Korea H-2 VisaWorking Visit Visa

Overview

The H-2 visa (방문취업 — 'visit and work') is designed for ethnic Koreans (외국국적동포) from the People's Republic of China and six CIS countries who wish to live and work in Korea. Unlike the F-4 (Overseas Korean) visa, which is reserved for those with verifiable Korean lineage and no criminal history, H-2 targets the broader ethnic Korean diaspora — including many who do not meet F-4 criteria. Holders may work in a government-designated set of industries and can stay for up to 3 years per entry cycle. The H-2 is one of Korea's most utilised immigration channels, with hundreds of thousands of holders at any given time.

Who is the H-2 visa for?

Ethnic Koreans aged 25 or older who are nationals of China or one of the six eligible CIS countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan) and wish to work in Korea in designated industries. Must be able to prove Korean lineage (e.g., through 호적 family register or similar documentation).

Eligibility requirements

• Nationality of China or one of the six eligible CIS states (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan)
• Age 25 or older at the time of application
• Proof of ethnic Korean descent (호적 family register, birth certificate, or equivalent lineage documents from the home country)
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• No serious criminal record (criminal background check required)
• Physical health — medical examination may be required
• Applicants from China: must register through the Korean government's designated H-2 application system (quota-managed)

Required documents

• 1.Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
• 2.Proof of ethnic Korean descent (호적 family register or home-country equivalent)
• 3.Criminal background check from home country (apostilled or authenticated, issued within 3–6 months)
• 4.Medical examination certificate (if required by the consulate)
• 5.For China applicants: registration confirmation from the designated H-2 portal (국외동포 방문취업 신청 시스템)
• 6.Bank statements showing sufficient funds

How to apply — step by step

1. 1

   Verify eligibility and prepare lineage documents

   Confirm your nationality is one of the seven eligible countries and that you are 25+. Gather documents proving ethnic Korean descent — typically the 호적 (family register) or an equivalent home-country certificate.

2. 2

   Register in the application system (China applicants)

   Chinese nationals must apply through Korea's designated online portal for H-2 applicants. The system is quota-managed; registration opens periodically. CIS nationals typically apply directly at the consulate.

3. 3

   Apply at the Korean consulate

   Submit your application at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. A 5-year multiple-entry H-2 visa is typically issued if approved.

4. 4

   Complete employment training on arrival

   After arriving in Korea, you must complete mandatory employment training (취업교육) — typically a 1-day session covering labour law, safety, and immigration rules — before starting work.

5. 5

   Register with the employment centre

   Report to a local employment support centre (고용센터) to register as an H-2 worker. This enables the employment-matching system and ensures your stay is tracked correctly.

6. 6

   Register as a foreign resident and get ARC

   Register at your local immigration office within 90 days of arrival and obtain your Alien Registration Card (ARC). You will then be able to apply for jobs in the designated industries.

H-2 visa — frequently asked questions