K Visa - STEM Talent Visa
Embassy required
- Processing time
- To be determined
- Fee
- Fee details to be published (effective October 1, 2025)
- Validity
- Details to be published by embassies (expected to offer extended validity and multiple entries)
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries meeting STEM talent criteria
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Age
Targeted at 'young' science and technology talent - specific age thresholds to be published by embassies
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Employment
STEM graduates with at least a bachelor's degree from recognized universities/research institutions, OR young professionals engaged in education or research at such institutions. No employer sponsorship required.
Required status: STEM graduate or researcher
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
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Degree attestation
Attesting authority: University or research institution in STEM field; Must be apostilled: No
How to apply
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Online application
Complete COVA application selecting K visa category (available from October 1, 2025).
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Document submission
Submit documents at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate. Detailed document list to be published.
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Processing wait
Processing times to be determined.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with K visa.