(Yicai) Aug. 15 -- China introduced a new K visa category designated for foreign young talents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to facilitate their entry into the country and promote international cooperation and exchange among such professionals.

The K visa will provide greater convenience for holders regarding the number of entries, validity period, and duration of stay compared with the existing 12 types of regular visas, according to new provisions the State Council of China unveiled yesterday, which will take effect on Oct. 1. Holders can engage in activities related to education, science and technology, culture, as well as entrepreneurship and business exchanges.

The new visa will be issued to young foreign scientific and tech professionals who have graduated from well-known domestic or foreign universities or research institutions in STEM fields and obtained a bachelor's degree or above, or those engaged in relevant professional education or research work at such institutions. Specific conditions and requirements will be published on the websites of Chinese embassies and consulates.

In addition, the K visa has specific requirements regarding applicants' age, educational background, or work experience, but does not require a job offer or invitation from a company in China, officials from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, and the National Immigration Administration announced on the same day. The application process will be more streamlined, they added.

China has various visa categories, including D visas issued to individuals entering the country for permanent residence, and F visas issued to those entering for exchanges, visits, inspections, and other related activities.

Editor: Martin Kadiev