2026 Fall Semester College of Engineering: Call for Nominations for the "K-STAR Visa Track"

※ K-STAR Visa Track (Korea-Science & Technology Advanced Human-Resources Visa Track)

☐ Overview of Nomination
  ◦ Eligible candidates: Outstanding international talents in science and technology research fields who wish to change their status of stay to “Potential Superior Talent (F-2-7S)”
  ◦ Number of recommendations: Each department may nominate up to two candidates
     ※ If no suitable candidates are identified, nomination may be omitted.
         (If not submitted by the deadline, it will be regarded as “No nomination”)
  ◦ Process: Department recommendation → Selection of candidates by the College of Engineering K-STAR Visa Track Outstanding Talent Recommendation Committee and recommendation to the Office of Global Affairs → Review by the International Operations Committee → Issuance of the President’s Letter of Recommendation
  ◦ Notification of results: Final candidates recommended by the College of Engineering will be notified individually at the end of November.

☐ Key Benefits
  ◦ Immediate issuance of Residence Visa (F-2-7S) regardless of employment status
  ◦ Reduced qualification period for Permanent Residency (F-5-S1) (from 6 years → 3 years)
  ◦ Eligibility to apply for Special Naturalization for Outstanding Talent

☐ Eligibility for Recommendation
  (1) Mandatory Requirements (both ①and ②must be satisfied)
    ① Applicants must be in science and engineering-related fields
       (Natural sciences / Life sciences / Artificial intelligence / Neuroscience*(within humanities and social sciences), based on the National Science & Technology Standard Classification System)
       * Neuroscience within humanities and social sciences is recognized only when it is related to science and technology.
         [National Science & Technology Standard Classification System]       

    ② Applicants must have experience in government-funded research participation (including BK21 program) or receipt of public research funding

  (2) Eligibility for Application (at least one of the following)
     - Master’s degree candidates or those who obtained a Master’s degree within the past 1 year
     - Current PhD students or PhD candidates (completed coursework), or those who obtained a PhD within the past 1 year
        ※ For students enrolled in an integrated master’s and doctoral program, eligibility will be recognized if they have completed the coursework equivalent to the master’s level and are currently enrolled in the doctoral-level coursework
     - Postdoctoral researchers at Seoul National University
       ※ Applicants who obtained their PhD from other universities are not eligible

☐ Required Documents
   (1) [Form 1] Recommendation Letter from Academic Advisor
   (2) [Form 2] Self-Checklist for Disqualification
   (3) [Form 3] Application Form (signed by both Applicant and Advisor)
   (4) [Form 4] Achievement Record Form + Supporting Documents^{1)
      1)} Applications without supporting documents may not be evaluated for the relevant items
   (5) Certificate of (expected) degree completion²⁾, enrollment certificate³⁾, or employment certificate (for postdocs)^{4)
      2)} PhD candidates (coursework completed): PhD completion certificate
        Integrated Master’s–PhD program students: documents confirming completion of Master’s-level coursework and enrollment in PhD-level coursework
      ³⁾ Applicants who are PhD candidates or integrated program students may be exempt from submitting degree completion (expected) certificates
      ⁴⁾ Postdoctoral researchers: documents verifying official appointment as a postdoc at SNU
   (6) Evidence of research achievements and government-funded research participation
         ex) A certificate of participation bearing the official seal of the Head of the SNU R&DB Foundation (can be printed after accessing SRnD)
   (7) Criminal record certificate from country of origin (if applicable)
   (8) Copy of Alien Registration Card (for visa holders other than D-2)
   ※ Additional documents may be requested if necessary

☐ Recommendation Method
  ◦ Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026
  ◦ Submission Method: Department → Official submission to the College of Engineering Administration Office
  ◦ Required Documents:
    - [Attachment 2] Documents for Recommendation of Outstanding Candidates
    - [Attachment 3] List of Recommended Outstanding Candidates

☐ Evaluation Criteria
  ◦ Research capability and achievements (publications, patents, research outputs, etc.)
  ◦ Potential contribution to domestic industry development and regional economic growth
  ◦ Commitment to remain and contribute in Korea (plans for research/employment in Korea, Korean language ability, etc.)
  ◦ Research attitude and academic ethics

☐ Schedule

☐ Additional Information
  ◦ Incomplete submissions may be excluded from evaluation
  ◦ Additional materials may be requested during the review process 

☐ Inquiries
  ◦ International Office, College of Engineering (international.eng@snu.ac.kr)