US President Donald Trump has raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, a move that has created uncertainty among professionals in the tech and IT sectors.
While the world debates the impact of this decision, China has seized the moment by introducing a new visa category—the K-Visa—to attract global STEM talent (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has signed an order amending foreign entry and exit rules, with the new regulations taking effect from October 1.
Conditions of the K-Visa
Compared to China’s existing 12 types of visas, the K-Visa offers more privileges, such as:
Longer validity and stay periods
Multiple entries and easier travel
Permission to work in education, culture, science, technology, business, and trade
Applicants must meet the eligibility standards set by Chinese authorities and submit the required documents.
However, unlike other visas, the K-Visa does not require a joining letter, appointment letter, or invitation from a Chinese company. This makes the process much simpler.
Official details on fees and complete documentation are yet to be announced.
Beijing’s Statement
China said the move reflects its workforce strategy and commitment to attracting global talent. The K-Visa will:
Help foreign youth work in science and technology
Support international cooperation and exchanges
Contribute to China’s development goals
Part of a Larger Talent Policy
The K-Visa is one element of China’s broader policy to open up to the world. Other measures include:
Easing entry rules and expanding visa-free agreements with 75 countries
Offering 240-hour visa-free transit for travelers from 55 nations
Boosting inbound travel—China saw 38 million foreign travelers in the first half of 2025, up 30% from last year. Visa-free travelers increased by 54%.
Impact on South Asia
Trump’s H-1B fee hike—effective for all new applications after September 21, 2025, including the 2026 lottery—has made many Indian and South Asian professionals reconsider their US career plans.
India was the biggest H-1B beneficiary last year with 71% of visas, followed by China at 11.7%.
In this context, China’s K-Visa appears to be an affordable and flexible alternative for STEM professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
US Moves: Fee Hike and Gold Card Visa
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that the new fee applies to all H-1B applications filed after September 21, 2025.
President Trump said the decision protects American jobs and national security.
Alongside, he introduced the “Trump Gold Card” visa program, which allows permanent residency in the US for anyone paying $1 million.
The Bigger Picture
The H-1B fee hike could drive thousands of skilled professionals away from the US.
China’s K-Visa launch signals its intent to capture this global talent pool by offering simpler rules, fewer restrictions, and greater opportunities.
