China has unveiled a new "K visa" category aimed at attracting young and highly skilled professionals from across the world, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The scheme, described by observers as China’s version of the US H-1B visa, will take effect on October 1, 2025, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.
Approved in August, the decision amends the regulations governing the administration of foreigners’ entry and exit. It comes at a time when countries are tightening or recalibrating their work visa policies, with the United States recently announcing a steep USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B applications.
The move has sparked concern among Indian tech professionals and IT service companies. Against this backdrop, China’s new visa category is being viewed as a countermeasure to lure global talent, particularly from South Asia, where many are reassessing opportunities in America.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Justice, the K visa will be open to foreign "young scientific and technological talents" who have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher in STEM fields from reputed universities or research institutions in China or abroad.
It will also be available to young professionals engaged in teaching or research at such institutions. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria laid out by Chinese authorities and submit supporting documentation, including proof of qualifications and evidence of professional or research work.
Unlike most existing visas, applicants will not require an invitation from a domestic employer or entity. Officials said this feature would make the process less restrictive and more appealing to foreign professionals. K visa holders will be allowed multiple entries, extended stays, and greater flexibility.
They will also be permitted to take part in academic exchanges across education, culture, and science and technology, as well as entrepreneurial and business activities.
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“Bar specific age, educational background and work experience requirements, 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,” the statement said.
The K visa is part of broader reforms aimed at making China more open to international engagement. In recent years, Beijing has eased entry rules, extended visa-free access, and introduced longer visa-free transit periods.
At present, travellers from 55 countries enjoy 240-hour visa-free transit, while China has unilateral or reciprocal visa-exemption arrangements with 75 nations.
Official data show that foreign nationals made 38.05 million trips to or from China in the first half of 2025, a 30.2 per cent year-on-year increase. Of these, 13.64 million were visa-free entries, up 53.9 per cent compared with the same period last year.
The timing of the rollout is being closely watched in South Asia, especially in India, where many skilled professionals are reconsidering their options amid uncertainty over the H-1B regime. Analysts say China’s flexible, less bureaucratic process signals its intent to compete for global STEM talent.
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