China Education News
China Introduces K-Visa! Easier Access for Young Foreign Sci-Tech Talents!
On August 14, 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 Foreigners'" (hereinafter referred to as the "Decision") was officially announced, effective from October 1, 2025. The Decision stipulates the addition of a K-visa category to the types of ordinary visas, issued to young foreign sci-tech talents entering China.
The Decision makes two amendments to the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners":
First, it adds the K-visa to the categories of ordinary visas defined in the Regulations, explicitly designated for young foreign sci-tech talents entering China.
Second, it specifies that applicants for the K-visa must meet the conditions and requirements for young foreign sci-tech talents as defined by the relevant competent authorities of the Chinese government and submit corresponding supporting documents.
For details of the Decision, please refer to:
https://www.mps.gov.cn/n2255079/n6865805/n7355741/n7912606/c10173450/content.html
It is understood that the K-visa will be issued to young foreign sci-tech talents who have graduated with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from renowned higher education institutions or research organizations either within or outside China and obtained corresponding academic qualifications and degrees, or who are engaged in related professional education or research work at the aforementioned institutions. Compared to the existing 12 categories of ordinary visas, the K-visa will offer more convenience in terms of number of entries, validity period, and duration of stay. Holders will be permitted to engage in exchanges in fields such as education, science, technology, and culture, as well as entrepreneurial and business activities after entry.
Dai Bin, President of China Academy of Tourism: "The issuance of the K-visa signifies a broader coverage of our visa facilitation measures, presenting a more open image of Chinese tourism. It also raises higher requirements for the residence, sightseeing, and daily convenience of foreigners in China, especially foreign professionals. Creating a living environment where overseas professionals can not only enter but also settle down is our next step."
How to Apply?
If you are a recent graduate or young researcher in STEM fields with a background from a renowned university or research institution, this visa category is highly suitable for your attention.
Pay attention to the supporting policy explanations released by the Chinese embassy or consulate in your location, as well as the list of required materials on the visa policy platform.
It is advisable to prepare: proof of education, proof of work/research experience, identification and age documentation; consult the visa center or a lawyer in advance to ensure all materials are complete.
Moreover, the K-visa is not a "temporary visa." It has been formally written into the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners." Like the L (tourist) and Z (work) visas, it is a fixed visa category, not a short-term policy pilot.
More facilitative designs may be introduced in the future.
It is believed that this will bring more possibilities for attracting "young sci-tech talents," not limited to PhDs or high-end researchers, but also including promising STEM youth, such as outstanding master's graduates, innovative engineers, and startup team members!
In recent years, China has continuously introduced visa facilitation measures to make it easier for more foreign friends to travel and do business in China. Last December, the National Immigration Administration comprehensively optimized the transit visa-free policy, extending the visa-free stay period for foreigners to 10 days and increasing the number of applicable provinces to 24.
As of July 17 this year, China has achieved comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 29 countries and unilateral visa exemption for 46 countries, continuously expanding its visa-free "circle of friends." Data from the National Immigration Administration shows that in the first half of this year, visa-free entries by foreigners reached 13.64 million, accounting for 71.2% of the total, a year-on-year increase of 53.9%.