China Launches New K Visa for Young Science and Tech Talent

China has announced the creation of a new visa category aimed at attracting young professionals in science and technology. The initiative follows a decision by the State Council, formalised through a decree signed by Premier Li Qiang, to amend regulations on the administration of foreigners’ entry and exit.

Effective October 1, 2025, the K visa will be added to China’s existing 12 categories of ordinary visas. Officials say the K visa will offer greater convenience in terms of permitted entries, validity, and duration of stay compared with current options. Applicants must meet age, educational, and professional criteria set by the relevant authorities. However, unlike many work-related visas, such as the US H-1B visa, which requires employer sponsorship, the K visa does not require an invitation from a domestic entity, providing a more flexible and streamlined application process.

Holders of K visas will be authorised to participate in a wide range of activities, including scientific and educational exchanges, cultural programmes, entrepreneurial ventures, and business projects. Authorities emphasised that the new category is designed to make China more accessible to young talent from around the world.

“China’s development requires the participation of talent from across the globe, and at the same time, China’s growth also offers new opportunities for them,” officials stated at a press conference. The move, they added, aligns with the country’s broader workforce development strategy and efforts to deepen international co-operation in science and technology.

The announcement comes as China continues to relax its visa regime to boost international exchanges. By the end of July 2025, China had signed unilateral or mutual visa-free agreements with 75 countries. These efforts have fuelled a surge in arrivals. According to the National Immigration Administration, 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, representing a 53.9 per cent rise compared with the same period last year.