Overview

• Effective October 1, the K visa targets young foreign STEM graduates and researchers with flexible entry and stay, no employer invitation, and permission to pursue research, exchanges, and entrepreneurial activities.
• Practical processing is on hold because Chinese embassies abroad are closed through October 8 for National Day and Mid‑Autumn holidays, and missions have yet to list application options.
• A Chinese government spokesperson said the visa is intended to facilitate scientific exchanges and cooperation among young professionals.
• Weibo users have questioned the timing and equity of the policy given reports of high unemployment and roughly 12 million new graduates each year, with some arguing a bachelor’s degree threshold favors foreigners over Chinese students.
• Commentators warn that waiving employer sponsorship could invite fraud and overwhelm vetting, while international attention has grown after President Donald Trump announced a USD 100,000 H‑1B fee, prompting comparisons.