A new qualitative evaluation track under the K-Tech Pass program scores applicants out of 100. It keeps 65 points for the old numerical benchmarks and adds 35 for qualitative factors such as an applicant's technical expertise and how much the hiring company needs the role, the ministries announced on July 2, The Korea Herald reported.
Domain experts assess that portion, weighing practical skill, project experience and likely industrial impact rather than paper credentials, according to the Seoul Economic Daily. Recruits joining small or mid-sized firms receive an extra 10 points.
Until now, a foreigner hired into an advanced industry had to hold a master's or doctoral degree from a top-100 engineering school, show work experience at a top-500 global company or research institution, or earn a salary at least triple South Korea's per capita gross national income.
The government is also waiving its requirement that applicants hold at least Level 1 on the Test of Proficiency in Korean, the lowest band of the national language exam, to receive the top-tier visa.
The old criteria had repeatedly cost companies the hands-on specialists they wanted most, especially in artificial intelligence and semiconductors, where practical ability rarely lines up with elite degrees or brand-name resumes, The Korea Times reported.
