China on Monday confirmed the commencement of the new K-visa programme starting October 1, advising interested applicants to expect further information from its missions abroad.
The government explained that it added the K visa to its ordinary visa categories to promote exchanges and cooperation among young science and technology talents in China and other countries.
“For more details about the K visa, I would refer you to the information soon to be released by Chinese embassies and consulates overseas,” said Guo Jiakun, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
The K visa, for highly educated graduates of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, allows holders to enter, stay, and seek employment in China without needing sponsorship from an individual employer.
It is similar to the United States’ H-1B system, which President Donald Trump recently firmed up with the imposition of a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions effective 21 September.
China’s K visa for STEM talents provides an alternative pathway for tech professionals from many countries, notably India, the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas.
Chinese missions are expected to provide the eligibility criteria, including age, education level, work experience, and whether applicants must be fluent in Mandarin, the main language in China.
