Participation of Korean AI and Semiconductor Companies
From Recruitment Consultations to Resume Submissions
K-Tech Pass Offers Visa and Settlement Support for Overseas Talent
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on October 15 that it held the "Career Connect in AI Wave" event in Silicon Valley, United States, on the 14th (local time) in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco. The event provided local talent with opportunities to consult with Korean advanced industry companies, as well as information on relevant systems and policies.
This event was organized to promote the Korean government’s overseas talent recruitment policies to employees of global companies and students from prestigious science and engineering universities in the region, and to facilitate open networking with Korean companies.
Recently, the U.S. government raised the H-1B visa fee for professional workers from $1,000 to $100,000, creating instability in the employment conditions for foreign talent in the United States. As a result, the global talent market is undergoing significant changes. Many overseas professionals who had dreamed of working in the U.S. are now considering alternatives outside the country, providing Korea with a favorable opportunity to attract talent in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors.
The information session was organized in response to these changing circumstances. At the event, the government’s support systems for attracting overseas talent and the desired qualities in candidates were introduced, with particular interest shown in the "K-Tech Pass." The K-Tech Pass is an initiative by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy that provides top-tier visas (F-2) and settlement benefits to outstanding foreign professionals in eight advanced industries: semiconductors, displays, secondary batteries, bio, robotics, defense, AI, and advanced mobility. KOTRA is responsible for issuing these visas. The top-tier visa is a special visa newly established to attract the very best talent in advanced industries, offering benefits such as special provisions for permanent residency and preferential immigration procedures.
At the recruitment promotion and consultation booths, leading Korean companies in the AI and semiconductor sectors, including Furiosa AI, MangoBoost, and Saltlux, participated to promote their businesses and conduct recruitment consultations. Some attendees expressed strong interest by submitting their resumes on site after individual consultations.
A roundtable meeting session was also held to facilitate networking between Korean companies and local talent. The roundtable was divided into three sectors: AI and software, semiconductors, and bio and healthcare. A total of 173 participants attended, including many employees from major Silicon Valley tech companies who met with Korean businesses.
Since February, KOTRA has operated an Overseas Talent Attraction Center, supporting the discovery, recruitment, and settlement of global talent, including the issuance of the K-Tech Pass. In particular, KOTRA plans to focus on promoting the vision and appeal of Korea’s advanced industries, such as AI and semiconductors, in major cities like Silicon Valley, where top talent is concentrated.
Kwon Ohyung, Director of KOTRA’s Silicon Valley Trade Office, stated, "This event was a meaningful occasion where Korean companies in advanced industries and global talent gathered in one place for recruitment and networking." He added, "We will continue to organize locally tailored talent recruitment events so that global professionals in Silicon Valley actively pursue opportunities at Korean advanced industry companies, and our companies can secure outstanding talent."
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