South Korea Launches K-STAR Visa Track for STEM Experts
South Korea has launched the K-STAR visa track, a new immigration initiative aimed at attracting top international professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program, announced by the Ministry of Justice, seeks to strengthen South Korea’s position as a global hub for innovation by offering streamlined long-term residency options for highly skilled experts.
The K-STAR visa targets professionals in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced engineering. It is open to foreign researchers, technologists, and scholars affiliated with Korean universities and research institutions, as well as international graduates trained in South Korea at the graduate or doctoral level.
Key features include a clear pathway from temporary residency to permanent residency and eventual citizenship. University presidents are authorized to recommend top international students, allowing them to switch to F-2 residency immediately upon graduation without requiring employment. The program aims to attract over 400 highly skilled professionals annually.
Since its pilot launch in 2023, nearly 300 foreign nationals have already been granted F-2 residency under the fast-track system. The expanded K-STAR track will fully roll out in 2026, with recruitment and university evaluations taking place throughout 2025.
Officials highlighted the strategic importance of the program in addressing South Korea’s challenges, including an aging population and talent retention. By providing favorable immigration conditions, the K-STAR visa is expected to encourage global experts to settle in South Korea, contributing to economic growth and technological advancement.