Client Alert!
China has announced the launch of a new “K visa” category, effective October 1, 2025, aimed at attracting young and highly skilled professionals—particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields—from around the world.
The K visa, is being described as China’s version of the U.S. H-1B visa, is intended to draw international talent at a time when many countries are tightening or reassessing their work visa policies. The new category follows regulatory amendments approved in August governing foreign nationals’ entries and exits.
This announcement comes shortly after the U.S. introduced a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B applications, which has raised concerns among Indian tech professionals and IT companies. China’s streamlined visa route is being seen as a countermeasure to attract foreign professionals—particularly from South Asia—who may now be seeking alternative destinations for employment opportunities.