China has launched a new visa category, the K visa, designed to attract young foreign talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The visa aims to facilitate the entry of graduates and researchers who can contribute to China’s innovation-driven projects, offering an alternative for professionals who may have previously considered opportunities like the U.S. H1B visa.

However, the rollout of the K visa has sparked mixed reactions on Chinese social media, with some users expressing concerns about potential anti-immigrant sentiment.

Anushka Saxena, Research Analyst on China Studies at The Takshashila Institution, highlights that the K visa differs from China’s earlier R visa and other visas introduced since the Xi Jinping administration. The R visa, regulated under the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, is intended for highly skilled professionals urgently needed by the state. Since its 2013 introduction, the R visa primarily focused on encouraging investment, domestic technology development, and innovation within China.

The K visa appears to continue this focus on nurturing talent while targeting younger professionals who can actively contribute to China’s long-term innovation strategy.