What types of work qualify for a C-4 visa?

C-4 covers short-term paid activities including: performing arts (musicians, dancers, actors for specific events), sports (athletes and support staff for competitions), technical services (equipment installation, maintenance, or training by foreign specialists), model work, and similar discrete engagements. Ongoing or open-ended employment requires a long-term work visa such as E-7.

Can entertainers or YouTubers use a C-4 visa?

Entertainers performing at specific ticketed or sponsored events may qualify for C-4. However, content creators, influencers, or those earning from online platforms generally do not qualify — their activities are typically considered either commercial work or ongoing employment requiring a different visa. Consult an 행정사 to clarify your situation.

Can I extend a C-4 visa inside Korea?

Extensions are not generally available for C-4. If your project requires more than 90 days, you must either apply for an appropriate long-term work visa before entry, or your sponsor must arrange a change of status through immigration. This is a complex process — seek specialist advice early.

What is the difference between C-4 and E-6?

E-6 (Arts and Entertainment) is a long-term visa for entertainers, athletes, and related professionals working in Korea on an ongoing basis (up to 2 years, renewable). C-4 is for short, one-off engagements of up to 90 days with no renewal. If you plan to work in Korea for more than a single event or short project, E-6 or another long-term visa is more appropriate.

What happened to C-4 seasonal agricultural and fishery worker visas (C-4-1, C-4-2, C-4-3, C-4-4)?

The C-4 seasonal worker subtypes (C-4-1 through C-4-4) that previously covered short-term agricultural, fishery, livestock, and food-processing work were discontinued as of October 2025. All seasonal agricultural and fishery employment in Korea now requires the E-8 (Seasonal Employment) visa. If you are looking to work on a farm, greenhouse, or fishing vessel in Korea, apply for E-8 — not C-4.

Korea C-4 Visa — Eligibility & How to Apply

Korea C-4 Visa — Eligibility & How to Apply | Mr. Visa Korea

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Eligibility fit

I meet the core C-4 requirements and understand any sponsor, degree, income, family, or experience conditions that apply.

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Overview

For foreigners entering Korea for short-term paid activities such as performing arts, sporting events, technical services, or other employment not covered by a long-term work visa. Valid for up to 90 days.

Who is the C-4 visa for?

Foreign nationals invited to Korea by a Korean sponsor for a discrete, short-term paid engagement — performers, athletes, technical specialists, models, or similar roles not requiring a long-term work visa.

Eligibility requirements

Foreign national invited to Korea for a specific short-term employment activity
Activities include: performing arts (concerts, shows), sporting competitions, technical installation/maintenance, model work, or other temporary paid work
Must have a sponsoring Korean company or organisation that files an invitation
Employment must not be ongoing — C-4 is for discrete, short-term engagements only

Delay and refusal risks

What can go wrong with C-4?

Work-visa delays usually come from job-scope mismatch, sponsor weakness, salary issues, or unauthorized activity.

Job duties do not match the visa activity

Korean work visas are activity-specific. A broad title or informal role description is weaker than a contract and duties that match the status precisely.

Manual basis: The manuals organize work statuses by permitted activity and sponsor/occupation requirements.

Sponsor-side records are incomplete

Business registration, tax, employment, wage, or compliance problems at the sponsor can affect the applicant's review.

Manual basis: Work-status manuals repeatedly include employer documents, hiring restrictions, and sponsor review.

Prior violations or unresolved compliance issues

Prior overstays, fines, unauthorized work, tax delinquency, or criminal history can trigger closer review even when the basic visa category looks correct.

Manual basis: The stay manuals repeatedly reference status restrictions, law-violation review, criminal-record checks, tax/payment issues, and status-change limits.

Required documents

1.
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
2.
Completed visa application form
3.
Passport-sized photo
4.
Invitation letter from Korean sponsor (company, agency, or event organiser)
5.
Contract or agreement detailing the activity, dates, and remuneration
6.
Business registration certificate of the Korean sponsor
7.
Proof of qualifications or experience (portfolio, credentials, etc.)
8.
Financial proof

How to apply — step by step

1
Secure a Korean sponsor
A Korean company, agency, or event organiser must agree to sponsor your visit and provide an official invitation letter and contract.
2
Gather documents
Collect your passport, application form, photo, invitation letter, contract, sponsor's business registration, and proof of your qualifications.
3
Apply at Korean consulate
Submit your application at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.
4
Arrive and complete your engagement
Enter Korea on your C-4 visa and carry out the specific activity described in your contract. You must leave by the end of your 90-day authorised stay.

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Key Immigration Terms

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Korea C-4 VisaShort-Term Employment Visa

Review & source basis

Are you ready to apply for C-4?

Overview

Who is the C-4 visa for?

Eligibility requirements

What can go wrong with C-4?

Job duties do not match the visa activity

Sponsor-side records are incomplete

Prior violations or unresolved compliance issues

Required documents

How to apply — step by step

Immigration Specialists

Find a certified immigration administrative agent.

Key Immigration Terms

C-4 visa — frequently asked questions

C-4 subtypes

What visa can the C-4 lead to?

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