China Silent on US H-1B Visa Hike, Offers K-Visa Inviting Global Talent

China adopted a measured stance on Monday regarding the United States' recent imposition of a steep $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, opting not to issue a direct critique while underscoring its openness to international professionals. The Foreign Ministry's response highlights Beijing's strategy to position itself as a magnet for skilled workers amid escalating US restrictions on high-skilled immigration. This comes as the two superpowers navigate delicate trade dynamics, including a nascent agreement on the TikTok divestiture.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the policy during a regular media briefing, stating succinctly, "We have no comment on the US’s visa policy." Guo's remarks followed President Donald Trump's announcement on September 19, which introduced the annual fee aimed at curbing what the administration views as exploitation of the programme by employers, potentially displacing American workers.

The H-1B visa, crucial for tech and STEM fields, sees Indians comprising about 71% of recipients—over 280,000 annually—followed by Chinese nationals at roughly 11.7%, or more than 46,600. The fee applies to new applicants outside the US starting February 2026 and spares current holders, but it has sparked concerns in the tech sector, where firms like Amazon and Microsoft rely heavily on such talent.

In a pivot to proactive outreach, Guo emphasised the value of global talent mobility. "In a globalised world, cross-border flow of talents is instrumental in global technological and economic advancement," he said. "China welcomes talents from various sectors and fields across the world to come and find their footing in China for the progress of humanity and career success." This invitation aligns with China's launch of the K-Visa on October 1, a new category under amendments to its entry-exit regulations approved by Premier Li Qiang in August.

Targeted at young STEM professionals—such as recent graduates with bachelor's degrees or higher from recognised institutions—the visa waives requirements for domestic employer sponsorship, offering streamlined applications, multiple entries, extended validity, and permissions for academic exchanges, entrepreneurship, and business activities. Officials described it as a tool to bolster China's innovation ecosystem, with no strict age or experience caps, though detailed eligibility rules are forthcoming.

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The timing of China's overture is notable against the backdrop of US-China frictions. Last week, negotiators wrapped up their fourth round of trade talks in Madrid, Spain, focusing on tariffs and export controls but yielding a breakthrough on TikTok: a framework for US ownership of its American operations, averting a September 17 ban deadline. Trump and President Xi Jinping discussed the accord in a phone call last Friday, signalling potential progress toward a broader trade deal. Student and work visas have featured in these dialogues, underscoring talent flows as a leverage point.

As Beijing expands its 12 ordinary visa types with the K category, it complements other incentives, such as visa-free entry for tourists from over 40 countries, to spur short-term visits and economic ties. "China's development requires the participation of talent from around the world, and China's development also provides opportunities for them," a government official told Xinhua.

Analysts view China's approach as a soft-power play, capitalising on US policy shifts to draw professionals—particularly from South Asia—who may rethink American opportunities amid H-1B uncertainties. With foreign entries to China up 30.2% in the first half of 2025 to 38.05 million, the K-Visa could accelerate this trend, fostering long-term collaborations in sensitive tech sectors while Beijing balances openness with national security. As implementation details emerge, the policy may redefine global talent competition, offering an alternative pathway for innovation-driven careers.

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