The South Korean government is overhauling its visa policy for international students, shifting its focus from merely attracting them to fostering their growth and settlement in the country, in preparation for an anticipated influx of 400,000 foreign students.
On October 7, the Ministry of Justice announced the results of the 'Visa System Improvement Council for International Students,' which has been active for about five months since its launch in April. The council conducted four working meetings and seminars to gather opinions and establish a concrete response strategy.
According to the Ministry, the number of foreign students entering South Korea has increased significantly, from 100,000 in 2016 to 200,000 in 2022, and 300,000 in 2025, surpassing 350,000 as of August this year. With this rapid growth, the Ministry has designated international students as a top strategic group for immigration policy, creating a phased growth pathway from entry to study, employment, and settlement.
At the entry stage, the government will enhance universities' autonomy and selective recruitment capabilities. Students with excellent Korean language skills will be exempt from proving their financial capacity, while a 'study expense guarantee deposit system' will be expanded for students from countries with high risks of illegal stay to prevent visa abuse. Additionally, a new 'gap-year' visa track for students from OECD countries and a short-term student visa for global network campuses will diversify the pathways for incoming students.
For students currently enrolled, the government plans to strengthen stay management while fostering talent. The complicated part-time work permit process will be simplified based on Korean language proficiency and academic performance, while the Korean language requirements for the three-stage social integration program will be significantly strengthened. Furthermore, to discourage part-time work over academics, visa benefits for weekend, evening, and online courses that were previously operated informally will be discontinued, ensuring strict quality management of education.
After graduation, pathways will be opened for outstanding talents to settle in South Korea. Depending on their capabilities, the duration of the job-seeking (D-10) visa will be granted for up to three years. The Ministry will actively promote the transition to E-7 (skilled workers) and F-2 (residency) visas for STEM students and those with professional master's degrees. The government also plans to redesign regional and specialized visas linked to local industries and establish a 'Korean Study Alumni Visit Visa' to maintain networks with returning graduates.
Administrative infrastructure will also be innovated. Five regional 'International Student Visa and Stay Support Centers' will be established to provide consistent visa reviews, and the Immigration Control Act will be amended to legally formalize systems related to international students.
Acting Minister of Justice Lee Jin-soo stated, "We will provide more growth opportunities for capable international students and respond strictly to cases of visa system abuse."
The Ministry plans to implement tasks that can be executed independently starting this second half of the year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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