Visa (Work Visa): For foreign nationals who are going to China for employment.
X Visa (Student Visa): For foreign nationals who are going to China to study.
L Visa (Tourist Visa): For short-term tourists.
Q Visa (Family Reunion Visa): For family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
R Visa (Talent Visa): For highly qualified individuals whose skills are in urgent demand.
For those seeking permanent residency, China offers the "Chinese Green Card," but the issuance of these cards is limited. For example, as of 2016, only about 10,000 foreigners had received permanent residency since the system was introduced in 2004.
In recent years, China has been making efforts to attract more highly skilled foreign workers and professionals. For example, the introduction of the R visa category is part of this effort. However, the overall numbers remain relatively low compared to countries with more open immigration policies.
For precise and current statistics, one would need to consult the latest reports or data from the National Immigration Administration of China or relevant government bodies.