Korean Visa Guides
Step-by-step guides written using official Korea Immigration Service documentation. From first application to permanent residency.
Complete guide to Korea's E-7 (Designated Activities) visa — who qualifies, what documents you need, how the employer sponsorship process works, and how long it takes.
Complete guide to the E-2 conversation instructor visa for Korea — eligibility, required documents (criminal background check, health certificate), the CVI process, and public school vs. private academy differences.
Complete guide to getting a Korean work visa as an IT professional, software engineer, data scientist, or tech executive. Covers E-7, E-3, D-8-4, D-10, and F-2-7 routes with salary thresholds, occupation codes, and application steps.
Complete guide to Korean work visas for healthcare professionals — nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physical therapists, caregivers, and dental professionals. Covers E-5, E-7, E-3, and caregiver pathways with licensing requirements.
Korea's E-7 visa has mandatory minimum salary requirements linked to national GNI. Learn the exact wage thresholds for E-7-1 through E-7-4, which occupation codes require a ministry 고용추천서, the GOLD CARD employer system, and how income affects extensions.
EPS workers who completed their Korean contract cleanly and departed can fast-track re-entry to Korea. Learn the E-9 returning worker incentive program, eligibility, how to apply, and the priority selection process.
Complete guide to Korea's E-8 seasonal worker visa: the local government MOU pathway, marriage migrant referral, D-2/D-4 parent invitation, permitted sectors, and the October 2025 change from C-4 seasonal subtypes.
Complete guide to Korea's E-6 visa for performers, athletes, and entertainers. Covers E-6-1, E-6-2, E-6-3 subtypes, required documents, promoter contracts, stay limits, and long-term residency options.
Complete 2025-26 guide to Korea's E-7-3 (semi-skilled worker) visa occupation categories. Covers all eligible occupations including 2025-26 additions: roots industry workers, shipyard welders, slaughter workers, aquaculture technicians, and more.
Step-by-step guide for Korean companies sponsoring foreign hires on E-7 visas. Covers eligibility requirements, 고용추천서 Ministry pre-approval, GOLD CARD system, required documents, filing process, and timelines.
Complete guide to Korea's E-1 professor visa for foreign faculty at Korean universities and colleges. Covers eligibility, academic degree requirements, salary thresholds, required documents, stay duration, and how E-1 differs from E-2 and E-3.
Guide to Korea's E-3 visa for foreign researchers at universities, national research institutes (KAIST, KIST, ETRI, KERI), and private R&D labs. Covers eligibility, degree requirements, sponsoring institutions, salary thresholds, and pathways to long-term residency.
Guide to Korea's E-4 visa for foreign technical experts providing technology transfer or industrial know-how to Korean companies. Covers eligibility, what counts as technology transfer, required documents, and how E-4 differs from E-3 and E-7.
Guide to Korea's E-5 visa for foreign-licensed professionals: lawyers, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, CPAs, and other licensed professionals. Covers license recognition, sponsoring organizations, work scope limitations, and required documents.
Korea's E-6 visa has three subtypes with very different rules: E-6-1 (culture and arts), E-6-2 (entertainment/performing arts industry), and E-6-3 (personal services). Learn who qualifies for each, venue restrictions, and the special protections for E-6-2 holders.
Guide to Korea's E-10 visa for foreign seafarers serving on Korean-flagged vessels. Covers eligible vessel types, STCW certification, required documents, and how E-10 works with vessel entry and departure.
Complete guide to Korea's D-10-T Top Talent visa track, added April 2025. Eligibility criteria, how D-10-T differs from standard D-10, application steps, and path to E-7.
Complete guide to Korea's E-7 visa occupation code system — E-7-1 professional, E-7-2 quasi-professional, E-7-3 general skilled, E-7-4 semi-skilled occupations, salary thresholds by company size, and how to find your occupation code.
An E-7 application can fail if the job does not fit the approved occupation code. This guide explains how code mismatches happen and what to do before filing.
Complete guide to the Korean D-2 student visa — who qualifies, required documents, the application process, and what to do after arriving in Korea.
Everything you need to know about the D-10 job seeker visa — who qualifies, how the points system works, what you can do while job searching, and how to transition to an E-7.
