China to launch K Visa to invite foreign talent from October 1 amid H1-B visa chaos

China has announced the introduction of a new “K visa” category aimed at attracting young science and technology professionals, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from all over the world, an official statement issued on Sunday said.

The decision, approved in August, amends the regulations on the administration of foreigners’ entries and exits and will take effect on October 1, 2025.

The K visa, which observers are calling China’s version of the US H-1B, is designed to draw highly skilled talent at a time when countries around the world are tightening or recalibrating work visa rules.

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