China has taken a visionary step in drawing young talent with the introduction of the new K Visa. Officially launched on October 1, 2025, the scheme aims to support recent STEM graduates and early-career researchers in education, research, and start-up initiatives. The programme has gained wide recognition in the global academic arena, opening up new possibilities for the young Bangladeshi STEM professionals as well. Let’s break down the China K visa application process for Bangladeshi STEM graduates along with its eligibility criteria and associated costs.
What is the China K Visa
The K Visa marks the creation of a new category designed for young professionals in science and technology. It reflects China’s broader workforce development strategy and serves as a mechanism to encourage international cooperation.
In contrast to the twelve existing visa types, the K Visa is structured to provide greater flexibility, particularly regarding multiple entries, extended validity, and longer stays. However, the government has yet to disclose full details about the benefits. The most appealing side is that applicants are not obligated to secure an invitation from a domestic employer or sponsoring entity.
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Eligible Criteria to Apply for the K Visa
The applicant must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) discipline from an accredited university or research institution, whether in China or abroad. The scope also extends to young foreign professionals currently engaged in educational or research roles within these fields.
The targeted disciplines emphasise sectors such as renewable energy, computer science, mechanical engineering, biotechnology, data science, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. By aligning eligibility with national development priorities, the K Visa positions itself as a channel for strengthening China’s talent pipeline in strategically significant industries.
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Required Documentation for Submission
The application procedure for the K Visa combines digital submissions through China’s online platform with subsequent physical verification of documents. Applicants are required to prepare a set of materials in advance before proceeding through the formal steps. These include:
- A passport must remain valid for no less than six months and contain a minimum of two unused visa pages
- A recent (taken within a maximum of the past six months) passport-sized photograph: (48/33) mm and white background
- A Visa Application Certificate generated from the New COVA System (https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/) following successful online approval
- Degree certificates demonstrating attainment of a bachelor’s degree or higher in a STEM discipline from a recognized institution
- A curriculum vitae outlining research activities, technical expertise, or innovative achievements
Proof of innovation potential, such as patents, academic publications, industry-based contributions, or entrepreneurial initiatives
- Financial documentation showing the ability to cover travel and living expenses, such as six months of bank statements, verified income records, or letters from employers
- Medical examination reports, including chest X-rays, standard health screenings, and blood tests
All documents originally issued in Bengali must be translated into English by the certified authority.
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Online Application Process for Chinese K Visa
The procedure is conducted primarily through the New China Online Visa Application System (New COVA System), which streamlines the submission of digital materials before requiring any physical documentation.
The platform guides applicants through four sequential stages:
- Form completion:
Entry of personal information, academic qualifications, STEM-related credentials, and planned activities in China. A key requirement at this stage is the selection of ‘K Visa’ from the type-of-visa dropdown list.
- Document upload:
Submission of standard documents such as the passport bio-page and recent photograph, with additional uploads requested further by the platform if required.
- Information confirmation:
Verification that all details entered are accurate and consistent with submitted records.
- Payment:
Finalisation of fees before submission for preliminary review.
Following completion of the online application, the materials are submitted for an initial review through the New COVA System. The platform provides status updates at each stage of the process, including a formal confirmation via email when the applicant is cleared to proceed further.
Physical Document Submission and Interview
Once the application status changes to ‘Passport to be submitted’ or ‘Approved’, the Visa Application Certificate, bearing a barcode, must be printed. On the following working day after successful online submission, applicants are required to appear at the embassy during designated hours for an interview. For this stage, the passport and a clearly printed copy of the visa application form must be presented.
Interview sessions are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on working days, with arrival before 10:00 a.m. strongly advised.
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Location of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh:
Plot 2 and 4, Embassy Road, Baridhara
Visa centre Address:
3rd Floor, Praasad Trade centre, 6 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka
Following the interview, visa officers will take fingerprints, and at this time, the visa and service fees can be paid. The centre accepts both cash and bank transfer methods.
The Visa Application Centre remains open for document submission on working days between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Completed visas are available for collection on working days from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Fee Associated with the China K Visa
The cost structure for the K Visa follows the general framework of China’s visa fee schedule, adjusted according to the number of entries and the period of validity.
The fee for a single-entry visa is BDT 2,400, while a double-entry visa is set at BDT 3,600. Multiple-entry visas are divided into two categories: BDT 4,800 for six-month validity and BDT 7,200 for twelve-month validity. In addition to these charges, a mandatory service fee of BDT 4,520, inclusive of tax, is applied to all applications.
In a Nutshell
The China K Visa targets international young graduates and professionals in STEM fields, opening pathways for research and innovation. Unlike traditional categories, it removes the requirement for employer sponsorship and eases access for eligible applicants. The process runs through the New COVA System, followed by an in-person interview along with document submission, payments, and fingerprinting. Altogether, the Chinese K Visa stands out as a compelling career opportunity for Bangladeshi STEM graduates seeking entry into China’s expanding technology sector.
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