US President Donald Trump had on Friday signed a proclamation that will raise the fee for H-1B visas to a staggering USD 100,000 (Rs 88 lakh) annually. The Trump administration’s latest move to crack down on immigration is likely to impact thousands of Indian professionals.
In response to the Trump government’s significant increase in H1-B visa fees, China is giving the US stiff competition in attracting global talent. The Chinese government announced the introduction of a new “K visa” category in a bid to attract Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professionals as the US curbs entry of foreign workers by raising H-1B visa fees.
China’s entry-exit rules recognised twelve categories of ordinary visas, which covered work, study, business and family reunions. The K-visa’s addition to the rules makes it the thirteenth category. The rollout of the K visa comes at a significant moment. With uncertainty growing over the US H-1B programme after the new USD 100,000 fee on fresh applicants, many South Asian professionals, particularly Indians, are said to be rethinking their career prospects in America.
On Sunday, the Chinese government issued an official statement announcing the introduction of the new K visa category. These new provisions will come into effect from October 1, 2025. Observers are calling the Chinese K visa equivalent of the US H-1B visa. China introduced this visa to attract skilled talent, as countries globally have begun to tighten work visa access.
