G-1-5 (Refugee Status Applicant) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What G-1-5 Is

G-1-5 is granted to a foreigner in Korea who has applied for refugee status recognition (대한민국 안에 있는 외국인으로서 난민인정을 신청한 자). The same code is also used for a minor child born in Korea to a refugee applicant, when that child is itself filing a refugee application ('국내출생 난민신청자'). The manual treats G-1-5 and G-1-6 side by side because they are adjacent stages of the same process — applicant vs. post-decision humanitarian grantee.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Applicant circumstances match the current G-1-5 qualifying category criteria.
• Can provide objective evidence supporting humanitarian/special stay necessity.
• Status request is consistent with lawful stay history and current situation.
• Required identity/background and case-specific supporting records are complete.
• Filing reflects latest policy guidance and subtype handling updates.

3. Criteria Summary

• G-1-5 is not a points-based visa category.
• Review is discretionary and evidence-intensive rather than score-based.
• Case credibility and documentary consistency are central to adjudication.
• Because subtype handling can evolve, applicants should verify the latest office guidance before filing.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• G-1-5 is not salary-threshold or employer-contract based like E-series statuses.
• Financial self-support evidence can still be relevant depending on case context.
• Where activity permissions are limited, unauthorized work can create serious compliance issues.
• Supporting documents should clearly separate humanitarian basis from unrelated activity.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• G-1-5 is not employer-sponsored as a core basis.
• Any permitted activity outside baseline stay scope requires separate lawful handling where applicable.
• Case-condition changes should be promptly reported to avoid status-risk.
• Extensions are typically tied to continued necessity evidenced by updated records.

6. Required Documents

• Application set (form, passport, ARC where applicable, photo, fee proof).
• Case-specific evidence proving G-1-5 qualifying humanitarian/special grounds.
• Identity/background and any legal/administrative records relevant to the case.
• Financial/support documentation where requested by reviewing office.
• Additional office-specific evidence requested during case review.

7. Fees and Processing

• G-1-related issuance/extension fees follow official stay-fee schedules.
• Processing timelines vary significantly by case complexity and verification needs.
• Incomplete narrative-evidence linkage often triggers supplement requests.
• Periodic renewal may require refreshed supporting evidence of ongoing necessity.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Submitted facts do not satisfy current G-1-5 qualifying criteria.
• Evidence is insufficient, inconsistent, or lacks objective support.
• Case narrative conflicts with immigration record or other filings.
• Unauthorized activity/compliance issues during stay period.
• Application assumes outdated subtype interpretation after policy updates.

9. FAQ