- China’s “K” visa opens Oct. 1 for young foreign STEM talent, allowing entry, residence, and work without a prior job offer.
- The United States now requires a $100,000 payment with any new H-1B petition, effective Sept. 21, under a presidential proclamation.
- Analysts say the split approaches could shift where recent graduates and startups pursue research, entrepreneurship, and tech jobs.
China is rolling out a new “K” visa aimed at young foreign science and technology talent, a policy that takes effect Oct. 1 and allows entry and work without a job offer—just as the United States imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions. The timing underscores a global contest to attract skilled workers. Reuters reported that Beijing’s K visa is designed for recent STEM graduates and early-career researchers looking to study, work, or start ventures in China.
Beijing’s policy stems from an August revision to China’s entry-exit rules. A State Council order added the K category for “foreign young science and technology talent,” with launch set for Oct. 1. Business advisory analyses say the visa is meant to make short- and medium-term stays easier for qualified graduates and researchers, including opportunities in research and entrepreneurship.
A White House proclamation signed by President Trump on Sept. 19 requires a $100,000 payment to accompany new H-1B petitions, with the restriction taking effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 21 and lasting 12 months unless extended. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said the requirement applies to new filings, including the next lottery, and does not affect existing visas or renewals. The administration framed the step as curbing abuse and prioritizing American workers.
Industry reaction has been wary. Nvidia chief Jensen Huang said the new H-1B framework is “a great start” in principle but warned the $100,000 price tag is too high and could disadvantage startups competing for global talent, according to Business Insider. Immigration advocates have also flagged cost and access concerns for smaller employers. ([Business Insider][4])
How They Compare
Purpose and target group
- China’s K visa: aims to attract “young” foreign STEM graduates and early-career researchers; no job offer required at application.
- U.S. H-1B: allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations (typically bachelor’s degree or higher); employer sponsorship is mandatory.
Start dates and status
- K visa: launches Oct. 1 after State Council’s August rule change.
- H-1B $100,000 payment: effective Sept. 21 for 12 months unless extended.
Gateways and caps
- K visa: positioned as a flexible entry channel; detailed implementation guidance still rolling out.
- H-1B: capped at 85,000 new visas annually (65,000 regular + 20,000 U.S. advanced-degree), typically allocated by lottery when demand exceeds supply.
Costs and process
- K visa: authorities highlight openness and flexibility; post-specific fees and procedures are being clarified.
- H-1B: new petitions must include the $100,000 payment under the proclamation; USCIS notes this does not apply to renewals or previously issued visas. Usual employer steps (LCA, petition) and statutory fees still apply.
What it means
China is signaling a wider door for early-career scientists and engineers at the same moment the United States raises the financial hurdle for first-time H-1B hires. U.S. officials argue the change protects domestic workers; critics say it risks pushing talent—and some employers—elsewhere. With details of the K visa still coming into focus, the practical test will be implementation: how quickly applicants get guidance, how broad the eligibility proves to be, and whether employers in China can integrate non-Mandarin speakers at scale. For the U.S., the near-term question is whether higher upfront costs dampen demand—or simply tilt the field toward larger companies able to pay.
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