Overview

• Effective today, the K visa allows foreign STEM graduates and early‑career researchers to enter China without employer sponsorship and to pursue study, research, entrepreneurship and related activities, with multiple entries and longer stays reported.
• Guidance commonly cites an 18–45 target age band and at least a bachelor's degree or active STEM research, while key specifics on validity, family sponsorship, permanent residency and exact age limits remain unconfirmed.
• Consultancy Newland Chase reports inquiries up more than 30% since August, with strong interest from India, Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States.
• The rollout follows President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 H‑1B application fee and tighter eligibility rules, creating a sharp contrast in cost and flexibility, though China formally unveiled the K visa before the U.S. change.
• Domestic reaction in China includes pushback from job‑seeking graduates, and practical hurdles persist for foreigners such as Mandarin language requirements, workplace culture concerns and still‑to‑be‑detailed application procedures at embassies.