Beijing (TDI): China has launched a new visa program aimed at attracting foreign talent in science and technology, part of its broader effort to position itself as a global leader in innovation.
The new “K visa,” first announced in August, streamlines the application process and offers greater flexibility in entry, validity, and length of stay, according to state media. Unlike many existing visa categories, it does not require sponsorship or an invitation from a domestic employer.
State-run People’s Daily framed the move as a sharp contrast to recent US immigration policy, saying, “Against the backdrop of some countries retracting, turning inward, and sidelining international talent, China has keenly seized this important opportunity.”
While official criteria remain unclear, the program is described as targeting “young foreign scientific and technological talents.”
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Holders will be permitted to take part in scientific exchanges, cultural and educational activities, as well as entrepreneurial and business ventures, Xinhua reported.
The launch comes amid turbulence in the US tech industry after the Trump administration abruptly imposed new restrictions on the H-1B skilled worker visa.
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The changes included a one-time fee of $100,000, sparking concerns among companies reliant on foreign engineers, scientists, and programmers. Indian workers, who account for nearly three-quarters of H-1B visas each year, are expected to be the most affected.
Chinese media dismissed concerns that the new visa could trigger an “immigration crisis.” In an editorial, People’s Daily urged confidence, insisting that fears about overwhelming inflows of foreign workers were unfounded.
