Can I apply for an E-8 visa by myself?

No. The E-8 visa is not individually applied for — it is managed entirely by Korean local governments through the seasonal worker programme. You must be selected or referred through an official channel.

What industries can E-8 holders work in?

E-8 holders may work in agriculture (crop cultivation, harvest, and directly linked primary processing) or fishery (fishing and primary fish processing). As of October 2025, the fishery sector scope was formally expanded — certain aquaculture (양식) and coastal fishing operations that previously had ambiguous coverage are now explicitly included. All assignments are managed by the inviting local government.

What is the standard employment contract requirement for E-8 workers?

Alongside the E-9 changes, E-8 seasonal workers are also subject to improved labour contract standards from January 2026. The employing farm or fishing operation must use a contract template approved by the Ministry of Employment and Labour, specifying wages (at or above minimum wage), working hours, rest days, accommodation terms, and safety obligations. Workers should receive a copy of the signed contract before departing their home country.

Can I change employers on E-8?

Generally no. E-8 workers are assigned to a specific farm or fishing operation by the local government. Workplace changes require local government approval.

Is there a short-term E-8 via C-4?

The C-4 seasonal worker sub-types (C-4-1 to C-4-4) that previously allowed up to 90 days of seasonal work have been discontinued. All seasonal agricultural and fishery work now requires the E-8 visa.

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Work Visa

Korea E-8 VisaSeasonal Worker Visa

Work in Korean agriculture or fishery during peak seasons — government-managed programme.

Reviewed March 2026 — sourced from official Korean government portals

Stay Duration

Up to 5 months per entry (the period of seasonal work as determined by the local government's programme)

Processing

Managed by local government; typically 4–8 weeks from invitation to visa issuance

Overview

The E-8 visa (계절근로 — seasonal work) is a government-managed programme that allows foreign workers to fill short-term seasonal labour shortages in Korean agriculture and fishery. Unlike the E-9 employment permit, E-8 is administered by local governments (지자체), which apply for a quota, select workers through an MOU with a foreign municipality or through referrals from Korea-resident marriage migrants, and handle the invitation process. Workers may be employed for the duration of the seasonal cycle.

Who is the E-8 visa for?

Foreign nationals selected through one of the E-8 pathways: recommended by a Korean local government that has an MOU with a foreign municipality; referred by a marriage migrant residing in Korea (up to 3rd-degree relative); or parents of D-2/D-4 students invited by a local government. Must be willing to work in agriculture or fishery.

Eligibility requirements

Selected or recommended through an official E-8 pathway (local government MOU, marriage migrant referral, or D-2/D-4 student parent invitation)
Valid passport
Willing to work exclusively in agriculture or fishery as assigned by the local government
No history of overstaying or immigration violations in Korea
Health requirements as required by the local government or consulate

Required documents

1.
Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
2.
사증발급인정서 (Certificate of Visa Issuance) issued by the local Korean immigration authority via the inviting local government
3.
Proof of selection/recommendation (letter from local government or marriage migrant)
4.
Employment contract or offer from the assigned farm/fishing operation

How to apply — step by step

1
Be selected by a local government
The E-8 programme is not applied for individually — a Korean local government selects you via MOU with your home municipality, a marriage migrant referral, or as a D-2/D-4 student's parent. Contact the relevant Korean local government or your family member in Korea.
2
Local government files the invitation
The Korean local government applies for a 사증발급인정서 on your behalf from the regional immigration office. You will be notified once it is approved.
3
Apply at the Korean consulate
Present the 사증발급인정서 and supporting documents at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country. The E-8 visa will be stamped in your passport.
4
Arrive and begin seasonal work
Report to the assigned farm or fishing operation on arrival. The local government or farm will handle your local registration. You may only work at the designated workplace.

Need help with your E-8 visa?

Connect with a verified specialist who handles E-8 applications.

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