Korea A-3 VisaAgreement (Treaty) Visa
For personnel in Korea under bilateral treaty obligations — including US military (SOFA) and Fulbright scholars.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Stay Duration
Duration of treaty obligation or assignment (no fixed limit)
Processing
Processed by the sponsoring organization or treaty authority
Visa Fee
Exempt (treaty obligation)
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
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Overview
The A-3 visa is issued to foreign nationals present in Korea under specific bilateral treaty or agreement obligations recognized by the Republic of Korea. The most significant group covered is US military personnel, their dependents, and civilian employees under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). It also covers Korean Government Scholarship (KGS / GKS) recipients, Fulbright scholars, and other treaty-designated personnel.
Who is the A-3 visa for?
US military personnel and their dependents stationed in Korea under SOFA; Fulbright scholars; Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) recipients from partner countries; and other foreign nationals covered by bilateral treaty or agreement with Korea.
Eligibility requirements
Active-duty US military personnel stationed in Korea under SOFA, or their authorized dependents and civilian employees
Recipients of the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS / 정부초청장학생) through an official bilateral program
Fulbright scholars selected by the Korea-US Educational Commission (KUSEC)
Other treaty-designated personnel as specified in bilateral agreements
Required documents
- 1.
Military ID or NATO travel orders (for SOFA personnel)
- 2.
Official invitation letter from Korean government scholarship program (for GKS scholars)
- 3.
Fulbright award letter from KUSEC (for Fulbright scholars)
- 4.
Passport + relevant treaty documentation per specific program
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Receive official assignment or scholarship award
Your status is established through the sponsoring organization (US military command, National Institute for International Education for GKS, or KUSEC for Fulbright).
- 2
Enter Korea under treaty status
Entry and registration are handled by the sponsoring organization. SOFA personnel use military channels; scholars are processed through their host institution.
- 3
Register with immigration (if required)
Some A-3 holders (scholars, civilians) must register at the local immigration office and obtain an Alien Registration Card. SOFA military personnel are exempt.
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A-3 visa — frequently asked questions
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