D-4 visa processing takes 3-10 business days. Full requirements checklist, D-4 vs C-3 comparison, extension rules, and 2026 attendance policy updates.
Korea's D-10 job seeker visa has four subtypes: D-10-1 (general), D-10-2 (startup prep), D-10-3 (advanced tech intern), and D-10-T (top talent). Learn eligibility, stay duration, and how each subtype works.
Korea's D-1 visa is for foreign nationals conducting culture, arts, or academic exchange activities under institutional sponsorship. Learn who qualifies, required documents, stay duration, and how D-1 differs from D-2 (student) and E-1 (professor).
Korea's D-3 visa is for foreign nationals undergoing industrial technical training at Korean companies under government-approved programs. Learn which companies can sponsor D-3, duration limits, work restrictions, and how D-3 differs from E-9.
Guide to Korea's D-5 journalism visa for foreign correspondents and news reporters stationed long-term in Korea. Covers eligibility, press card requirements, accreditation through MOFA, stay duration, and how D-5 differs from C-3-5.
Guide to Korea's D-6 visa for foreign religious workers: missionaries, pastors, priests, monks, and other clergy. Covers recognized religious organizations, stay duration, sponsorship requirements, and important compliance rules.
Step-by-step guide to the D-7 intracompany transfer visa — who qualifies, required documents, the role of your overseas company, and how long the process takes.
Step-by-step guide to the D-8 Corporate Investment visa and the D-8-4 OASIS startup track — eligibility, the points scoring system, and how to establish a business in Korea as a foreigner.
Korea's D-9 visa is for foreign nationals managing Korea-based trade activities, branch offices, or international business operations. Learn eligibility, required documents, and how D-9 differs from D-7 (intracompany transfer) and D-8 (investment).
Guide to Korea's D-4-2K K-Trainee visa established October 2025: for employees of Korean companies' overseas subsidiaries in 9 countries to intern at the Korean headquarters. Covers eligibility, quota countries, application process, and how D-4-2K differs from D-3.
Guide to Korea's D-10-3 advanced technology intern subtype added October 2025: for D-10-1 job seekers without prior Korean work history interning at designated advanced tech companies. Covers eligibility, internship requirements, and the expedited E-7 conversion pathway.
Complete guide to the D-4-3 visa for foreign children attending Korean K-12 schools — eligible schools, self-funded requirements, guardian rules, stay period, and how to apply.
Complete guide to the D-4-6 visa for foreign nationals attending vocational or specialized private educational institutions in Korea — eligibility, institution requirements, stay period, and the D-4-6 → E-7 career pathway.
Step-by-step guide to applying for the F-6 marriage visa for South Korea — eligibility, required documents, financial requirements, and interview tips.
Step-by-step guide to Korea's digital nomad visa (F-1-D, 워케이션 비자) — eligibility, income requirements, health insurance, documents, and application process. Introduced May 2025.
Complete guide to the F-4 재외동포 visa — who qualifies, China/CIS special requirements, work restrictions, the 2-year renewable stay, and how to upgrade to F-5 permanent residency.
Guide for spouses and children of F-4 and H-2 visa holders — how to apply for the F-3 dependent companion visa, required documents, and what you can do in Korea on F-3.
Complete guide to Korea's F-6 marriage migrant visa: income thresholds by household size, 3 income exemption conditions, language requirement options (TOPIK/KIIP/세종학당), housing requirement, KIIP program, and how to convert to F-5 permanent residency.
Korea's F-4 visa is for ethnic Koreans with foreign nationality (재외동포). Learn who qualifies including 고려인 (Koryo-saram), how to prove Korean ancestry, special rules for Chinese Korean applicants, and the path to F-5 PR.
How to register a foreign-Korean marriage in Korea (혼인신고): required documents for each nationality, apostille rules, ward office process, and how marriage registration connects to the F-6 marriage migrant visa.
Guide to Korea's F-1 (family visit) visa for foreign nationals visiting or accompanying family members in Korea. Covers F-1 subtypes, sponsoring family requirements, stay duration, work restrictions, and F-1-D dependent status.
