H-2 (Working Visit) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What H-2 Is

H-2 (방문취업, "Working Visit") is a status for 외국국적동포 — foreign nationals of Korean ethnic descent, historically centered on China (Joseonjok) and the CIS/former-Soviet region (고려인, Goryeoin) — allowing them to enter Korea and, after registering, work in a defined set of manual-labor occupations. The manual states that new issuance of H-2 visas has been discontinued and folded into the unified 재외동포(F-4) status, so China- and CIS-region compatriots now receive F-4 instead; the H-2 material that remains in the manual covers stay management for people who already hold H-2 from before that change.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Meets current H-2 eligibility class requirements.
• Can provide required identity/background and pathway evidence.
• Activity plan aligns with permitted H-2 scope.
• Required registration/reporting obligations can be fulfilled.
• No unresolved immigration violations materially affecting eligibility.

3. Criteria Summary

• H-2 is not a points-based status.
• Review is eligibility-class and compliance-scope driven.
• Operational details can change through periodic guidance updates.
• Always verify current H-2 activity and reporting rules before filing.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• H-2 is activity-scope controlled and not E-series salary-threshold based.
• Where employment records are required, role/scope consistency matters.
• Off-scope employment activity can trigger compliance penalties.
• Some pathways may later connect to other statuses if criteria are met.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• H-2 activity is constrained by permitted sectors/rules.
• Workplace and activity changes may require reporting/approval depending on case.
• Unauthorized off-scope changes can affect extensions and future filings.
• Careful recordkeeping is important for transition pathways (e.g., E-7-4).

6. Required Documents

• Application set (form, passport, photo, fee proof).
• H-2 eligibility/pathway supporting evidence.
• Activity/employment records required under current guidance.
• Registration/reporting-related records where applicable.
• Any additional office-specific supporting documents requested.

7. Fees and Processing

• H-2 issuance/extension fees follow official schedules in manuals.
• Processing varies by office load and verification complexity.
• Eligibility/pathway proof gaps commonly trigger supplement requests.
• File early around key expiry or transition windows.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Eligibility class/pathway evidence is insufficient.
• Declared activity is outside permitted H-2 scope.
• Core documents are inconsistent or unverifiable.
• Reporting/registration compliance history is problematic.
• Application relies on outdated H-2 assumptions after updates.

9. FAQ