C-4-5 (Short-Term Specialized Activity) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What C-4-5 Is

C-4-5 is a short-stay activity category used for specific temporary assignments that do not fit tourism/business-visit-only channels. It is not a general long-term work visa and is strictly purpose-bound.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Has a clearly defined short-term specialized activity that matches C-4-5 scope.
• Host/sponsor documents prove necessity, period, and role details.
• Contract/invitation evidence aligns with temporary non-long-term assignment profile.
• Applicant can prove lawful purpose, funding/support, and return/exit intent.
• No unresolved immigration compliance history that undermines short-term trust profile.

3. Criteria Summary

• C-4-5 is not a points-based category.
• Review is purpose-and-scope driven with strong emphasis on sponsor credibility.
• Officers assess whether requested activity should instead be filed under a different status.
• Always verify current C-4 subtype boundaries before filing to avoid category mismatch.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• C-4-5 is temporary activity status; it does not use long-term E-series salary logic.
• Where remuneration exists, contract structure must match permitted short-term scope.
• Inconsistent compensation or unclear role framing often triggers deeper scrutiny.
• If assignment resembles regular employment, a work-authorized long-stay status may be required.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• C-4-5 activity is tied to declared host/sponsor and approved short-term purpose.
• Material scope/location/role changes can require re-filing or additional approval.
• Unauthorized expansion of activity beyond declared scope can cause compliance action.
• Repeat-entry patterns may trigger reclassification scrutiny by consular/immigration officers.

6. Required Documents

• Visa application set (form, passport, photo, fee proof).
• Host/sponsor invitation and activity-purpose documentation.
• Assignment/contract evidence with period, scope, and compensation details where relevant.
• Financial support and return/onward travel evidence as required.
• Additional mission-specific documents requested by reviewing office.

7. Fees and Processing

• C-4 issuance fees follow official short-stay visa schedules.
• Processing time varies by case complexity and office workload.
• Category-fit ambiguity frequently causes supplement requests or reclassification concerns.
• Apply with enough buffer before activity start date.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Declared activity does not clearly fit C-4-5 permitted scope.
• Sponsor/host documents are weak, inconsistent, or unverifiable.
• Assignment appears to be regular employment requiring different status.
• Financial/return-intent evidence is insufficient for risk profile.
• Application based on outdated subtype interpretation after policy updates.

9. FAQ