The Ministry of Justice announced on the 23rd the launch of the K-STAR Visa Track, an expanded and revised version of the existing fast-track program for overseas talent. This initiative aims to attract more outstanding international students and researchers to Korea.
The original system, in place since January 2023, was designed for foreigners who completed master’s or doctoral degrees at five leading science and technology institutes, including KAIST.
With a recommendation from the university president, eligible candidates could obtain an F-2 residence visa. If their research achievements met specific requirements, they could further qualify for an F-5 permanent residence visa.
Exceptional researchers were also offered the opportunity for special naturalization through the Nationality Deliberation Committee.
Under this system, the minimum residency period required for international students to obtain permanent residence was reduced from six years to three. By August of this year, 296 individuals had already received F-2 visas.
Now, the Ministry of Justice plans to expand the program to around 20 general universities. A project briefing was held with 27 universities, and applications will be accepted next month. The final list of selected institutions will be announced by the end of the year.
With this expansion, the Ministry projects that the number of talented foreigners obtaining F-2 visas annually will rise from about 100 to 400.
Korea’s K Star Visa track represents a major step forward in strengthening Korea’s global competitiveness by welcoming more international experts.