Korean Immigration — 2025
Real-world Korean visa processing times for D-4, E-7, F-5, E-9 and more — official estimates vs. actual wait times, and how to speed up your application.
Processing times are estimates based on 2024–2025 community reports and official guidance. Individual cases vary based on document completeness, office workload, and immigration officer discretion. Always plan for the upper end.
| Visa | Name | Official | Real-world |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-3 | Short-term Tourist Where: Embassy / Consulate Seoul-based embassies (e.g. US, UK) can be faster. Peak summer season (Jun–Aug) adds 1–2 days. | 3–5 business days | 1–7 business days |
| K-ETA | K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Where: Online at k-eta.go.kr Apply at least 3 days before departure. Approval is usually within hours; apply early for peace of mind. | 72 hours | 24–72 hours |
| D-2 | Student (Degree) Where: Embassy abroad / HiKorea (status change) University issues a Confirmation of Admission first. Allow 4–6 weeks before term start. | 5–10 business days | 1–3 weeks |
| D-4 | Language / General Training Where: Embassy / Consulate Language school acceptance letter is the key document. Processing is straightforward. | 5–10 business days | 1–2 weeks |
| E-2 | English Teacher Where: Embassy / Consulate (requires CVI from employer) Employer applies for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CVI) first — this takes 1–3 weeks at a domestic immigration office. Total timeline from job offer: 4–8 weeks. | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| E-7 | Specific Activities (Skilled Worker) Where: Embassy abroad / HiKorea (status change in Korea) Employer must apply for prior approval (고용추천서) from relevant ministry for some occupation codes — adds 2–4 weeks. Status change in Korea typically 2–3 weeks. | 2–4 weeks | 3–8 weeks |
| E-1 | Professor Where: Embassy / Consulate University handles most paperwork. Apostille of degree certificate often causes delays — get this done early. | 2–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| E-3 | Research Where: Embassy / Consulate or HiKorea | 2–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| E-9 | Non-professional Employment (EPS) Where: Embassy / Consulate (after EPS selection) The EPS process is run by HRD Korea. Visa issuance is fast once selected, but the EPS roster and job matching process can take months. | Varies (EPS lottery/selection) | 3–6 months (from job offer) |
| D-8 | Corporate Investment Where: Embassy / HiKorea Company registration (사업자등록증) and investment proof are the main bottlenecks. Legal assistance recommended. | 2–4 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| D-10 | Job Seeking / Startup Where: HiKorea (status change) or Embassy Relatively straightforward. Strong CV and degree certificates speed up approval. | 1–2 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| F-2 | Long-term Resident Where: HiKorea / Immigration Office Standard cases are routine. Sponsored cases (employer) may be faster. | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
| F-2-7 | Points-based Long-term Resident Where: HiKorea / Immigration Office Points calculation audit can add time. Submit all score-supporting documents upfront to avoid back-and-forth requests. | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
| F-5 | Permanent Resident Where: HiKorea / Regional Immigration Office Most complex application — expect thorough vetting. Income documents, tax records, and language test results must all be recent. Complex cases (e.g. F-5-7 via K-Points) can take up to 6 months for some offices. | 4–8 weeks | 6–12 weeks |
| F-6 | Marriage Migrant Where: Embassy (initial) / HiKorea (extension) Embassy processing for F-6 has been extended due to marriage interview requirements. The Korean spouse may need to attend an interview at the local immigration office. | 2–4 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| F-4 | Overseas Korean Where: Embassy / Consulate Genealogy documentation (family register linkage) is the main delay. Start gathering documents early. | 1–2 weeks | 1–3 weeks |
| H-1 | Working Holiday Where: Embassy / Consulate Quota fills fast — apply as early as the application window opens (usually January 1st). Some countries run out of spots within days. | 1–2 weeks | 1–3 weeks |
Apply early — always
Official times are best-case. Plan for 2× the official estimate. For work visas, start the process the moment you have a job offer.
Apostilles cause the most delays
Getting degree certificates and criminal records apostilled in your home country is the #1 source of unexpected delay. Order these as soon as you know you need them.
Document completeness is everything
Incomplete applications are returned — restarting the clock. Follow the official checklist exactly. If in doubt, include more rather than less.
HiKorea vs. immigration office visit
Many renewals and status changes can be done online at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr). Online applications are often processed 1–2 weeks faster than in-person visits.
Peak seasons are slower
March (spring semester), September (fall semester), and December/January (year-end) see high volume at immigration offices. Budget extra time.
Use certified immigration lawyers for complex cases
For F-5, F-2-7, or E-7 with unusual occupation codes, a registered immigration lawyer (행정사/출입국전문 변호사) can significantly reduce error rates and requests for additional information (보완 요청).
Employer submits prior approval (고용추천서) to relevant ministry
Ministry reviews and issues approval certificate
You prepare and apostille documents (criminal record, degree certificate)
Apply at Korean embassy/consulate in your home country
Visa issued; book travel; arrange housing
Arrive in Korea; register at immigration office within 90 days for ARC
Total: approximately 9–12 weeks. Status change within Korea (if already on D-10 or other status) is typically faster: 3–5 weeks.
Times are estimates compiled from official Korea Immigration Service guidance and community reports (2024–2025). Actual processing times vary. For the latest information, check HiKorea or contact your nearest Korean embassy. HiKorea.