Retire in Korea via F-2 investment immigration (₩500M requirement) or alternative long-stay visas. Age 55+, income requirements, and pathway to F-5 permanent residency.
Complete 2026 D-10-1 job seeker visa scoring guide for Korea — 190-point table broken down: age, education, work experience, Korean study in Korea, Korean language, bonus points, and deductions. Calculate your score before applying.
H-1 Working Holiday visa for 25+ countries. Age limit 18-30 (35 for some). Quotas, application steps, allowed work types, and 2-year extensions for Canada/UK.
K-ETA application takes 24-72 hours. Step-by-step guide: who needs it, online application, photo requirements, common rejection reasons, and how to reapply.
Complete guide to the H-2 Working Visit visa for ethnic Koreans from China and CIS countries — eligibility, documents, quota system, and how to find work in Korea.
Complete guide to Korea's C-3-3 medical tourism visa: who qualifies, premium facility requirements, companion eligibility, financial proof, and the December 2025 family member scope expansion.
Updated 2026 guide to Korea's E-8 seasonal worker visa, which replaced the C-4 seasonal subtypes in October 2025: agriculture, forestry, fisheries sectors, mandatory standard contract requirements effective January 2026, safety checklist obligations, workplace change rules, and fisheries expansion.
Complete guide to all Korea C-3 short-stay visa subtypes: C-3-1 family visit, C-3-2 conference, C-3-4 training, C-3-5 journalism, C-3-6 business activities, C-3-9 general tourism, and C-3-3 medical. Who needs which subtype and how to apply.
Full guide to visa-free entry to South Korea — B-1 visa waiver treaty nationals, B-2 unilateral visa-free countries, stay limits, what you can and cannot do, K-ETA requirements, and what to do if you want to stay longer.
How Korea's C-3 short-stay visa rules differ by nationality — China multiple-entry criteria, Southeast Asian 5-year visa eligibility, Korea-India agreement, Mongolia simplified procedures, and the APEC Business Card.
Korean visa rejected? This guide explains why Korean visas get rejected, how to read the rejection notice, your appeal and reapplication options, and how to build a stronger case.
Step-by-step guide to apostilling degree certificates, background checks, and other documents for Korean visa applications. Covers the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Philippines, India, and non-Hague countries.
Most Korean work and student visas require a Confirmation of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정서 / CVI) from HiKorea. Learn how CVI works, the timeline from CVI to embassy visa, the e-visa option, and in-country status change vs overseas application.
Which Korean visas require a criminal background check? How to get a police clearance certificate in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Philippines, and other countries — and how to apostille it for Korea.
Complete guide to Korea's tuberculosis certificate requirement: which 35 countries trigger TB testing, when a certificate is required (visa application, ARC registration, status change), exemptions, validity period, and how to get the test.
Complete 2026 Korea immigration fee schedule: status change (100,000 KRW), workplace change (120,000 KRW), ARC card (35,000 KRW), F-5 permanent residency (200,000 KRW), re-entry permits, F-6 marriage visa fees, and all other immigration service fees.
What is Korea's 광역형 비자 (broad regional visa) pilot? Learn how this 2025 KIS initiative links select university programs to visa benefits, which schools participate, and how students and graduates can benefit.
Complete guide to Korea's G-1 (기타) humanitarian visa — all major subtypes including refugee applicants (G-1-1), domestic violence victims (G-1-3), trafficking victims (G-1-4), medical stay (G-1-9), and labor dispute (G-1-10). Who gets G-1 and how.
Complete guide to Korea's Top-Tier visa for world-class tech talent: income threshold (3× GNI/capita), top-100 university requirement, corporate vs. research institution track, non-face-to-face EVISA process, and the fast path to F-2-7 without K-Point test.
Guide to Korea's 광역형 (metropolitan) visa pilot program: Incheon global campus universities (SUNY Korea, George Mason, Ghent, Utah), Gwangju automotive programs, Gangwon semiconductor/bio/mobility programs. Quota allocations, tuition relaxation, and expanded part-time work rights.
Guide to Korea's 2025 domestic growth-based foreign youth program: for foreign nationals who grew up in Korea and want to work and settle. Covers eligibility (ages 18–30, raised in Korea), qualifying education criteria, special work permission, and settlement pathway.
Complete guide to Korea's A-1 (Diplomatic), A-2 (Official), and A-3 (Agreement) visa categories — who qualifies, accompanying family rules, Fulbright and Green Climate Fund exceptions, and how international organization staff are handled.
Guide to Korea's C-1 (일시취재) temporary reporting visa for foreign journalists — who qualifies, stay period, special countries requiring CVI, how it differs from the D-5 long-term press visa, and what freelance journalists should know.
How Korea's medical tourism facilitator (유치기관) accreditation system works — what 'outstanding facilitator' designation means for patients, how patients benefit from using accredited agencies, and the C-3-3 visa process for patients and companions.
Complete guide to switching from a D-2 university student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa after graduation — eligibility, timeline, documents, and common pitfalls.
Guide to the D-3 industrial trainee to E-7 work visa conversion pathway in Korea — who qualifies, how Korean language and qualifications factor in, and the sending country agreement framework.
Guide to transferring universities while on a D-2 student visa in Korea. Learn when immigration approval is required, what documents to prepare, and what happens if you move schools without reporting it.
Guide to what happens if you withdraw or drop out while on a D-2 student visa in Korea. Learn how quickly the visa basis disappears, what options remain, and when you need to leave Korea.
Guide to staying in Korea after graduation from a D-2 student visa. Learn when to switch to D-10, when direct E-7 is possible, and how to avoid a gap after graduation.
Guide to what happens if your Korean language school or academy closes while you are on a D-4 visa. Learn your reporting duties, transfer options, and when you may need to leave Korea.
Step-by-step guide to changing your visa status inside South Korea — requirements, documents, timeline, and common mistakes to avoid.
Which Korean visas can change status without leaving? C-3→D-4, F-3→D-2, E→F and more — who qualifies, who must exit, and how to file the application.
Complete guide to renewing your E-7 Specially Designated Activities visa in South Korea — documents, timeline, employer requirements, and extension limits.
Guide for E-2 English teacher visa holders on changing schools, ending a contract early, what happens to your visa, and how to stay legal in Korea.
Guide to taking a leave of absence while on a D-2 student visa in Korea. Learn how long you can remain in Korea, what must be reported, and when a long leave can create visa problems.
Complete guide to extending your Korean visa stay — when to apply, which documents you need, how to book the immigration appointment, and what happens if you overstay.
Your Korean visa expires before your extension is approved? This guide explains when you remain lawful, what receipt to carry, what not to do, and when to get help immediately.
Leaving Korea while your visa extension is pending can be risky. This guide explains why departure can invalidate the filing and what to check before any travel.
Step-by-step guide to converting from E-9 (non-professional employment) to E-7-4 (K-Point skilled workforce) in Korea — the 300-point scoring system, employer recommendation, HiKorea application, and the 2026 quota of 33,000.
Detailed guide to applying for the F-5 permanent residency visa in South Korea — eligibility routes, points system, documents, and tips for a successful application.
How the Korean F-2 long-term residency points system works — scoring criteria, minimum score, how to maximize your points, and how F-2 leads to permanent residency.
Complete guide to F-5 영주 permanent residency in Korea — all pathways (5-year general, F-6 marriage, F-2-7 points, F-4 overseas Korean, investment, exceptional talent), income requirements, TOPIK/KIIP, and the application process.
Complete comparison of every F-5 permanent residency pathway in Korea — F-5-1 through F-5-27, who qualifies for each, and which path is fastest for your situation.
Complete guide to F-2-99 (기타 장기체류) long-term residency in Korea. Eligibility after 5 years, income and asset requirements, Korean language test, and the 2025 rule allowing spouses and children to apply independently.
Korea's F-2 resident visa has multiple subtypes. Learn the differences between F-2-1 through F-2-7, the K-Point points system for F-2-7, the F-2-7S startup exception, and the 3-strikes extension rule.
Complete guide to Korea's investment immigration program: tourism/resort real estate investment (F-2 → F-5) and public interest fund investment (F-2 → F-5). Covers investment thresholds, designated zones, cross-scheme rules, and the 5-year permanent residency path.
Full guide for ethnic Koreans (재외동포) from China and CIS countries — H-2 Working Visit visa, F-4 Overseas Korean status, F-5 permanent residency pathway, why China/CIS rules differ from other F-4 holders, and how to qualify.
Complete guide to Korea's K-STAR program for top-tier foreign talent. Covers the F-2-7S long-term residency track, F-2-71 dependent family status, F-5-S1 permanent residency, and how to qualify through 32 designated university partners.
Full guide to Korea's investment immigration tiers — tourism/resort real estate (C-3-1 and F-2 → F-5-21), public interest fund (F-2 → F-5-22), combined track (F-5-23), eligibility criteria, disqualification grounds, and the step-by-step visa process.
What happens to your spouse's F-3 (or F-1) dependent visa when you change schools on an E-2 in Korea — whether you need to update their status, documents required, and the step-by-step process for keeping your family's visas current.
E-9 workplace change rules, sector quotas (manufacturing, construction, agriculture), 4-year-10-month stay limit, and how to upgrade to E-7-4 skilled worker.
Lost your job on an E-7 visa in Korea? This guide explains the reporting window, finding a new sponsor, changing to D-10, and how to avoid falling out of status.
Freelancing on an E-7 visa is risky. This guide explains what E-7 actually authorizes, why independent client work is usually not allowed, and which visas fit freelancing better.
Working for two companies on an E-7 visa is not automatic. This guide explains the employer-tied structure, why a second job can create violations, and when to seek formal permission.
An E-7 salary drop can create renewal and compliance problems. This guide explains why contract salary and tax-reported income both matter and what to do before the next filing.
Korea's D-2 student visa has strict rules on school changes, academic standing, and part-time work. Learn what can get your student visa revoked, how to transfer schools, and how to work legally as a D-2 student.
What happens to your F-6 marriage visa if you divorce, separate, or your Korean spouse dies — F-6-2 child custody status, F-6-3 involuntary dissolution, income requirements, and how to protect your right to stay.
Get your ARC after arriving in Korea — who must apply, required documents, fees, office locations, and how to update or replace your card.
Step-by-step guide to HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) — how to register, renew your visa online, update your address, check status, and what to do when it doesn't work.
How to book an appointment at a Korean immigration office — online via HiKorea, by phone, or in person — and tips for getting the date you need.
Korea re-entry permits (재입국허가): who needs one, single vs multiple permit costs, the automatic 1-year exemption rule, how to apply, and what happens if you leave without getting one.
Korea requires work visa holders to declare their occupation and annual income to immigration at registration and renewal. Learn who must report, what to declare, when to update, and the consequences of non-reporting.
Can you change employers on your Korean work visa? Rules vary significantly by visa type. Learn the workplace change rules for E-2, E-7, E-9, H-2, and other Korean work visas — and how to report the change legally.
Korea grants visa stay periods within your passport's validity. Learn how your passport expiry date affects how long you can stay, what happens with less than 6 months remaining, and when to renew your passport.
How to convert a foreign driving license to a Korean license. Covers automatic exchange countries, written test requirement, practical test, required documents, 운전면허시험장 process, and international driving permits for short stays.
Overstayed your Korean visa? This guide explains fines, departure orders, re-entry bans, and what to do immediately if you realize you are already out of status.
Lost your ARC in Korea? This guide explains immediate reporting, reissuance, replacement fees, and what to carry while waiting for the new card.
Renewed your passport while living in Korea? This guide explains when to update immigration records, why passport validity affects stay period, and what documents to bring.
Practical guide for foreign visa holders in Korea — how to enroll in national health insurance (건강보험), file your income tax, open a bank account, and understand your rights as a registered foreigner.
Everything about KIIP — what it is, why it matters for F-2 and F-5 applications, how to register, what to expect at each level, and how to fit it around work.
Guide to Korea's April 2025 domestic growth-based foreign youth employment program for ages 18-24 who grew up in Korea. Eligibility, work rights, residency pathway, and how it connects to longer-term visa options.
Complete guide to Korean income tax for foreign nationals. Covers the 183-day residency rule, 19% flat rate vs progressive tax, year-end settlement, global income filing, tax treaties, and common deductions.
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