🇳🇵 🇻🇳 ｢국내성장기반외국인청소년｣에 대한 교육권 보장연장 및 취업‧정주 방안

​The Ministry of Justice has announced a policy change allowing foreign youths who have grown up in Korea to pursue employment and residency after high school graduation, even if they do not attend university. Additionally, the “Residence Permit Grant Plan to Ensure Educational Rights for Long-term Resident Children in Korea” will be extended for three more years.​

Policy Announcement:

On September 26, 2024, as a follow-up to the new immigration policy, the Ministry of Justice introduced measures enabling foreign youths with a foundation in Korea to seek employment and residency after high school graduation without the necessity of university enrollment. ​

Previous Limitations:

Previously, foreign youths who became adults needed a bachelor’s degree or at least five years of work experience to obtain employment visas such as the E-7 visa. This requirement made it practically challenging for those who grew up in Korea to secure employment and residency without pursuing higher education domestically.​

Policy Improvements:

Starting April 1, 2025, the Ministry of Justice will implement the following improvements:​

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be between 18 and 24 years old at the time of application.​

  • They must have resided in Korea for at least seven years before turning 18.​

  • They should have graduated from elementary, middle, and high schools in Korea.​

• Visa Options:

  • Eligible individuals can apply for the Job Seeking and Training (D-10) visa or the Employment (E-7-Y) visa.​대한민국 정책브리핑

• Alternative Qualification:

  • Those who did not complete any of the elementary, middle, or high school courses can receive the same benefits by completing level 5 of the Social Integration Program.​

• Support for Regional Settlement:

  • Individuals who reside in designated population-declining areas under the D-10 or E-7-Y visa for more than four years will be eligible for the Regional Specialized Outstanding Talent (F-2-R) visa, facilitating long-term residency in those regions.​대한민국 정책브리핑

Extension of Educational Rights Plan:

The Ministry of Justice will extend the “Residence Permit Grant Plan to Ensure Educational Rights for Long-term Resident Children in Korea,” which was set to end on March 31, 2025, for an additional three years until March 31, 2028. This plan aims to provide legal residency status to foreign children who have been residing in Korea without proper permits, ensuring their educational rights and supporting their integration into Korean society. ​대한민국 정책브리핑

Key Improvements:

• Family Stability:

  • When granting residency status to eligible children, their underage siblings will also receive the G-1 visa, ensuring stable family life.​

• Parental Responsibility:

  • Conditions such as participation in social integration education will be imposed on parents to enhance their responsibility for the education and upbringing of their children.​

• Prevention of System Abuse:

  • Parents who have not been actively involved in the care and upbringing of their children in Korea will be excluded from the application process to prevent misuse of the system.​

These measures reflect the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to supporting foreign youths who have grown up in Korea, ensuring they can integrate into society and pursue their aspirations without unnecessary barriers.