• Source:JND
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China’s K-Visa: China has unveiled a new “K visa” category aimed at drawing young and skilled professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from around the world. Approved in August, the rules take effect October 1, 2025, and amend regulations on foreign entries and exits.

Experts are calling the K-Visa a Chinese version of the US H-1B visa, designed to attract top talent amid tightening work visa rules globally. The announcement comes shortly after the US imposed a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B applications, raising concerns among Indian tech workers.

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US Decision on H-1B Visas:

As per the news reports, the USA’s one-time fee for each H-1B application directly impacts the technology and research community. Indians account for nearly 71% of H-1B holders (over 280,000), while Chinese professionals make up around 11.7% (more than 46,600).

What is China’s K-Visa?

China's K-visa is a newly introduced visa category aimed at attracting young and skilled professionals, particularly those in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. It allows qualified applicants to enter China for academic, scientific, technical, cultural, entrepreneurial, or business activities.

The K-visa is being called China's answer to the US H-1B visa and will officially take effect on October 1, 2025.

Who Can Apply China’s K-Visa?

- Foreign youth who have graduated from reputed universities or research institutions in China or abroad with a bachelor’s degree or higher in STEM fields.

- Young professionals engaged in teaching or research at recognized institutions.

As per the Article 7, the Applicants must meet age, education, and experience requirements and submit supporting documents, including proof of qualifications and evidence of professional or research engagement.

The term “young science and technology talent” now includes: Graduates in STEM from recognized universities or research institutions worldwide, holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Young professionals working in education or research roles at these institutions.

Key features of the K visa:

The K visa offers several advantages over China’s 12 ordinary visa categories:

-The K-visa offers greater flexibility compared with China’s ordinary visas, allowing multiple entries and longer stays.

-Holders can engage in academic, scientific, technological, cultural, entrepreneurial, and business-related activities.

-Unlike most work visas, the K-visa does not require local employer sponsorship. Eligibility is based on age, education, or work experience.

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How Does K-Visa compare to China’s existing visa types?

Even before the K-Visa, China had 12 types of ordinary visas, including work, study, business, and family reunion. The K-Visa is unique because it does not require local employer sponsorship, offers extended stays, allows multiple entry, and covers a wide range of professional and educational activities. It specifically targets young STEM talent, making it a strategic tool for attracting global professionals.

While the US is raising barriers to foreign professionals, China is actively positioning itself as a hub for global talent. The launch of the K-Visa symbolizes Beijing's effort to attract young scientists and entrepreneurs, further reinforcing its broader vision of technological leadership.