How does China’s K visa work and can it compete with the H-1B?

In the fields of science and technology, China is introducing a new visa program.

Following a proclamation made last month by the State Council, the cabinet of China, last month, the K visa becomes effective on Wednesday.

In light of Silicon Valley’s heavily relying on the H-1B visa, which is being tightened under the terms of its eligibility, the visa has attracted particular attention.

What purpose does the K visa serve and how does it operate?

In an effort to boost China’s competitiveness in science and technology, the government has placed the visa.

According to Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa’s goal is to “promote exchanges and cooperation” between Chinese and international scientists, engineers, and math (STEM) talent.

The visa is the most recent reform that has been implemented to improve the appeal of China to foreigners, including improved visa processing and the introduction of a new permanent residency card.

Zhigang Tao, a professor of strategy and economics at Beijing’s Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, told Al Jazeera: “From the 1980s to the 2010s, China used to lose talent to developed nations like the United States.

“Today, the challenge is to retain both local talent and some international talent.”

According to Chinese officials, the K visa will offer more flexibility than the current options and will be available to graduates of reputable universities and young professionals working in STEM-related fields.

The visa’s main benefit is that it does not need an employer’s sponsorship, unlike previous skilled migrant programs.

However, many important aspects of the visa remain ambiguous, including the length of stay and unspecified requirements for ages, educational backgrounds, and work experience.

Is it likely that foreigners will apply for the K visa?

There has been a strong interest in the visa, according to Edward Hu, director of immigration at Shanghai-based consultancy Newland Chase, with inquiries rising by more than 30% since August.

According to Hu, prospective applicants in India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US have shown a particularly strong interest.

According to Hu, who refers to the K visa as a “strategic move” to position China as a top destination for early-career STEM talent, “the K visa fills a gap in China’s talent system by lowering entry barriers to younger STEM talents.

The 2013 introduction of the R visa, which is intended for “high-level and professional” foreigners, is “urgently needed” by the state and requires sponsorship from an “inviting organization.”

China’s effort to increase its talent pool with the K visa has some challenges, though.

China has made efforts to be more welcoming to foreigners, but it is still far less internationalized than the US.

Contrary to the US, China rarely grants foreigners citizenship.

Compared to the roughly one million non-US citizens who are granted green cards annually, permanent residency in China is more affordable.

In contrast to Silicon Valley employment, English-speaking applicants face a language barrier in Chinese workplaces.

In order to compete with US businesses, according to Michael Feller, chief executive of Sydney-based business consultancy Geopolitical Strategy, Chinese companies would need to offer English-language positions and “international-style” work schedules.

According to Feller, who referenced the famously endorsed 72-hour workweek of Alibaba founder Jack Ma, “I can’t imagine many foreign graduates interested in the ‘ 9-9-6 ‘ work-life balance that many Chinese firms are known for.”

What connection does the H-1B have to the K visa?

Trump’s immigration crackdown has been greatly aided by China’s desire to attract talented people, but there is no direct correlation between his efforts to restrict access to the H-1B and the introduction of the K visa.

Beijing’s official visa was unveiled on August 7 just before Trump’s announcement to start charging H-1B applicants a $100, 000 fee, which shocked the tech industry, particularly in India, where about 70% of visa recipients are located.

However, many observers have suggested that China, one of the nations hoping to attract talent, may be the reason for the US’s upward trend.

Feller claimed that the K visa is “unbelievable timing from the perspective of China.”

Beijing’s knowledge that Washington was going to raise the costs for its own H-1B visa category is unlikely, but it undoubtedly gives the K visa more vigor in the global search for talent.

Hu of Newland Chase predicted that the H-1B policy change would “significantly boost” the K visa’s appeal, “posing it as a timely alternative for affected talent.”

Source: Aljazeera