Fast Track for Scientific and Technological Talents

This Fast Track is a significant step forward in attracting and retaining talented individuals in Korea's scinence and technology fields.

 



According to its press release issued on January 1, 2023, the Ministry of Justice is set to launch the "Fast Track for Permanent Residence and Naturalization of Outstanding Scientific and Technological Talents" in 2023.

This Fast Track aims to help international students with majors in science and technology to settle in Korea after completing their studies by enabling them to obtain permanent residence and Korean nationality in a more coordinated way.

(1) Residence

Under this Fast Track, any international student who earns master's or doctoral degree in the science and technology fields from one of the five selected universities (KAIST, DGIST, GIST, UNIST, and UST) will be granted "residence status" upon recommendation of the president of such university (F-2-7S).

(2) Permanent Residence / Korean Nationality

They may also obtain (i) permanent residence status if their research experience and performance meet certain standards (F-5-16S) or (ii) Korean nationality if their research outcome is deemed significant by the Nationality Review Committee.

(3) Expedited Process

With the full-scale implementation of this Fast Track, those eligible master's and doctoral degree holders can obtain permanent residence or nationality just in three years through a three-step process (Master's/PhD → Residence Status → Permanent Residence or Special Naturalization).

If you have any question or require assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at openvisakorea.com.



Age Eligibility Expanded for Automated Border Control System

 



On January 1st, 2023, an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act came into effect in Korea, whereby the Alien Registration Card holders between the ages of 7 and 16 are now able to register for the Smart Entry Service (SeS). Previously, only those aged 17 or older were elegible to register for the SeS.

The SeS is an automated border control system aimed at facilitating the entry and exit of the Korean nationals as well as foreign residents in Korea. This amendment has been implemented to improve the convenience of the long-term foreign residents in Korea who travel with minor children.

Those eligible foreign residents in Korea can visit one of the 19 designated registration centers to register in advance before using the SeS. It should be noted that children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian during the registration process.