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The State Council has made changes related to visas in the “Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners.”
Starting October 1 of this year, a new K visa will be introduced for young foreign talents in the fields of science and technology who wish to enter China. Applicants for the K visa must fulfill the conditions and requirements outlined by the Chinese government and provide the necessary documentation.
Although the final specifics about the K visa and its requirements have not yet been disclosed, some preliminary information is available.
The K visa will be granted to graduates from renowned domestic or international universities or research institutions in the domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who possess an appropriate academic degree certificate (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or who are involved in relevant professional education and scientific research at the aforementioned institutions.
At this moment, it seems that applicants for the K visa will not be required to obtain an invitation from a Chinese institution to apply.
The new K visa (along with, presumably, a related residence permit) is also anticipated to provide greater convenience in terms of length of stay, number of entries, and the visa's validity period.
While the term "young" is used in this announcement, the specific age limit that will be implemented remains unclear. Some sources suggest that the cut-off might be around 40-45 years old, but this has not been confirmed.
The introduction of a new visa specifically for foreign talent in STEM fields aligns with China's ongoing focus on technological innovation and international scientific cooperation as key components of its development strategy. This move also contributes to broader efforts to attract foreign professionals and tourists to the country (and boost tourism revenue) through more lenient visa regulations, English-language services, and tourist-friendly amenities.
More detailed information regarding the requirements for the new K visa is expected to be released before October.
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