Korea G-1 VisaHumanitarian Visa
For asylum seekers, recognized refugees, and other humanitarian cases awaiting status determination in Korea.
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
1 year, renewable while refugee or humanitarian case is pending
Processing
Varies — determined by underlying refugee application review timeline
Visa Fee
$59.7 (status change to G-1) / $44.78 (extension)
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
Readiness check
Are you ready to apply for G-1?
Use this quick self-check before you spend time on forms or book a consultation for Humanitarian Visa.
Next focus
Eligibility fit
I meet the core G-1 requirements and understand any sponsor, degree, income, family, or experience conditions that apply.
Overview
The G-1 visa is Korea's humanitarian residence category for individuals who fall outside standard visa classifications but have compelling reasons to remain in the country. This includes refugee applicants pending the outcome of their application under the Refugee Act (난민법), recognized refugees, stateless persons, and victims of human trafficking or other humanitarian emergencies. G-1 status allows temporary legal residence while the underlying humanitarian matter is resolved.
Who is the G-1 visa for?
Persons who have applied for refugee recognition in Korea and are awaiting a decision; individuals recognized as refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention; stateless persons; victims of human trafficking; and others with compelling humanitarian grounds to remain in Korea who do not fit another visa category.
Eligibility requirements
Filed a refugee application with Korean immigration under the Refugee Act (난민법) — G-1 is automatically issued to refugee applicants during the review period
Recognized refugee (난민인정자) — G-1 granted until F-2 residency or other appropriate status can be issued
Humanitarian protection recipient (인도적 체류자) — recognized as needing protection even if not meeting full refugee definition
Victim of human trafficking (인신매매 피해자) under verification by law enforcement
Stateless persons unable to return to a country of nationality
Other humanitarian circumstances approved on a case-by-case basis by the immigration office
Required documents
- 1.
Valid passport (or travel document if passport is unavailable)
- 2.
Refugee application filing receipt (for refugee applicants)
- 3.
Supporting documents for humanitarian claim (evidence of persecution, trafficking victim report, etc.)
- 4.
Police or court documents (if applicable to case)
- 5.
Medical certificates (for medical humanitarian cases)
How to apply — step by step
- 1
File refugee application
Submit a refugee application at the port of entry or your local immigration office. Use the official refugee application form and provide a personal statement explaining the basis for your claim.
- 2
Receive G-1 status during review
Upon acceptance of your refugee application, immigration will issue G-1 status valid for 1 year. This allows you to remain legally in Korea while your case is reviewed.
- 3
Annual renewal while case is pending
G-1 must be renewed annually. Bring your refugee application reference number and any updates on your case status to the immigration office before expiry.
- 4
Await final determination
If recognized as a refugee, you will be issued F-2 residency status. If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal. Humanitarian protection recipients receive G-1 renewable status.
Need help with your G-1 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles G-1 applications.
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G-1 visa — frequently asked questions
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G-1 subtypes
View all subtypes →Specific tracks under the G-1 category. Pick the one that matches your situation for track-level documents, criteria, and filing notes.
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