In contrast to many other visa categories, the K visa does not require a domestic employer or entity to invite the applicant.
“K visas will offer more convenience to holders in terms of the number of permitted entries, validity period, and duration of stay,” state news agency Xinhua reported in August.
The official description for those able to apply is “young foreign scientific and technological talents”, but the exact age, educational background, and work experience requirements needed are as yet unclear.
Xinhua said visa-holders will be able to “engage in exchanges in fields such as education, culture, and science and technology, as well as relevant entrepreneurial and business activities”.
Across the Atlantic, the US tech industry has been rattled by unexpected changes made by the Trump administration to the H-1B visa procedure.
H-1Bs allow companies to sponsor foreign workers with specialised skills — such as scientists, engineers, and computer programmers — to work in the United States for three years, with a possible extension to six.
Such visas are widely used by the tech industry, but the new H-1B visa policy now requires a one-time $100,000 fee.
Indian nationals account for nearly three-quarters of the permits allotted via a lottery system each year.
