Beijing: China will introduce new ‘K visa’ to draw in talented professionals from around the world to work in its areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), India Today reported citing an official statement on Sunday.
The statement comes hours after the US government hiked fee for H-1B visa as part President Trump’s move to reduce immigrants.
China approved the K visa, the US version of H-1B visa, in August amending regulations on managing foreigners’ entries and exits, which will take effect on October 1, 2025.
China’s decision to issue K visa comes just as the US imposed USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B applications, triggering concern among Indian tech workers and IT service companies.
China’s offer appears to be a countermeasure to attract foreign professionals, especially in South Asia seeking alternative destinations following the US restrictions on visa.
The K visa will be offered to foreign ‘young scientific and technological talents’ with a bachelor’s degree or higher in STEM fields, graduated from reputed universities or research institutions in China or abroad.
China has decided to offer K visa to young professionals engaged in teaching or research at such institutions alongside meeting qualifications and requirements set by Chinese authorities.
The K visa will provide notable advantages to applicants compared to China’s existing 12 ordinary visa categories with the new one offering greater flexibility in terms of multiple entries, longer validity, and extended stay.
Making the visa process less restrictive, the statement said that ‘applications for K visas do not require a domestic employer or entity to issue an invitation, and the application process will also be more streamlined’.
It is reported citing analysts that the China’s move is aimed at competing for global STEM talent.