SEOUL – On Monday, April 27, 2026, Seoul National University held a special information session on the K-STAR (F-2-7S) Visa Track to support the settlement of international researchers. The event, hosted by the Office of Global Affairs (OGA), took place from 2 PM to 4 PM at the CJ International Center.
Accelerating Settlement for Science & Tech Researchers
The K-STAR (Korea-Science & Technology Advanced Human-Resources) Visa Track is a residency program administered by the Ministry of Justice. It is specifically designed for outstanding foreign master’s and doctoral degree holders in the fields of science and technology.
A key highlight of the session was the unique benefit of the F-2-7S visa. Individuals recommended by the University President may apply for residency immediately upon obtaining their degree, even without employment. Furthermore, the track offers an expedited pathway to permanent residency (F-5 Visa) status after just three years, providing a long-term stability for foreign researchers in Korea.
The first half of the program featured a detailed introduction to the visa system in Korea. During the open Q&A session, attendees asked what the core differences are between the standard F-2-7 and the F-2-7S visa track. Participants also raised questions regarding the administrative procedures for securing a Presidential Recommendation Letter, which is a mandatory requirement for the K-STAR visa track. The session also emphasized the timeline for applications, specifically for those within one year of graduation, as well as how research stipends may be factored into the overall evaluation for various residency tiers.
1:1 Consultations for 2026 Graduates
Following the general session, exclusive 1:1 visa consultation was provided for 10 selected individuals. These personalized sessions prioritized students expecting to graduate in August 2026, offering them a chance to discuss their specific administrative needs.
The 1:1 consultation were particularly well-received by students who had been struggling with the immigration paperwork. One participant emphasized the clarity they gained regarding their own unique circumstances. "The most valuable part was getting concrete answers about which documents I need to prepare for my situation and how I can prepare them," the student shared in an interview.
Following these sessions, Mr. Sung-jin Shin, the visa attorney who conducted the consultations, shared that students were most curious about the requirements of the F-2-7S visa. "The majority of inquiries were about the differences between the F-2-7 and F-2-7S visas, and which one would be the most suitable fit for them after finishing their D-2 studies," Shin noted.
Ongoing Support for the Global SNU Community
The Office of Global Affairs encouraged all science and technology students to stay updated on future sessions and individual counseling opportunities.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and is based on the materials and discussions from the April 2026 information session. Detailed visa regulations and eligibility criteria are subject to the policies of the Ministry of Justice and the Korea Immigration Service. For the most current and official information, please visit the Hi Korea website.
Jeongbean Park – 2026 OGA Supporters