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H-1B vs K Visa: Two visions for foreign talent – is China’s K Visa the new alternative to America’s costly H-1B?

By Shreya Biswas

Copyright indiatimes

H-1B vs K Visa: Two visions for foreign talent - is China’s K Visa the new alternative to America’s costly H-1B?

APH-1B vs K Visa

H-1B vs K Visa: As governments across the world tighten their immigration policies or recalibrate them for economic advantage, global skilled workers are increasingly being forced to choose between shifting priorities, and now, the US and China, two of the world’s largest economies, are both reshaping how they attract foreign talent. But they’re moving in very different directions.US Increases H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000In the US, the H-1B visa, which was long seen as a gateway for skilled professionals, especially in tech, is facing a major upheaval, as per a report. What Is the H-1B Visa and Who Uses It?H-1B visas allow highly skilled foreign professionals to work in speciality occupations in the US that generally require at least a bachelor’s degree to fulfil the role for jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, which is known as STEM, as per a CNBC report.Now, US president Donald Trump has increased fees for H-1B visas to $100,000, while previously visa fees ranged from $2,000 to $5,000 per application, depending on the size of the company, as per the CNBC report.ALSO READ: Is Turkiye next? Fears rise as Israel’s Middle East strikes put Ankara on edgeLive EventsEmployers should have documentation of the payment prior to filing an H-1B petition on behalf of a worker, and applicants will have their petitions restricted for 12 months until the payment is made, as per the report.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the fee will be applied to new H-1B applicants and not to renewals or current visa holders, as per the CNBC report.China Launches K Visa for STEM ProfessionalsMeanwhile, China is preparing to launch a new K visa program on October 1 this year, which is aimed at attracting foreign professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as reported by Xinhua. The visa is notably more flexible than the H-1B, it doesn’t require a sponsoring employer or inviting entity, as per the Xinhua report. K visa holders can engage in exchanges in fields such as education, culture, and science and technology, and relevant entrepreneurial and business activities, as per the Xinhua report.However, applicants for this visa must meet the qualifications and requirements set by the relevant Chinese authorities and submit supporting documentation, as per the report.ALSO READ: Wall Street strategists say the S&P 500 has changed forever, and stocks may keep climbingK Visa Designed to Attract Young Global Talent to ChinaXinhua reported, citing a press conference, “China’s development requires the participation of talent from around the world, and China’s development also provides opportunities for them.”China’s decision is aimed at further implementing China’s workforce development strategy in the new era, facilitating the entry of foreign young sci-tech talent into China, and promoting international cooperation and exchanges among young sci-tech professionals, Xinhua reported, citing officials at the press conference.FAQsWho will be affected by the H-1B fee hike?Only new applicants, current H-1B holders and those renewing their visas won’t be affected.Is a job offer needed to apply for China’s K visa?No, unlike the H-1B, the K visa doesn’t require employer sponsorship or an invitation.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onChina K visa STEM professionalswork visa comparison China USHow to apply for China K visaChina foreign professionals visaSTEM job opportunitiesSTEM visas China vs USA(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless