How Korea Visa Issuance Works — CVI, Embassy Application & Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Explained

A CVI (Confirmation of Visa Issuance, 사증발급인정서) is an authorization issued by Korea Immigration Service to a Korean sponsor (employer, university, or institution) confirming that a specific foreign national is approved to receive a Korean visa. It is not a visa itself — it is the authorization that allows the embassy to issue the visa.

The CVI system was designed to allow Korea's immigration authorities to screen applicants before the embassy visa is issued, rather than after arrival. The Korean sponsor applies for the CVI online through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at a local immigration office.

CVI is required for most long-term work and study visas applied for from outside Korea:

CVI required (employer/institution applies):

• E-1 (Professor), E-2 (English teacher), E-3 (Research), E-4 (Technology transfer)

• E-5 (Professional), E-6 (Arts), E-7 (Specialist), E-9 (EPS), E-10 (Seafarers)

• D-2 (Student), D-4 (Language training), D-8 (Investment), D-9 (Trade)

CVI NOT required (direct consulate application):

• C-3 (Short-term/tourist) — standard consulate process

• H-1 (Working Holiday) — direct consulate application

• F-6 (Marriage migrant) — can be applied directly at Korean consulate with marriage documentation

• Some F-series visas applied from abroad

For in-Korea status changes, there is no CVI — you apply directly at the immigration office.

Step 1: Sponsor prepares the application

Your Korean employer or institution (university, language school, etc.) prepares the CVI application package, which includes:

• Your personal information and passport copy

• Employment contract or admission letter

• Company or institution documents (business registration, etc.)

• Any visa-specific supporting documents (for : occupation justification; for : degree and criminal check)

Step 2: Submit CVI on HiKorea

The sponsor submits the CVI application online through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at the local immigration office. Most applications are submitted online.

Step 3: Immigration reviews the CVI

Korea Immigration Service reviews the application. Processing time: approximately 1–2 weeks (can be longer for complex cases or high-demand periods).

Step 4: CVI is issued to the sponsor

Once approved, the CVI number and reference code are issued to the sponsor. The sponsor shares this with you.

Once the CVI is approved, you apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country:

Step 1: Book an embassy appointment

Most Korean embassies require an appointment. Book through the specific embassy's website.

Step 2: Submit documents to the embassy

• Your passport

• Visa application form and photo

• The CVI reference number (or printed CVI document from your sponsor)

• Any additional documents the specific embassy requires

Step 3: Pay the visa fee and receive your visa

Typical processing time at the embassy: 3–5 business days.

Your visa will be stamped in your passport. Enter Korea with this visa, then register at immigration within 90 days to receive your ARC.

Korea offers an electronic pre-clearance system (전자비자 / e-Visa) for certain visa types and nationalities that allows you to receive a visa authorization electronically without visiting the embassy in person.

How it works:

• After the CVI is approved, some applicants can receive the visa electronically through the Korea e-Visa portal (evisa.go.kr)

• The e-Visa is sent to your email and stored in the Korean immigration system

• At the airport, immigration verifies your e-Visa electronically

Who can use e-Visa:

• Varies by visa type and nationality — not all visa types or nationalities are eligible for e-Visa

• Most commonly used for D-series (student, training) and some E-series visas in certain countries

• Check the e-Visa eligibility list at evisa.go.kr

In-country status changes: If you are already in Korea on a valid status, you bypass the entire CVI/embassy process and apply directly at the local immigration office.