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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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