The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Justice has introduced the K-STAR Visa Track—a major strategic immigration initiative designed to aggressively attract and retain top international talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This program is part of South Korea’s national strategy to solidify its position as a global leader in high-tech fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and advanced engineering.
Key Benefits and Eligibility
The K-STAR visa is a game-changer for international professionals, as it significantly shortens the path to long-term residency and citizenship.
- Fast-Track Residency: K-STAR visa holders can apply for F-5 permanent residency after just three years of holding the initial F-2 residency status, cutting the typical required period in half.
- Targeted Professionals: The visa primarily targets foreign researchers, technologists, and scholars affiliated with Korean institutions, as well as international graduates with master’s or doctoral degrees from selected Korean universities.
- No Immediate Job Offer Required: A crucial feature is that top international students, upon recommendation from the president of a participating Korean university, can transition immediately to the F-2 residency status upon graduation, even without securing an employment offer first. This removes a major barrier for new graduates.
The government aims to attract over 400 highly qualified professionals annually under this streamlined system, with full-scale nationwide implementation expected in 2026 following a successful pilot phase that began in early 2023.
How to Apply for the K-STAR Visa
Unlike a standard visa application submitted by an individual, the K-STAR Track is an institutionally-driven program focused on retaining talent already connected to South Korea’s innovation ecosystem.
| Step | Detail |
| 1. Institutional Participation | Select Korean universities and research centers must first apply to and be approved by the Ministry of Justice to participate in the K-STAR Track. |
| 2. Recommendation | The application process largely begins with a recommendation from the university president or the head of a participating research institution, vouching for the outstanding talent of the applicant. |
| 3. Application & Evaluation | The recommended candidate then submits the required documentation (including academic credentials, performance records, and self-assessments) to the immigration authorities for the F-2 residency visa. |
| 4. Final Approval | Upon successful evaluation, the applicant is granted F-2 residency status, which can be renewed every three years based on performance reviews. |
Government Website:As this is a specialized track, the application is not a direct public portal application but an institutional process managed under the Korea Immigration Service. The Ministry of Justice’s official portal for visa services and information is the Korea Visa Portal at www.visa.go.kr or the Hi Korea official immigration website at www.hikorea.go.kr. These sites provide the overall framework and official guidance for all South Korean visa categories, including the specific requirements and documentation for the F-2 residency category once the K-STAR designation is finalized. Interested individuals should also inquire directly with the international office of their respective Korean university.
