Overview of the K-Tech Pass AI Talent Attraction Program
K-Tech Pass is a Korean government program designed to attract overseas advanced-technology talent to Korea and support employment, research, and entrepreneurship in fields such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and software. In the AI track, the program primarily targets master's and doctoral-level researchers as well as developers with at least three years of practical experience.
In 2025, the K-Tech Pass AI program aims to recruit 2,000 overseas AI professionals and offers a comprehensive settlement package that includes visa fast-tracking, settlement grants, Korean language education, and housing support. Bangladesh, which produces more than 10,000 IT graduates each year, is regarded as one of the key talent-source countries for the initiative.
Program Structure
The K-Tech Pass AI program is operated in five stages: talent sourcing, capability assessment, company matching, visa issuance, and settlement support. Candidates are first recruited through overseas briefings and university partnerships, then assessed through online coding tests and technical interviews before being matched one-to-one with Korean companies.
| Stage | Description | Timeline | Support | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Talent Sourcing | Local briefings and university partnerships | 2-3 months | KOTRA trade offices | Universities and IT communities |
| 2. Capability Assessment | Coding test and technical interview | 1 month | Conducted online | Verification of AI, ML, and DL skills |
| 3. Company Matching | One-to-one matching with Korean firms | 1-2 months | NIPA and JobKorea | Salary and role negotiation |
| 4. Visa Issuance | Fast-track E-7 visa process | 2-4 weeks | In cooperation with Ministry of Justice | Simplified documentation |
| 5. Settlement Support | Housing, language, and daily life support | 6 months | KRW 5M settlement grant | Comprehensive onboarding |
Target Talent and Eligibility
Bangladeshi IT professionals are generally recognized for strong English proficiency and for having globally relevant development experience, including work exposure connected to Indian and U.S. IT firms. Institutions such as the University of Dhaka, BUET, and BRAC University produce more than 10,000 CS and IT graduates each year, and a meaningful share of them seek overseas employment opportunities. K-Tech Pass positions Korea as a new destination for this talent pool.
Detailed Support Package
| Item | Description | Amount or Duration | Target | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Settlement Grant | Support for initial living expenses | KRW 5M one-time | All participants | Paid after entry |
| Housing Support | Dormitory or rental deposit assistance | Up to KRW 3M | Applicants | Up to 6 months |
| Korean Language Training | Intensive Korean course | 6 months free | Optional participants | Aiming for TOPIK level 3 |
| Visa Fast Track | Accelerated E-7 visa issuance | 2-4 weeks | All participants | Compared with the normal 8 weeks |
| Health Insurance | National health insurance support | 6 months | All participants | Employer coverage afterward |
| Mentoring | Assignment of a Korea life mentor | 3 months | All participants | Linked to senior foreign workers |
Opportunities for Bangladeshi Talent
The K-Tech Pass AI program sits at the intersection of Korea's shortage of AI talent and Bangladesh's growing supply of IT professionals. With annual salaries above KRW 50M, a KRW 5M settlement grant, and a fast-track visa process, the program presents a compelling proposition for Bangladeshi talent. A practical first step is to attend KOTRA Dhaka briefing sessions, review the program requirements in detail, and prepare for coding tests and company matching. Over the longer term, technical experience gained in Korea may also contribute to the development of Bangladesh's own IT ecosystem.