This is welcome news for South Korean companies struggling to attract and retain top science and technology talent. The K-STAR visa track provides a clear and efficient pathway for highly skilled international professionals to live and work long-term in South Korea, making it an important tool for businesses looking to secure the expertise needed to remain competitive in the global market.
The South Korean government has unveiled the K STAR visa track, a new immigration pathway designed to attract high-level foreign professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Justice, aims to bolster South Korea’s global innovation standing by providing streamlined long-term residency options for skilled professionals. The program simplifies the transition from short-term visas to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
What is the K-STAR visa?
The K-STAR visa track targets international experts in cutting-edge fields such as AI, biotechnology, and advanced engineering, offering a clear and structured pathway from temporary stay to permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Designed for foreign researchers, technologists, and scholars, particularly those affiliated with Korean universities and research institutions, as well as South Korean-trained international graduates at the graduate or doctoral level, the program aims to attract over 400 highly skilled professionals annually, significantly expanding the current intake.
Participants benefit from a seamless transition between visa stages, eliminating the need to reapply under unrelated categories as they progress toward long term settlement. Selected university presidents are authorized to recommend top international students who can immediately switch to F2 residency status upon graduation without requiring employment. The program’s evaluation process includes initial selection, self-assessment, and performance review, with final designations renewed or revised every three years based on institutional commitment and operational success.
Since its initial pilot launch in early 2023, the fast-track system has seen nearly 300 foreign nationals granted F2 residency. The expanded K-STAR track will officially begin recruitment efforts with university applications and evaluations throughout 2025, followed by full implementation in 2026. During the pilot phase, the Ministry of Justice will host outreach workshops, establish dedicated support channels, and actively collect feedback from stakeholders across South Korea’s science and technology sectors.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
