South Korea launches K-STAR visa to attract global STEM talent

The Republic of Korea has announced the creation of the K-STAR Visa Track, a new immigration initiative designed to attract elite foreign talent in science and technology. The Ministry of Justice said the policy aims to strengthen South Korea’s innovation ecosystem and global competitiveness in advanced technologies by easing long-term immigration for top international professionals.

The K-STAR visa targets international experts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and engineering. It provides a clear pathway from temporary stay to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Key features of the visa category include:

• Target group: Over 400 top-tier international STEM professionals annually.
  
• University collaboration: The program will operate in partnership with leading Korean universities.
  
• Streamlined entry: The visa track simplifies entry and long-term residence for high-skilled individuals.
  
• Retention focus: The policy aims to ensure stable settlement and prevent talent outflow by offering favorable immigration conditions.
  
  

The program benefits foreign researchers, technologists, and scholars, especially those affiliated with Korean universities and research institutions. It also extends eligibility to South Korean-trained international graduates holding master’s or doctoral degrees.

Under the initiative, selected university presidents can recommend outstanding foreign students who will be allowed to switch to F2 residency status immediately upon graduation without employment. The visa evaluation process includes an initial selection, self-assessment, and performance review, renewed every three years based on institutional results.

Since its pilot launch in early 2023, nearly 300 foreign nationals have received F2 residency under this system. The expanded K-STAR track will begin university applications and evaluations in 2025, followed by full implementation in 2026.

The Ministry of Justice said it will conduct outreach programs, establish support channels, and collect feedback from science and technology stakeholders during the pilot phase to refine the system.