China's K visa lures foreign tech talent as US hikes H-IB fee

BEIJING China's new visa programme aimed at attracting foreign tech talent kicks off this week, a move seen boosting Beijing's fortunes in its geopolitical rivalry with Washington as a new US visa policy prompts would-be applicants to scramble for alternatives.

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While China has no shortage of skilled local engineers, the programme is part of an effort by Beijing to portray itself as welcoming of foreign investment and talent, while rising trade tensions due to US tariffs cloud the country's economic outlook.

China has taken a series of measures to boost foreign investment and travel, opening more sectors to overseas investors and offering visa waivers for citizens from Japan, South Korea and most European countries, among others.

"The symbolism is powerful: While the US raises barriers, China is lowering them," said Iowa-based immigration lawyer Matt Mauntel-Medici, referring to China's new visa category, called the K visa, which launches on Oct 1.

The K visa, announced in August, targets young foreign science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) graduates and promises to allow entry, residence and employment without a job offer, which could appeal to foreign workers looking for alternatives to US job opportunities.

Earlier in September, the Trump administration said it would ask companies to pay US$100,000 (S$130,000) per year for H-1B worker visas, widely used by the tech sector to hire skilled foreign workers.