- South Korea eases visa rules for international students in 16 vocational programmes
- Students no longer need proof of high bank balance for D-2 visas if Topik level 3+
- The programme aims to address regional labour shortages and population decline
South Korea has announced relaxed visa regulations for international students enrolled in selected vocational university programs, aiming to address regional labor shortages and attract skilled foreign talent.
On Thursday, February 5, the Ministry of Justice designated 16 vocational programmes across the country as workforce-focused technical courses. Students in these programs are now eligible for eased D-2 student visa requirements, expanded part-time work hours, and a pathway to a special work visa after graduation.
The Justice Minister, Jung Sung-ho, highlighted the dual goals of the program: “We will actively work with local governments, vocational colleges, and relevant ministries to foster outstanding talent.”
He explained that the initiative seeks to develop skilled professionals with Korean language proficiency while addressing regional labor shortages and population decline.
Under the trial programme, students admitted to the 16 designated programs will no longer need to show proof of a minimum bank balance to secure a D-2 visa, provided they have achieved Topik level 3 or higher in Korean language proficiency. Previously, applicants to universities in the Greater Seoul area were required to demonstrate at least 20 million won ($13,633) in savings, while students at universities outside Seoul needed 16 million won.
The initiative also increases allowable part-time work hours during the semester from 30 to 35 hours per week.
The 16 programmes are spread across multiple provinces, including six in Gyeonggi (such as Gyeonggi University of Science and Technology, Daelim University, and Bucheon University), three in Busan (Kyungnam College of Information & Technology, Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, Busan Institute of Science and Technology), and others in North Jeolla, Daegu, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, Ulsan, and South Jeolla. Program areas include automotive and mechanical engineering, textile design, renewable energy, and smart agri-food resources.
The trial programme will run until the end of 2027, after which the Justice Ministry will evaluate its effectiveness and decide whether to expand or make the visa benefits permanent.
The initiative aligns with South Korea’s broader “Study Korea 300K Project,” launched in 2023 to attract 300,000 foreign students by 2027, simplify permanent residency processes, and strengthen the country’s pool of high-skilled workers amid global competition for top international talent. The government has also increased government scholarship allocations, particularly the Global Korea Scholarships, to support this goal.
Additionally, the Justice Ministry plans to introduce the E-7-M work visa, also called the K-CORE (K-College to Regional Employment) visa, exclusively for graduates of the 16 designated programs. Eligible graduates must secure employment in their field of study with a minimum annual salary of 26 million won ($17,700) and possess Korean language proficiency at KIIP level 4 or Topik level 5.
Holders of the E-7-M visa who work for five years, or three years in regions projected to experience population decline, can apply for the F-2 resident visa, opening the door to long-term residency for skilled international talent.
The trial programme is set to continue until the end of 2027, after which the Justice Ministry will assess its results and determine whether the visa benefits will be expanded or made permanent.
US H-1B visa to permit multiple employment in 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States had announced a new regulation which permits H-1B visa holders to work for multiple employers at the same time, expanding their career opportunities and potential for higher earnings.
The changes are expected to benefit workers in industries such as technology, engineering, and design, providing them with greater mobility and prospects for advancement.