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  • Introduction of the China New Policy on K Visa

Introduction of the China New Policy on K Visa

2025-11-14
China's development cannot be achieved without the active participation of global talents, and it also provides broad development opportunities for them. To further implement the strategy of strengthening the country through talents in the new era, optimize the environment for foreign young sci-tech talents to work in China, and deepen international talent exchanges and cooperation, in accordance with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the Ministry of Justice, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the National Immigration Administration and other relevant departments, has studied and formulated 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 (Draft), which will come into formal effect on October 1, 2025.

The main purpose of this amendment is to add the K visa category to the ordinary visa categories specified in the current Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Aliens, which is specially designed for foreign young sci-tech talents work in China. The Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Aliens (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) defines the classification of ordinary visas in China and the standards for visa issuance and administration. This Decision makes two important adjustments to the Regulations: first, adding the K visa category, which is specially issued to foreign young talents entering China to engage in sci-tech work; second, clarifying that applicants for K visas must meet the qualification requirements stipulated by the competent authorities of the Chinese government and submit corresponding supporting documents as required.

  1. Eligibility Requirements for K Visa Application

    (1)
    		 Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old.
    (2)
    Educational Background: Applicants must have graduated from well-known domestic or foreign colleges, universities or scientific research institutions with a major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and hold a bachelor's degree or above; or have engaged in teaching or scientific research work in relevant fields in the above-mentioned institutions.

    (3)
    		 Application Materials: Applicants are required to submit certificates of academic degree or relevant work experience in accordance with the requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government. The specific list of materials will be separately released by Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.

  2. Policy Advantages of K Visa

    The existing 12 types of ordinary visas are marked with the first letter of their corresponding Chinese Pinyin, as follows:

    (1)
    C Visa: Issued to crew members of international trains, crew members of international civil aircraft, crew members of international ships and their accompanying family members who perform crew duties in air or sea transportation, as well as drivers engaged in international road transportation.

    (2)
    		 D Visa: Issued to persons entering China for permanent residence.
    (3)
    		 F Visa: Issued to persons entering China for exchange, visit, inspection and other activities.
    (4)
    		 G Visa: Issued to persons transiting through China.
    (5)
    J1 Visa: Issued to foreign resident journalists of foreign resident news agencies in China; J2 Visa: Issued to foreign journalists entering China for short-term interview and reporting.

    (6)
    		 L Visa: Issued to persons entering China for tourism; group L visas may be issued to persons entering China for tourism in groups.
    (7)
    		 M Visa: Issued to persons entering China for commercial and trade activities.
    (8)
    Q1 Visa: Issued to family members of Chinese citizens who apply for entry and residence in China for family reunion, family members of foreigners with permanent residence status in China, and persons who apply for entry and residence in China for foster care and other reasons; Q2 Visa: Issued to relatives of Chinese citizens residing in China and relatives of foreigners with permanent residence status in China who apply for entry into China for short-term family visits.

    (9)
    		 R Visa: Issued to high-level foreign talents and urgently needed specialized talents required by the country.
    (10)
    S1 Visa: Issued to spouses, parents, children under 18 years old, parents of spouses of foreigners who reside in China for work, study and other purposes and apply for entry into China for long-term family visits, as well as persons who need to reside in China for other private affairs; S2 Visa: Issued to family members of foreigners who stay or reside in China for work, study and other purposes and apply for entry into China for short-term family visits, as well as persons who need to stay in China for other private affairs.

    (11)
    		 X1 Visa: Issued to persons applying for long-term study in China; X2 Visa: Issued to persons applying for short-term study in China.
    (12)
    		 Z Visa: Issued to persons applying for work in China.

    Compared with the current 12 types of ordinary visas, the K visa has significant advantages:

    (1)
    		 It provides more flexible and convenient arrangements in terms of the number of entries, visa validity period and duration of stay in China.
    (2)
    		 Visa holders can carry out exchange and cooperation in the fields of education, science and technology, culture, etc., and can also engage in entrepreneurship and business activities.
    (3)
    		 There is no need for a formal invitation letter from a domestic employer or inviting unit, which greatly simplifies the application process.

  3. Comparative Explanation of K Visa and R Visa

    Among the current 12 types of ordinary visas, the R visa and the K visa are significantly different in terms of applicable objects and functional positioning, but they also have certain similarities in terms of visa attributes. The main differences between the two types of visas are as follows:

    Content

    K Visa

    R Visa

    Applicable Objects

    Targeting foreign young sci-tech talents aged 18-45, who must have graduated from well-known domestic or foreign colleges, universities or scientific research institutions with a major in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), or have work experience in education or scientific research in relevant fields.

    Targeting high-level foreign talents and urgently needed specialized talents required by the country. Generally, they are required to have outstanding achievements and international influence in their professional fields, and need the invitation and support of a unit in China.

    Application Requirements

    No need for a domestic employer or inviting unit; only need to submit documents such as academic degree certificates or work certificates.

    Need to provide an invitation letter from a unit recognized by the Chinese government, an employment contract, salary certificate, etc. Higher requirements are imposed on academic background, work experience and professional achievements.

    Convenience and Flexibility

    More flexible in terms of the number of entries, validity period and duration of stay. Visa holders can engage in exchanges in the fields of education, science and technology, culture, as well as entrepreneurship and business activities.

    The validity period is generally 1-5 years, with a maximum of 10 years. The maximum duration of stay for a single entry is 180 days. Spouses and children can enjoy the same visa treatment.

    Policy Positioning

    Aimed at attracting young sci-tech talents, promoting international sci-tech exchanges and cooperation, and facilitating China's sci-tech innovation and development.

    Focused on attracting high-end talents, serving the country's major strategic needs, and having higher requirements for talents' professional level and international influence.




    In summary, the K visa focuses on attracting young sci-tech talents with a simpler application process, while the R visa targets high-level talents with stricter requirements for professional capabilities and support from units. Together, they form a policy system for China to attract international talents.

  4. Follow-up Management and Service Guarantee for K Visa

    (1)
    		 Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old.
    (2)
    Educational Background: Applicants must have graduated from well-known domestic or foreign colleges, universities or scientific research institutions with a major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and hold a bachelor's degree or above; or have engaged in teaching or scientific research work in relevant fields in the above-mentioned institutions.

    (3)
    		 Application Materials: Applicants are required to submit certificates of academic degree or relevant work experience in accordance with the requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government. The specific list of materials will be separately released by Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.

Disclaimer

All information in this article is only for the purpose of information sharing, instead of professional suggestion. Kaizen will not assume any responsibility for loss or damage.

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