South Korea: K-Star Visa for Science and Tech Talent Implemented

The situation

The South Korean Ministry of Justice announced the establishment of the K-Star Visa, a new visa aimed at attracting outstanding foreign talent in science and technology.

A closer look

Under the new scheme, select university presidents (of a list of universities to be determined in the future) will have the authority to recommend exceptional foreign students for long-term residence. Those recommended will be eligible to convert to an F-2 residence visa immediately upon graduation.

Background

Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated that the K-STAR Visa Track is designed to help outstanding international researchers become long-term contributors to South Korea’s scientific and technological advancement, eventually integrating as permanent residents or citizens.

Impact

K-Star expands eligibility for the F-2 resident visa (which has an expedited, three-year – instead of the typical six-year – path to permanent residency) to international graduates of 20 universities.

Exceptional researchers will also be able to qualify for naturalization without a required period of stay.

Looking ahead

To implement the program, the Ministry of Justice must still evaluate qualifying institutions. The final list of participating universities will be announced in December.

This is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].