On September 23, 2025, the South Korean Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has announced a major expansion of its K-STAR Visa Track, a fast-track immigration pathway designed to retain top international talent educated in Korea. Originally limited to graduates of elite science and technology institutions, the program will now include approximately 20 general universities, significantly broadening its reach.
What Is the K-STAR Visa Track?
The K-STAR Visa Track is an enhanced version of the Science and Technology Excellence Talent Permanent Residence and Naturalization Fast Track, first launched in January 2023. It allows qualified foreign graduates to:
- Obtain an F-2 residence visa with presidential recommendation
- Qualify for an F-5 permanent residence visa based on research achievements
- Pursue special naturalization through the Nationality Deliberation Committee
For general international students, the minimum residency requirement for permanent residence has been reduced from six years to three years.
Expansion to General Universities
As of August 2025, 296 individuals have received F-2 visas under the program. With the inclusion of general universities, the Ministry projects that the number of annual F-2 visa recipients will grow from 100 to 400.
A briefing session was held for 27 universities, and applications for participation will open next month. Selected institutions will be announced by the end of the year.
Impact on International Talent
This expansion reflects South Korea’s commitment to:
- Strengthening its global competitiveness in science and technology
- Retaining highly skilled foreign graduates
- Streamlining the path to long-term residence and naturalization
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.
