China Launches K Visa to Attract Global STEM Talent

China will begin issuing a new visa category, the K visa, on October 1, 2025, as part of efforts to draw foreign graduates and professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The scheme, introduced under amendments to the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (State Council Order No. 814), is designed to make entry and residence in China more flexible for skilled young talent.

Unlike the United States’ H-1B visa, which requires employer sponsorship and is capped by an annual lottery, the K visa allows qualified applicants to enter, live and work in China without a sponsoring employer. Applicants are expected to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or be actively engaged in relevant research or education at recognized institutions.

According to official guidelines published by China’s State Council, the visa will cover activities such as scientific research, academic exchanges, education, entrepreneurship and technology collaboration. Authorities say it will offer greater flexibility in terms of validity, entry frequency, and length of stay compared to traditional work visas.

The timing of the rollout is seen as significant. The United States recently moved to impose a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B petitions, a policy that immigration experts warn could drive talent away. Analysts say Beijing is positioning itself as an alternative destination. “While the U.S. raises barriers, China is lowering them,” Iowa-based immigration lawyer Matt Mauntel-Medici told Reuters.

Still, questions remain about the scheme’s practical appeal. The government has yet to clarify the precise age limits, rules on dependents, or whether the visa could lead to permanent residency. Language barriers and China’s limited track record in granting foreign nationals long-term settlement may also dampen uptake.

KPMG analysts note that while the K visa signals China’s determination to compete for global STEM talent, its impact will depend on how efficiently applications are processed and how welcoming the broader work environment proves to be.

KPMG analysts note that while the K visa signals China’s determination to compete for global STEM talent, its impact will depend on how efficiently applications are processed and how welcoming the broader work environment proves to be.