Attracting Overseas Talent via K Visa: Facilitating Foreign Young Sci-Tech Talents\x26#39; Development in China
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 was adopted at the 63rd Executive Meeting of the State Council on July 16, 2025, and shall come into force on October 1, 2025.
Recently, officials from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, and the National Immigration Administration answered reporters' questions regarding relevant issues of this Decision. The main contents are as follows:
Q1: What is the main purpose of the Decision?
A: The main purpose of this amendment is to facilitate the entry of foreign young scientific and technological talents into China and promote international cooperation and exchanges among young scientific and technological talents.
Q2: What are the main contents of the Decision?
A: The Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations") stipulate the categories and issuance procedures of ordinary visas in China. The Decision makes two amendments to the Regulations:
1. It adds a new type of "K Visa" to the ordinary visa categories specified in the Regulations, which is clearly designated for foreign young scientific and technological talents entering China;
2. It stipulates that applicants for the K Visa shall meet the criteria and requirements for foreign young scientific and technological talents as prescribed by the relevant competent authorities of the Chinese government, and submit corresponding supporting documents.
Q3: What criteria and requirements must be met to apply for the K Visa? What supporting documents are required?
A: The K Visa is issued to foreign young scientific and technological talents who have graduated from well-known domestic or overseas universities or research institutions with a degree (bachelor's or above) in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), or who are engaged in education or scientific research related to the above-mentioned fields at such institutions. The specific criteria and requirements will be published on the official websites of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.
Q4: What are the characteristics of the K Visa compared with existing visa types?
A: Compared with the existing 12 types of ordinary visas, the K Visa will provide more convenience for holders in terms of the number of entries, validity period, and duration of stay. After entry, holders may engage in exchange activities in the fields of education, science and technology, culture, as well as entrepreneurship, business, and other related activities. The K Visa only has specific requirements for age, educational background, or work experience, and does not require an employing or inviting entity in China. Its application process will also be more convenient.
Tips：
The following basic documents shall be prepared for K Visa application:
1. Passport: A valid passport with a remaining validity of more than 6 months (including a copy). The passport validity shall be at least 3 months longer than the intended duration of stay in China.
2. Visa Application Form: A fully completed Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China, attached with a recent color passport photo with a white background that meets the requirements.
3. Educational or Work Certification Documents:
- Applicants with an academic background shall provide a bachelor's degree or higher certificate in the STEM fields;
- Applicants with work experience shall provide a certificate proving their engagement in education or scientific research related to the relevant fields at well-known universities or research institutions.
Note：The specific requirements will be published on the official websites of Chinese embassies and consulates in various countries at a later date.
4. Certificate of No Criminal Record: Shall be notarized or authenticated, with specific requirements varying by the applicant's country of nationality. A commitment-based system may be adopted for some countries.
5. Other Supporting Documents: Depending on specific circumstances, Chinese embassies and consulates abroad may require additional documents such as a medical examination certificate and proof of financial means.