“This Fast Track is a significant step forward in attracting and retaining talented individuals in Korea's science and technology fileds."
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.
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).
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.
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 let us know.