Trump announced a new fee of $100,000 for H-1B visas effective September 22, sparking concerns among IT professionals and companies. Amid the uncertainty, China’s K-visa – being dubbed as the country’s answer to the H-1B visa is making headlines. The new rules, aimed to amend regulations on foreign entries and exits were announced this August and are incidentally set to go live on October 1, 2025. China’s K-visa rules are aimed to draw young and skilled professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from around the world. Here’s everything you need to know about China’s answer to H-1B visa
Key features of China’s K-visa
- Eligible applicants: Young STEM graduates and professionals in education or research.
- Duration and validity: Offers more flexibility than ordinary visas.
- Scope of activity: Covers education, science, technology, culture, entrepreneurship, and business.
- Admission requirements: No local employer sponsorship needed; eligibility is based on age, education, or work experience.
Benefits of China’s K-visa
The K visa provides several benefits compared with China’s 12 ordinary visa types:
- Flexibility: Allows multiple entries, longer validity, and extended stays.
- No employer sponsorship: Applicants do not need an invitation from a local employer, unlike most work visas.
- Broad scope: Holders can take part in academic, scientific, technological, cultural, entrepreneurial, and business exchanges.
Who can apply for China’s K-visa
Until now, China’s 2013 Foreigners Entry-Exit Administration Regulations listed 12 types of ordinary visas, covering purposes such as work (Z visa), study (X visa), business (M visa) and family reunion (Q visa). The latest amendment introduces two key changes:
- New Visa Category – Article 6 adds a “K visa,” meant for foreign young science and technology talent entering China.
- Application Rules – Article 7 states that applicants for a K visa must meet the eligibility conditions set by Chinese authorities for young science and technology talent and provide the required documents.
Further, the definition of “young science and technology talent” has now been expanded to include:
- Graduates in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) from recognised universities or research institutions worldwide, with at least a bachelor’s degree; or
- Young professionals working in education or research roles at such institutions.