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.
검토 기준
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
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2026년 4월 22일
출처 기준
신청 전 주의사항
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
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.
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:
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.
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):
For graduates:
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.
Standard 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:
Students at participating regional universities should ask their international student office whether their specific degree program is registered under the pilot before submitting applications.
In September 2025, the 광역형 비자 pilot was expanded beyond its original student/graduate focus to include a multi-province job seeker benefit for certain holders. Under this expansion:
This update makes the 광역형 pilot significantly more useful as a career development tool, not just an initial enrollment incentive — graduates can now more actively compare regional employers before making their transition.
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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Is the 광역형 비자 a separate visa category?
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?
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.
작성자 James Chae — 엑스퍼트 사피엔스 공동창업자
플랫폼 전문 분야: 출입국 컨설팅 및 비자 서비스 · 검토됨 4월 2026