South Korea has launched the K-STAR visa, a new immigration pathway aimed at attracting global talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The program offers a streamlined route to permanent residency and eventual citizenship for foreign professionals contributing to the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Initially piloted in 2023, the initiative is set for nationwide expansion in 2026. It targets highly skilled individuals in AI, biotechnology, and advanced engineering, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and simplifying the transition from temporary work or student visas to long-term settlement.
The program allows foreign researchers, technologists, and scholars affiliated with Korean universities or research institutions, as well as international graduates trained in South Korea at the master’s or doctoral level, to apply. Selected university presidents can directly recommend top students, enabling them to switch to F-2 residency status immediately upon graduation without prior employment. Participants undergo structured evaluations and periodic performance reviews, while institutional participation is assessed every three years.
Since the pilot phase, nearly 300 foreign nationals have received F-2 residency under the K-STAR framework. The Ministry of Justice plans outreach workshops, support channels, and feedback mechanisms to ensure the program strengthens Korea’s global competitiveness in innovation and research.