Korea's Regional Visa Pilot Program (광역형 비자 시범사업) Explained
In August 2025, Korea Immigration Service (KIS) launched a new pilot program called the 광역형 비자 시범사업 (Broad Regional Visa Pilot). Unlike standard visa categories, this pilot ties specific visa application advantages to designated regional universities and their academic departments — a policy designed to attract more international talent to Korean universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area and encourage those students to build careers in Korea's regions. The program was updated in February 2026 to reflect changes to the list of participating universities and eligible departments.
What is the 광역형 비자 pilot?
The '광역형' (광역 = broad/metropolitan area, 형 = type) visa pilot is a KIS initiative that creates streamlined visa pathways for international students and graduates connected to participating regional universities. Rather than a brand-new standalone visa category, it is an administrative pilot that modifies how existing visa types (primarily D-2 student and related work visas) are processed for eligible university/department combinations. The core idea: Korea faces a structural challenge where foreign students and talent concentrate overwhelmingly in Seoul, while provincial cities and regional universities struggle to attract and retain international students. The regional visa pilot creates an incentive structure — improved or expedited visa services — for those willing to study and work in Korea's regions.
Which universities and departments are eligible?
Participating universities and departments are designated by KIS in coordination with regional local governments (광역자치단체) and the Ministry of Education. The list is periodically updated — February 2026 saw a revision to the list. Key points about eligibility: - Universities are designated by region (not by overall national ranking) - Specific departments or faculties within those universities are approved, not the entire university - The program targets fields where Korea has regional labor shortages: engineering, manufacturing-related sciences, agricultural sciences, healthcare, and information technology programs at regional universities are commonly included - Students and graduates of listed university/department combinations receive the visa pilot benefits; students in non-listed departments at the same university do not qualify To check if your university and department are currently on the list, visit the HiKorea portal (hikorea.go.kr) or contact the Korean Embassy in your country.
What are the visa benefits under the pilot?
The specific benefits vary based on the student's stage, but based on the pilot's stated goals the program provides: **For current students (D-2):** - Streamlined D-2 visa processing through designated regional immigration offices (광역출입국·외국인청) - Faster CVI (사증발급인정서) processing for initial visa issuance - Simplified document requirements for students enrolled in participating departments **For graduates:** - Enhanced or expedited D-10 (job seeker) status change processing for graduates of participating programs - Priority consideration when applying for E-7 work visas, with employer matching support through regional employment centers - In some cases, reduced minimum score thresholds or extended D-10 stay for graduates who commit to working in the same region Note: The pilot is still in development and specific benefit parameters have been evolving since launch. Always confirm current benefits through KIS or the participating university's international student office.
How does this differ from the standard D-2 visa process?
Standard D-2 applications are processed through KIS central or the Korean consulate in the student's home country without any regional differentiation. The 광역형 pilot creates a separate processing track specifically for regional universities: - Applications are processed through the regional immigration hub (광역출입국·외국인청) covering the university's metropolitan area (e.g., Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan) - The regional immigration hub maintains closer coordination with the university's international student office - Employment transition (D-10 → E-7) is coordinated with the regional employment centre (광역고용센터) to match graduates with local employers Students at participating regional universities should ask their international student office whether their specific degree program is registered under the pilot before submitting applications.
How to apply if your program is eligible
1. **Confirm eligibility:** Ask your university's international affairs office (국제처) whether your department is registered under the 광역형 비자 pilot and what benefits currently apply. 2. **Initial D-2 visa:** Apply for your D-2 student visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country using the standard D-2 process. Indicate that your program participates in the regional visa pilot if instructed by your university. 3. **After arrival:** Your university's international office will guide you through registration with the regional immigration hub. Keep your university enrollment and attendance in good standing — the pilot benefits are tied to active enrollment. 4. **Job seeker transition (D-10):** Upon graduation, apply for D-10 through the regional immigration hub. Your university's career services office may have a direct channel for pilot participants. 5. **Work visa (E-7):** When you have a job offer from a regional employer, the E-7 CVI process may be expedited through the regional hub and the local employment center.
Tips from immigration specialists
- The 광역형 비자 pilot is most beneficial if you are open to studying AND working outside Seoul — if you are committed to Seoul-based employment, the standard D-2/D-10/E-7 route may suit you better.
- Regional universities in Korea often have excellent programs in engineering, biomedical sciences, and manufacturing technology — consider institutions in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon.
- The February 2026 update to eligible universities and departments may have added or removed programs — verify before submitting any application.
- Working in Korea's regions after graduation can accelerate F-2-7 K-Points qualification since regional employers may offer higher relative compensation for international talent, boosting your income-based points.
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Find a SpecialistFrequently asked questions
Is the 광역형 비자 a separate visa category?
No. It is a pilot program that modifies processing procedures for existing visa types (primarily D-2, D-10, and E-7) for eligible university/department combinations. There is no separate '광역형 비자' stamp in your passport — the visa type itself remains the same.
Which regions are covered by the pilot?
The pilot focuses on Korea's 5 major metropolitan cities outside Seoul (Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan) and their surrounding regions (광역자치단체). Specific participating universities within each region are listed by KIS and are subject to change.
Does the pilot benefit non-university applicants?
The program is designed around university enrollment and graduation — it is primarily for students on D-2 and graduates transitioning to D-10 and work visas. It does not directly benefit applicants who are not associated with a participating university program.
Where can I find the current list of eligible universities and departments?
Check the Korea Immigration Service website (immigration.go.kr) or the HiKorea portal (hikorea.go.kr). The Korean consulate in your home country and your target university's international student office can also confirm current eligibility.