Korea enhances post-study opportunities and unveils new mobility visas
The government of South Korea has launched new immigration initiatives, including longer post-study work periods for international students, expanded opportunities for permanent residency, a new youth mobility visa, and a new visa stream for graduates from the world’s top-ranking universities.

Korea’s Ministry of Justice last week announced the policies, which it said were aimed at attracting top talent, reflecting the needs of local governments and industries, and strengthening the integration of immigrants into society.
The Ministry of Justice hopes to attract at least 100,000 skilled workers within the next five years through the scheme.
The government plans to introduce new ‘top-tier’ visas for international students who have studied at globally renowned universities in high-tech fields such as AI, quantum technology and aerospace from the first quarter of next year.

The Ministry of Justice said it would collaborate with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to establish the details and benefits of the new visa stream.
International students will also get a longer period to look for jobs after graduation, a wider scope of occupations to choose from and more opportunities for permanent residency.

Under current rules, international graduates from five elite science and engineering universities have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, but the government plans to expand and expedite residency visas for “outstanding foreign science and technology talents” from more universities.
The maximum period for job search (D-10) visas after graduation will be expanded to a maximum of three years, up from the current limit of two years, and the maximum post-study internship periods at a single company will increase from six months to one year.

Additionally, spouses of international students in postgraduate programmes will have work opportunities expanded to non-professional occupations under the new rules.
The country also plans to introduce a new Youth Dream in Korea visa, which is aimed at young people from countries that participated in the Korean War under the UN (including the USA, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Colombia) as well as major economic partner nations in high-tech industries. The visa will allow participants to study Korean language programmes, take internships and work in the country.

The government aims to roll out the scheme by the second quarter of next year. It cited the success of Korea’s youth mobility agreement with the UK, which expanded last year, as an example.
Minister of Justice Park Sung Jae said, “We will attract immigrants necessary for our society and create a structure in which they become self-independent members of the community and contribute to Korean society.”
Last year, the Korean government announced plans to host 300,000 international students by 2027. Measures already introduced include enhanced part-time work rights and reduced financial requirements.

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Your Japanese visa opens doors to a world of diverse cultures and landscapes. Here are the countries where your Japanese visa can grant access:

1. Georgia
A valid Japan visa grants entry into Georgia, a country known for its stunning landscapes, medieval churches, and vibrant capital, Tbilisi. Travelers can explore the scenic Caucasus Mountains, enjoy Georgian cuisine, and experience the country’s rich history.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Requirements: Valid Japan visa and passport

2. Mexico
With a multiple-entry Japan visa, Indian travellers can visit Mexico, famous for its Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities like Mexico City and Cancun. Enjoy authentic Mexican food, visit ancient pyramids, and explore the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Stay Duration: Up to 180 days
Requirements: Valid Japan visa and passport (at least six months validity)

3. Montenegro
Montenegro, with its breathtaking Adriatic coastline, picturesque old towns, and stunning mountains, is a hidden gem in Europe. Indian travellers can visit iconic sites like Kotor Bay, Budva, and Durmitor National Park without an additional visa.
Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
Requirements: Valid Japan visa and passport

4. Philippines
The Philippines offers stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant island life. Travellers can visit world-famous destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu while experiencing warm Filipino hospitality and delicious local cuisine.
Stay Duration: 14 days (extendable by 7 days)
Requirements: Valid Japan visa, passport (six-month validity), and return/onward ticket

5. Singapore
Singapore, a modern metropolis known for its skyline, shopping, and food scene, allows Japan visa holders to enter under its Visa-Free Transit Facility. Explore Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island within a short transit stay.
Stay Duration: 96 hours (transit)
Requirements: Valid Japan visa (minimum one-month validity), confirmed onward flight

6. Taiwan
Indian travellers can use their Japan visa to obtain a multiple-entry ROC Travel Authorization Certificate, enabling easy visits to Taiwan. Taiwan blends a rich history, vibrant night markets, and stunning landscapes.
Stay Duration: 14 days (multiple entries within 90 days)
Requirements: Valid Japan visa, ROC Travel Authorization Certificate, proof of Japan entry, an onward ticket

7. UAE
Indian passport holders with a valid Japan visa can obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE and enjoy Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and more. The UAR offers luxury shopping, desert safaris, and world-famous attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.

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There is a backlog in the processing of applications on the basis of family ties. Currently, more than 15,000 applications are awaiting a decision. We apologise for any inconvenience. We are making every effort to ease the backlog. We have allocated more employees to the application criteria where there is a backlog.

If you have not yet received a decision on your application, you do not need to be concerned. We will contact you if we need more information for your application.

When processing applications, we always take into account the best interests of the child and the protection of family life. The average processing time for the applications of minor children is shorter than for adults.

Most applications are processed in less than three months

However, the backlog does not concern most applications on the basis of family ties. 65% of the applications on the basis of family ties submitted in 2024 have been resolved in less than three months. We also strive to process matters concerning minors as a matter of urgency.

More than 46,000 decisions were made in 2024, which is more than 6,000 more than in 2023.
In 2024, some 91% of the first permits and 97% of the extended permits received positive decisions.

Applications exceeding the statutory processing time

According to the law, the applications of students’ family members must be processed within a maximum of 90 days from the date the applicant has submitted a fully completed application. Other applications on the basis of family ties must be processed within a maximum of 9 months. At the moment, around 2,000 applications on the basis of family ties have been pending for more than 9 months and around 1,200 applications of students’ family members have been pending for more than 90 days. In the processing, we will prioritise applications whose statutory processing time has expired.

Reasons for the backlog

The number of submitted applications is very high. Nearly 50,000 applications on the basis of family ties were submitted in 2024, which is almost 10,000 more than in 2023.
In addition, the processing will be prolonged if the customer does not have a valid passport issued by their country of nationality.
The absence of a passport is currently the main reason for the delay in processing
You must have a valid passport issued by the country of nationality in order to be granted a residence permit. Renew your passport if it is about to expire. The expiry of your passport is not a valid reason for faster processing of a residence permit application.

If you do not have a valid passport issued by the country of nationality, you usually need to obtain one. We can only deviate from the passport requirement in rare situations and for a justified reason. The lack of a passport significantly slows down the processing of the application.

There is also a backlog in applications for which we have to request further clarification in particular. Check that you have filled in all the necessary information to the application form and submitted all the requested attachments, such as a report on sufficient financial resources if a condition for issuing the permit is having sufficient resources. Also remember to legalise the documents, before submitting your application. Not legalising all the required documents in the application slows down the processing of the application.

The processing of the application is often also delayed in situations where a family member already residing in Finland does not have a valid residence permit. In this case, the application cannot be resolved until the family member has been granted a residence permit.

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