China Introduces the K-Visa for Young Sci-Tech Talents

On August 7, 2025, China promulgated a new State Council decree through the latest State Council order, officially announcing the "Decision of the State Council on Amending the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Administration of Foreigners." Starting from October 1, 2025, a new category of "K-visa" will be added, mainly targeting foreign young science and technology talents under the age of 45.

  Overview of the K-Visa  

Visa type: K-visa - Science and Technology Talent Visa.

Implementation date: October 1, 2025.

Eligible individuals: Individuals aged 18-45, with fields covering science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and cutting-edge technologies.

  Application Conditions and Requirements  

Education and background

Graduated from well-known domestic or foreign universities or research institutions, with a major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other related fields, and obtained a bachelor's degree or above.

Or engaged in education and research work in the above-mentioned institutions in related majors.

Age limit: 18-45 years old.

Supporting documents: Need to submit academic degree or relevant work proof materials according to the requirements published by the competent authorities of the Chinese government. The specific material details will be separately announced by the Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.

No need for domestic employer or invitation: The application does not require an employer or inviting unit within China, making the process more convenient.

  Main Advantages of the K-Visa  

Enhanced visa convenience: The number of entries, validity period, and duration of stay are all more relaxed and flexible than existing visas.

Wide range of work and activities: After entry, it is possible to engage in a variety of activities such as exchanges in the fields of education, science and technology, culture, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and business.

Family accompanying policy: Spouses and minor children are allowed to apply for K-visa family visas simultaneously.

Policy openness signal: Complementary to the R-visa (high-end talent visa), focusing on attracting young science and technology backbone talents from around the world.

  Examples of Eligible Talents  

Professional talents in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology

Talents introduced by national key laboratories

Special experts invited by "specialized, refined, unique, and new" enterprises

  Application Process Reference  

The process is expected to be similar to the R-visa, but the talent recognition method will be simplified and more flexible.

The specific implementation details will be promptly announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, and other departments, as well as the embassies and consulates abroad. For now, you can refer to the current application guidelines for the R-visa for high-end talents.