Seoul Global Center opens applications for Oasis-1 startup info class

A promotional poster for the Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System-1 course offered by the Seoul Global Center [SEOUL GLOBAL CENTER]

Seoul Global Center announced Thursday that it's accepting applications from foreigners who wish to take the Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System (Oasis)-1 course, one way to get points for the startup visa.

The Oasis-1 course will explain Korea's immigration laws relevant to startups, intellectual property regulations and the patent application process.

Any foreign national that wishes to form their own technology-related startup in Korea can take the classes.

Applications are open via the Seoul Global Center website until July 8. Classes will be held on July 16 and 17 for a total of 12 hours at the Seoul Global Center building in Jongno District, central Seoul. The course is free and taught in English.

Completing Oasis classes is one of the ways foreign nationals can get points for the score-based D-8-4 startup visa, which allows visa holders to establish their own business.

For instance, those who complete the Oasis-1 course can get 15 points toward the visa. To apply for the D-8-4, applicants need 80 points out of 448 total available points.

Classes such as Oasis-4+, which is about trading in Korea, also offers points for the D-9-1 trade visa. To get the D-9-1, applicants need 60 points or above from a 160-point system.

Seoul Global Center also plans to open applications for the Oasis-2, 4+ and 5 courses later in July and August for those who wish to earn more points for the visas.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]