The Chinese government will establish a dedicated visa to attract young foreign science and technology talent. Recently, as the United States significantly reduced funding for research in the science and biofields, this move is interpreted as a strategy to draw overseas talent affected by these cuts to China.
According to the Korea Bio Association Bio Economy Research Center on the 26th, the China State Council plans to issue a 'K visa' to young foreign science and technology talent starting from October 1, based on the amended 'Regulations on the Administration of Exit and Entry for Foreigners of the People's Republic of China,' which was recently signed by Premier Li Qiang.
Chinese authorities noted, "The K visa will provide holders with more convenience in terms of the number of entry permits, validity period, and duration of stay compared to the existing 12 types of general visas," stating, "To advance China's development, participation from global talent is necessary, and opportunities will be provided to them."
The K visa is targeted at young foreigners who have graduated from renowned domestic or international universities or research institutions and hold a bachelor's degree or higher in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields. Applicants must meet the conditions set by the Chinese government and submit relevant documentation.
K visa holders will be able to engage not only in exchanges in the fields of education, culture, and science and technology after entering the country but also in related startup and business activities. As long as specific requirements such as age, education, and experience are met, they can apply without an invitation from a domestic inviting institution or employer, and the process will be streamlined. However, the Chinese government has not yet disclosed specific details regarding the applicable age range, technological industry scope, duration of stay, or residency policies after entry for the K visa.
China is actively promoting national-level investment in science and technology and the recruitment of overseas talent, emphasizing 'technological independence' to secure an advantage in global technology competition. Recently, it initiated a recruitment program targeted at Chinese researchers in the United States who are facing difficulties due to reduced funding for science and bio research and anti-immigration policies.
Previously, from 2009 for nearly a decade, China operated the 'Thousand Talents Plan' (千人計劃), an initiative to attract overseas scientists by providing various benefits, including research funding.
In 2013, China introduced the 'R visa' to attract high-level talent, and starting this year, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) began accepting applications for its Outstanding Young Scientists Fund (overseas). Local media reported that the recruitment for this major funding program aims to target U.S.-based researchers facing budget cuts.