China launches K Visa to attract global talent amid rising US H-1B fees
PTC Web Desk: China has announced a new visa category, the K Visa, aimed at attracting global talent in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The visa will come into effect on October 1, 2025, offering skilled young professionals and researchers greater flexibility to live and work in China.
According to the South China Morning Post, the K Visa targets individuals who have completed or are pursuing research in STEM disciplines. Applicants will be required to submit the necessary documentation, with additional guidance to be provided by Chinese embassies and consulates. The policy was approved by the Chinese government in August 2025.
The move comes shortly after the United States raised H-1B visa fees on September 21, 2025, from approximately Rs 6 lakh to Rs 88 lakh (around $100,000). The increase is expected to make it more challenging for professionals to work in the US, potentially redirecting global talent to China. The K Visa is being viewed as a viable alternative to the H-1B visa.
Currently, China issues 12 types of visas, including the R Visa and Z Visa for employment purposes. The Z Visa is valid for one year, while the R Visa allows stays of up to 180 days. R Visas have no fees but involve lengthy and complex procedures, making them less popular. In contrast, the K Visa will allow foreigners to stay in China for extended periods, though the exact duration has not yet been specified.
Unlike the Z Visa, the K Visa does not require applicants to have a job offer or sponsorship from a Chinese company. Eligibility will primarily depend on factors such as age, education, and work experience, making it easier for skilled professionals to apply.
Visa fees for the K Visa have not yet been officially announced. For comparison, Z Visa fees vary by nationality: Rs 2,900 for Indian citizens, Rs 2,300 for Americans, Rs 8,500 for Canadians, and Rs 5,500 for Australians. Additionally, service charges ranging from Rs 2,000–Rs 3,000 apply to applicants from India. To further attract foreign experts, China has launched two specialised programmes:
Talented Young Scientist Programme: Open to researchers up to 45 years old from Asia and Africa to work and conduct research in China.
Outstanding Young Scientist Fund Project: Targets top scientists and engineers up to 40 years old to work in Chinese institutions.
China’s leading universities and research institutions are offering competitive salaries and bonuses to attract top students and researchers, reflecting the country’s ambition to become a global technological powerhouse by 2035.
The recent US H-1B fee hike has sparked global concern. The one-time fee of $100,000 (Rs 88 lakh) applies to new applications, while previous H-1B fees ranged from Rs 5.5–6.7 lakh for a three-year period, renewable for an additional three years with a separate fee.
- With inputs from agencies
