The government is expanding eligibility for its "Top-Tier Visa" from corporate employees to professors and researchers, aiming to secure top foreign talent in key industries such as artificial intelligence and robotics while addressing the country's low birthrate and aging population.
The Ministry of Justice announced these measures as part of its "2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy" on Tuesday.
The Top-Tier Visa, previously limited to workers in eight advanced industries including semiconductors, AI, robotics, secondary batteries, and future mobility, will now extend to professors and researchers in science and technology fields. The ministry plans to increase the number of Top-Tier Visa holders from just 20 as of February this year to 350 by 2030.
The ministry will also introduce the K-CORE visa (E-7-M), designed to develop community college international students into mid-level technical workers and connect them with employment at regional companies.
Additionally, the existing work visa system for foreigners—comprising 10 categories and 39 subcategories under the E-series—will be simplified into three tiers based on skill level: high, mid, and low. A two-year pilot program called the "Regional Vitality Small Business Special Exception" will allow small business owners in population-declining areas to hire foreign workers.
"We will push forward with these initiatives swiftly so that immigration policy can contribute to both the national economy and people's livelihoods, creating changes that citizens can feel," said Justice Minister Sung-ho Jung.