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K Visa (科技人才签证)
VisasChinaK Visa (科技人才签证)
ChinaChina•Asia
Open

K Visa (科技人才签证)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 business days

Application Fee

140 USD

Stay Duration

Varies (Tied to employment contract duration; extendable; multiple entries available)

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Young STEM talent visa introduced October 2025 for science and technology professionals with at least a bachelor's degree, allowing research, education, and entrepreneurship without requiring a Chinese employer sponsor.

The K Visa is a specialized category introduced in October 2025 following amendments to the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners. It was created to specifically address the need for young, highly educated talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. By offering a dedicated pathway for emerging innovators, this visa fills the gap between early-career researchers and established experts, fostering international scientific collaboration and supporting China's long-term technological development goals.

This visa is designed for young foreign professionals and recent graduates who hold at least a bachelor's degree in a STEM field from a recognized institution or are currently engaged in STEM-related research or education. A key distinctive feature of the K Visa is its streamlined application process, which aims to be less restrictive than traditional work visas by not requiring employer sponsorship. It provides young innovators with greater flexibility in terms of entry frequency and duration of stay, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to participate in China's dynamic tech and research ecosystem.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

D Visa (定居签证)
China flagChina

D Visa (定居签证)

ValidityVaries (Permanent residency status; must maintain China residence of 3+ months per year or 1+ year per 5-year period)
Processing4-6 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a young professional or recent graduate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.

Must hold at least a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or research institution worldwide.

Must be engaged in or intending to engage in education, research, or innovation-related activities in China.

No requirement for a domestic employer or entity to issue an invitation letter.

Must meet specific age, educational, and professional experience criteria as defined by relevant Chinese authorities.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photo

Completed application form

Work permit notice

Educational documents

Work experience letter

Health certificate

Employment contract (sponsor)

Company registration (sponsor)

Work permit application (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Sponsorship-free
  • Multi-entry
  • Pathway to PR
  • Allows remote work

Worth Knowing

  • Requires specific STEM qualifications

Application Process

1

Secure employment offer: Receive confirmed job offer from licensed Chinese employer

2

Employer applies for work permit notice: Chinese company applies to local labor bureau for work permit notice (7-15 business days)

3

Receive work permit notice: Employer provides work permit notice number to applicant

4

Apply for Z visa: Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate with work permit notice

5

Pay visa fee: Pay reduced visa application fee

6

Process visa: 4-10 business days processing

7

Enter China: Receive Z visa and travel to China

8

Apply for residence permit: Within 30 days of arrival, apply for work residence permit

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Work Permit Application—
China Visa Application Form—

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