Web desk: China has launched a new visa scheme this week designed to attract foreign professionals in science and technology.
The move comes as a new US visa policy has left many potential applicants looking for alternative destinations.
Although China already produces a large number of skilled engineers locally, the new initiative is aimed at showing the country as open to international talent and investment at a time when trade tensions and US tariffs weigh heavily on its economy.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun explained at a press briefing in Beijing that “to promote exchanges and cooperation between young science and technology talents between China and other countries, China decided to add a new type of visa to its ordinary visa categories, namely, the K visa.”
He said further details would soon be available through Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.
Recent years have seen China introduce several measures to encourage foreign investment and travel.
These include widening access to more industries for overseas firms and offering visa waivers to nationals of most European countries, as well as Japan and South Korea.
Commenting on the development, US-based immigration lawyer Matt Mauntel-Medici said, “The symbolism is powerful: while the US raises barriers, China is lowering them,” in reference to the new K visa, which takes effect on Wednesday.
What is China’s new K visa?
The K visa is a recently introduced facility for young foreign science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates.
The special thing about this visa is that it promises to allow entry and residence, along with employment, without a job offer.
China’s new K visa is likely to attract many people, especially those searching for jobs and opportunities abroad.
How to apply for China’s K visa
The full application rules for China’s new K visa have not yet been announced.
The visa will officially come into effect on October 1, 2025, and Chinese embassies and consulates are expected to share the final details and document checklists closer to that date.
For now, only the main steps are available.
Who can apply for China’s K visa?
The K visa is designed for young STEM professionals.
This includes applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree, as well as researchers, educators, and technical experts.
Documents needed for China’s K visa
Although the final requirements are not yet confirmed, applicants will likely need:
- A valid passport
- Degree certificates
- Proof of research, teaching, or technical work
Since the visa does not require sponsorship, no invitation letter is needed.
Where to apply for China’s K visa
Applications will be handled by Chinese embassies, consulates, and visa centres once the process begins.
How to apply for China’s K Visa as a Pakistani student
Pakistani graduates who wish to apply for China’s new ‘K visa’ must first confirm they are eligible as recent graduates in STEM or related fields.
The application begins online through the official Chinese visa website, where applicants need to fill out the form, upload a valid passport, a digital photograph, and other required documents.
After receiving initial online approval, the passport must be submitted in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Pakistan for fingerprint collection and final processing.
Go to the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulates in Pakistan, through the China Visa Application Service Centre (中国签证申请服务中心) to submit the application online.
Benefits of China’s K visa
Successful applicants will be able to take part in a wide range of activities in China, including research, education, technology exchange, and entrepreneurship.
The Chinese K visa is seen as a big opportunity because it opens new doors for young scientists, engineers, researchers, and educators from around the world.
Unlike many visas, it does not require sponsorship or an invitation letter, which makes the process more accessible.
It also allows foreigners to engage in research, teaching, technology exchange, and entrepreneurship in China, giving them a chance to grow their careers while contributing to innovation.
To most of the professionals, it is not about employment; it is more about acquiring international experience, networking and being in China with its growing science and technology sector, when other developed nations are becoming more restrictive in granting visas.
This is an ongoing development, so applicants are urged to stay updated through official websites for the latest information.
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