Uncanny Valley | WIRED How China Is Hoping to Attract Tech Talent
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Oct 9, 2025 Zeyi Yang, a senior writer for WIRED focused on Chinese tech, joins to discuss the fallout from the new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The conversation highlights how this chaos drives tech talent to seek opportunities in China, especially with the introduction of a new talent visa. Zeyi shares insights on the challenges foreign workers face, China's flexible visa options, and the cultural hurdles newcomers may encounter. They also explore the implications for the U.S.-China tech competition and how these changes may reshape the future of innovation.
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Panic Flight After Fee Announcement
- Shayoun saw the $100,000 H-1B fee announcement while landing and panicked within hours.
- She immediately changed plans and flew back to the U.S. through Shanghai to avoid potential costs.
H-1B Is The Tech Industry's Workhorse
- The H-1B is the primary legal route for bachelor and advanced degree holders to work in the U.S. full time.
- Tech firms have relied on it heavily to import thousands of skilled workers annually.
Lottery And Sponsorship Shape Access
- Employers must sponsor H-1B applicants and the program is capped, so selection usually goes to a lottery.
- Master's degree holders get a second chance, which slightly skews outcomes toward higher-educated applicants.