China Introduces K Visa for Science and Technology Workers

In September, the US announced a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, making it harder for its employers to bring foreign workers into the country. China has gone in the opposite direction, taking steps to become an attractive destination for foreign science and technology talent.

On August 7, 2025, China’s State Council introduced Order No. 814, which amends the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners. This change opens the door to foreign talent, allowing young professionals with science and technology backgrounds to seek employment in China. The country’s new K visa permits the entry of these professionals.

What is China’s K visa?

China introduced its K visa on October 1, 2025. It enables highly educated and skilled individuals with a background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to enter China for work. According to legal analysis from Dezan Shira & Associates, these professionals must have at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or research institute, or they must have been engaged in education or research work at such an organization.

While K visa applicants must prove their qualifications by submitting supporting documents, a job offer is not required: STEM professionals can apply for the visa without a formal offer of employment in China.

K visa holders are allowed to participate in education, research, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and business. Additionally, there are fewer restrictions on the entry frequency, visa validity period, and duration of stay.

Concerns about the implementation of the K visa

According to Reuters and KPMG, requirements for age, educational background, and work experience are vague. Details about family sponsorship, permanent residency, financial incentives, and how employment will be facilitated have been lacking. And the language barrier is also a consideration, with most tech companies in China operating in Mandarin.

Given these concerns and the complexity of immigration and employment law in China, individuals interested in the K visa should consult with an immigration lawyer or advisor for guidance on their eligibility and how to apply for a K visa.

How will the K visa impact your ability to find STEM talent?

If your organization relies on STEM professionals, you may be wondering if China’s new K visa will affect your ability to fill roles that require their skills. It will be hard to determine how many individuals enter China on a K visa or how many professionals leave your country in pursuit of a role in China. That should not be your focus.

As an employer, your best bet is to go on the offensive with a recruitment strategy that attracts STEM talent with competitive salaries and benefits. If you can offer candidates the option to work remotely, you gain access to a wider pool of skills. With this advantage, the K visa becomes almost immaterial as a disrupting factor.

The best response: A strong recruiting partner

Recruiting from outside your own country comes with challenges, but those are easily resolved with support and guidance from a strong recruiting partner.

As a pioneer in the employer of record (EOR) space, Safeguard Global can hire, onboard, and pay professionals — in full compliance with local laws — in nearly 190 countries. And with an integrated Global Recruitment solution, Safeguard Global can help you find exactly the talent you need, effectively taking your STEM talent search off your plate.

In general, China has not turned to immigrants for STEM talent because the country’s large pool of STEM skills has been sufficient for its staffing needs. So, time will tell how the K visa impacts the availability of global STEM talent.

A forward-thinking strategy that taps the recruiting and compliance expertise of Safeguard Global might be the best way to make sure your staffing needs are met in the face of changing immigration policies. Contact Safeguard Global to find out how we can help you with your recruiting and hiring needs.

Disclaimer: The information provided on or through this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Safeguard Global expressly disclaims any liability with respect to warranty or representation concerning the information contained herein, including the lost essence, interpretation, accuracy and/or completeness of the information in transit and language translation.