Implementation from October 1st: China adds ＂K visa＂

On August 14, the State Council promulgated the Decision of the State Council on Amending the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Aliens, which shall come into force as of October 1st, 2025. Only two adjustments have been made this time, one of which is to add a "K visa" to the general visa category for foreign young scientific and technological talents entering the country. 

The positioning and basic rules of the K visa are open to the public: foreign students from well-known universities or scientific research institutions at home and abroad who have obtained bachelor's degrees or above in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related disciplines, or who are engaged in relevant education and scientific research in the above-mentioned institutions. Young scientific and technological talents. Specific identification standards and lists of materials will be published by embassies and consulates abroad. Convenience: Compared with the existing 12 types of ordinary visas, K visas are more flexible in terms of number of entries, validity period, and duration of stay. After entry, they can engage in education, science and technology, cultural exchanges, entrepreneurship, business and other activities. 

Do you need to "find a good job ahead of time"?

It is not required to have an employing or inviting unit in China, but proof materials such as academic qualifications/employment shall be submitted according to regulations, which shall be reviewed by the embassy or consulate. 

How is it different from R/M/Z visas?

R visa (high-level/scarce talents) is more for "top/urgently needed" middle and high-end people; 

Z visa holders who are required to work in China and apply for work permits according to law; 

The K visa is between "student/visitor" and "high-level talent", focusing more on the exchange of young scientific research and engineering talents and the convenience of innovation and entrepreneurship. The above positioning comes from the policy interpretation and official notice of the competent department. 

Is the threshold for controversy about three hot topics low? 

The policy requires a well-known university/scientific research institution +STEM degree (or relevant scientific research work experience), and the corresponding supporting materials need to be submitted, not "any undergraduate degree". The specific list and detailed rules will be subject to publication by embassies and consulates abroad. 

Will it compete with domestic graduates for jobs? 

K visa is essentially an entry and exchange/innovation facilitation visa, not a "green channel" for employment. Whether to hire or not is still decided by the employing unit according to the post demand; and the relevant regulations such as work permit and management shall still be observed when working in China. The above positioning and boundaries are derived from official interpretations and current management structures. 

Why launch now? 

Under the background of global competition for high-end scientific and technological talents (for example, multinational adjustment of work visa/talent signature policy), China supplements the exchange category of young scientific and technological talents by adding K visa, which is matched with the existing R visa, aiming to enhance the cooperation and attraction of scientific innovation.