World of HR: China introduces new work visa to lure foreign tech talent

The UK signaled earlier this year that it would change its visa fees and regulations to attract valuable talent, following President Trump’s Sept. announcement that H-1B visa application fees will increase to $100,000. But recent reports indicate that the UK isn’t the only country ready to capitalize on this potential talent opportunity.

Where in the world? Coincidentally, China earlier this month rolled out the K visa to lure college graduates and young STEM professionals to the country, Al Jazeera reported. While details are limited, and it’s unclear how long K visa holders can remain in the country, according to reports, it does not require employer sponsorship, unlike other Chinese visa programs.

Though the visa does remove some barriers to entry, some experts warn that it alone won’t be enough to outweigh the challenges associated with working in China as a foreign professional, including language differences and long working hours, Al Jazeera reported.

“I can’t imagine many foreign graduates interested in the ‘9-9-6’ work-life balance that many Chinese firms are known for,” Michael Feller, chief strategy at Geopolitical Strategy, an Australia-based consulting firm, told Al Jazeera, noting that offering English-language education could help boost inclusion efforts.

Not everyone is excited about the new visa. China’s economy has slowed in 2025, and urban unemployment has risen. The country also has more college graduates than ever before, but a shortage of white-collar jobs. Some Chinese citizens fear the visa could lead employers to prioritize hiring foreign workers over locals, according to CNBC.

“We already have a surplus of domestic talent—and now you’re bringing in foreign college graduates?” one person posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

Satellite view. From Argentina to South Africa, countries are contending with a widening skills gap, and determining how to bring in more top talent to strengthen their own businesses and economy. Canada and the UK have considered changing their existing work visas, according to Business Insider. South Korea launched in April the K-Tech Pass to attract more tech workers with experience and advanced education, the Korea Herald reported.

Meanwhile in the US, the H-1B visa changes have companies, especially tech startups, facing an extra hiring hurdle.

“If you’re going to bring someone on that’s entry-level, that’s $60,000 a year, are you going to pay $100,000?” Chris Pisarski, founder of Crustdata, told Business Insider, noting the fee change will cause a skills gap for entry-level employees. “I don’t think any companies will do that.”