China Launches Flexible K Visa to Attract Scientists, Engineers and Innovators Worldwide days after U.S. increased H-1B visa to $100,000.

China has announced the launch of a new K visa programme to attract global STEM professionals, effective October 1, 2025. The initiative is part of Beijing’s broader “Talent Power Strategy” aimed at boosting innovation and competitiveness.

Unlike traditional work visas, the K visa provides greater flexibility. Holders can take part in employment, education, research, cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, and business collaborations without needing employer sponsorship a major shift that benefits independent researchers and innovators.

Eligibility will be based on academic qualifications (minimum bachelor’s degree), age, and professional experience, though full details are yet to be released. China hopes the scheme will strengthen its scientific workforce and enhance its standing as a global hub for technology and innovation.

The rollout comes as the U.S. tightens its H-1B visa system with steep fee hikes reportedly up to $100,000 annually creating barriers for many foreign professionals. Analysts view China’s K visa as a strategic counter, positioning itself as a more accessible destination for international talent.

The new visa reflects China’s ambition to compete directly with the U.S. and Europe for STEM experts. If effectively implemented, it could attract top talent and accelerate China’s drive to lead in science and technology, though much will depend on its execution and global reception.

The White House issued a major clarification Saturday to its new H-1B visa policy that had rattled the tech industry, saying a $100,000 fee will be a “one-time” payment imposed only on new applicants.

Trump Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000, Launches New “Gold Card” Residency Program

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sharply increasing the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, a move expected to significantly impact America’s technology sector.

The order coincides with the introduction of a new “gold card” residency program, which offers fast-tracked US residency for $1 million, or $2 million if paid via corporate sponsorship.

“The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” Trump said Friday in the Oval Office as he signed the measures.

The H-1B visa program enables US companies to employ foreign professionals with specialized skills—including scientists, engineers, and programmers—for an initial three-year period, renewable up to six years. Each year, 85,000 slots are available through a lottery system, with Indian applicants historically receiving about 75% of the visas. These visas are critical for US tech firms seeking to fill skill gaps.

Industry leaders, including Elon Musk, have previously warned that restricting H-1B visas could hurt the tech industry, citing the shortage of domestic talent in key sectors.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the signing, stated, “All the big companies are on board.”

During his first term, Trump attempted to limit which jobs qualified for H-1B sponsorship, but courts blocked those efforts. The new order represents a continuation of his broader immigration restrictions in his second term.

Under the new rules:

The $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B applicants starting Sunday.

The Secretary of Homeland Security can grant exemptions for certain individuals, companies, or industries.

The order is set to remain in effect for one year, with potential extensions by the President.


Demand for H-1B visas has surged in recent years, reaching a record high in 2022 under President Joe Biden. In 2024, about 400,000 visas were approved, primarily renewals.

Trump emphasized that the gold card program will attract wealthy investors, saying, “I think it’s going to be tremendously successful.”

Previously, Nigeria and several other African nations were affected by a 15% import tariff following a separate executive order signed by Trump.

Trump Administration Imposes $100K Fee on H-1B Visa Applications.

The Trump administration has announced a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, significantly raising costs for companies that rely on the program to recruit highly skilled foreign workers.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order late Friday requiring the additional payment and barring H-1B holders from entering the U.S. without it. “We’re going to keep productive people in our country, and companies are prepared to pay for that — and they’re happy about it,” Trump said.

The new fee will hit major employers such as Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, and Google, all of which have long depended on the program. H-1B visas already cost between $1,700 and $4,500 depending on processing time, costs usually borne by employers.

Supporters of the move argue it will ensure only highly skilled workers enter the U.S. while protecting American jobs. A White House aide said the change would “guarantee that companies hire truly extraordinary people who cannot be easily replaced by American workers.”

However, critics warn the policy could backfire. Stuart Anderson, executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy, cautioned that higher costs may push companies to move jobs abroad, especially in research and development. He also noted the move could discourage international students from enrolling in U.S. universities if post-graduation work opportunities shrink.

H-1B visas, awarded by lottery, require at least a bachelor’s degree and a job offer from a U.S. employer. In 2024, Amazon was the largest recipient, securing over 10,000 visas, followed by Tata Consultancy, Microsoft, Apple, and Google. The most common job type for visa holders last year was software development.

Bloomberg reported that Trump will also direct the Labor Secretary to revise wage rules for the program. Currently, employers must pay either the prevailing wage or the actual wage offered to similarly qualified workers, whichever is higher.