A-2 (Government/Official Affairs) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What A-2 Is

A-2 (공무/Official Affairs) covers people carrying out official duties for a foreign government or international organization that the Korean government has approved, but who do not qualify for the higher diplomatic-immunity A-1 status. This includes administrative, technical and service staff of a foreign embassy/consulate accredited to Korea, staff of international organizations headquartered in Korea, staff dispatched by a foreign government/international body to conduct official business with the Korean government (excluding those who would otherwise qualify as A-1), and delegates attending conferences hosted by the Korean government or an international organization, plus their accompanying family. Stay period runs for the duration of the official assignment (공무수행기간).

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Applicant fits current A-2 official-government category scope.
• Official channel submission and assignment records are complete.
• Mission/assignment validity aligns with requested stay period.
• Family linkage evidence is available where dependents are included.
• No unresolved official record inconsistencies affecting verification.

3. Criteria Summary

• A-2 is not a points-based status.
• Review is official-document and channel-compliance driven.
• Procedural handling differs from ordinary public visa categories.
• Always use appropriate official processing channel.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• A-2 does not use ordinary work salary-threshold criteria.
• Official assignment documentation is the central eligibility basis.
• Fee/procedural treatment may differ from public visa types.
• Channel mismatch is a common source of delay.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• A-2 is official-assignment based.
• Assignment changes should be handled through competent official channels.
• General public workplace-change concepts do not directly apply.
• Accurate continuity of official records is important.

6. Required Documents

• Official-channel application documents and required forms.
• Passport/photo and identity records as required.
• Assignment/official status evidence from competent authorities.
• Family relationship records for accompanying dependents.
• Additional official records requested by reviewing authority.

7. Fees and Processing

• A-2 processing follows official channel procedures and timelines.
• Fee handling may include category-based exemptions.
• Incomplete assignment records often delay processing.
• Coordinate through mission/authority channels early.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Eligibility does not satisfy A-2 official-government scope.
• Assignment/official records are incomplete or inconsistent.
• Incorrect channel used for filing.
• Dependent relationship evidence is insufficient where applicable.
• Identity/official record mismatch prevents verification.

9. FAQ