China’s K Visa Challenges US H-1B Visa for Skilled Workers
China is launching a new K Visa from October 1, 2025, to attract young foreign talent in STEM fields. The newly proposed K Visa is expected to challenge the US H-1B Visa, which has remained popular among the talented youth as a doorway to the US industrial market, especially in the US tech sector.
Reportedly, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China has recently revised the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, adding a new visa category effective from Octover 1, 2025.
In comparison to the US H-1B Visa, which has become more restrictive and costlier after US President Donald Trump raised the visa fee to $100,000, the K Visa removes major hurdles.
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The K-Visa facilitates immigration without any local job requirement, easier re-entry, and flexible stays in China.
Beijing expects that this move will boost its global appeal and advance its goal to become a tech superpower by 2035.
The newly designed K-Visa is to draw the top global talent in tech, research, and strategic industries.
Currently, China gives multiple types of Visas to foreign nationals, which include
Z Visa: This visa is given for standard employment
R Visa: This is specially designed to attract the high-level talent to the China
M/F Visas: These are short term visa for business or academic work
Q1/Q2 or S1/S2 visas: These are issued for the family members of foreign employees working in China.
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