China Launches K Visa as U.S. Tightens H‑1B

China launched a new K visa that took effect Oct. 1 aimed at attracting young foreign STEM graduates and early‑career professionals; the visa does not require employer sponsorship and offers more flexible entry, validity and stay terms and allows holders to engage in education, research, entrepreneurship and business activities. Officials say the K visa is part of a broader push to draw talent to priority industries such as semiconductors, AI, green energy and biopharma and to signal greater openness, alongside expanded visa‑free entry for many nationalities that officials say has helped revive inbound tourism. The United States has recently tightened H‑1B rules — including a newly announced one‑time $100,000 fee — a policy shift Beijing cites as part of the rationale for the K visa. The launch has prompted domestic backlash in China over job competition, fraud risks and oversight, and experts warn of practical hurdles such as language barriers, limited pathways to permanent residency and enforcement challenges. Meanwhile, South Korea has started a temporary Incheon pilot allowing groups of three or more mainland Chinese tourists to stay visa‑free for up to 15 days through June 30, 2026, spurring thousands of cruise arrivals and preparations by retailers and tour operators.