Applying for a Korean long-term visa is a two-step process that many applicants don't fully understand. For most work and study visas, you don't simply walk into a Korean embassy with your documents. Instead, your Korean sponsor applies for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CVI / 사증발급인정서) first — and only after that is approved do you go to the embassy for the visa stamp. This guide explains the full process.
A CVI (Confirmation of Visa Issuance, 사증발급인정서) is an authorization issued by Korea Immigration Service to a Korean sponsor (employer, university, or institution) confirming that a specific foreign national is approved to receive a Korean visa. It is not a visa itself — it is the authorization that allows the embassy to issue the visa.
The CVI system was designed to allow Korea's immigration authorities to screen applicants before the embassy visa is issued, rather than after arrival. The Korean sponsor applies for the CVI online through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at a local immigration office.
CVI is required for most long-term work and study visas applied for from outside Korea:
CVI required (employer/institution applies):
• E-1 (Professor), E-2 (English teacher), E-3 (Research), E-4 (Technology transfer)
• E-5 (Professional), E-6 (Arts), E-7 (Specialist), E-9 (EPS), E-10 (Seafarers)
• D-2 (Student), D-4 (Language training), D-8 (Investment), D-9 (Trade)
CVI NOT required (direct consulate application):
• C-3 (Short-term/tourist) — standard consulate process
• H-1 (Working Holiday) — direct consulate application
• F-6 (Marriage migrant) — can be applied directly at Korean consulate with marriage documentation
• Some F-series visas applied from abroad
For in-Korea status changes, there is no CVI — you apply directly at the immigration office.
Step 1: Sponsor prepares the application
Your Korean employer or institution (university, language school, etc.) prepares the CVI application package, which includes:
• Your personal information and passport copy
• Employment contract or admission letter
• Company or institution documents (business registration, etc.)
• Any visa-specific supporting documents (for E-7: occupation justification; for E-2: degree and criminal check)
Step 2: Submit CVI on HiKorea
The sponsor submits the CVI application online through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at the local immigration office. Most applications are submitted online.
Step 3: Immigration reviews the CVI
Korea Immigration Service reviews the application. Processing time: approximately 1–2 weeks (can be longer for complex cases or high-demand periods).
Step 4: CVI is issued to the sponsor
Once approved, the CVI number and reference code are issued to the sponsor. The sponsor shares this with you.
Once the CVI is approved, you apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country:
Step 1: Book an embassy appointment
Most Korean embassies require an appointment. Book through the specific embassy's website.
Step 2: Submit documents to the embassy
• Your passport
• Visa application form and photo
• The CVI reference number (or printed CVI document from your sponsor)
• Any additional documents the specific embassy requires
Step 3: Pay the visa fee and receive your visa
Typical processing time at the embassy: 3–5 business days.
Your visa will be stamped in your passport. Enter Korea with this visa, then register at immigration within 90 days to receive your ARC.
Korea offers an electronic pre-clearance system (전자비자 / e-Visa) for certain visa types and nationalities that allows you to receive a visa authorization electronically without visiting the embassy in person.
How it works:
• After the CVI is approved, some applicants can receive the visa electronically through the Korea e-Visa portal (evisa.go.kr)
• The e-Visa is sent to your email and stored in the Korean immigration system
• At the airport, immigration verifies your e-Visa electronically
Who can use e-Visa:
• Varies by visa type and nationality — not all visa types or nationalities are eligible for e-Visa
• Most commonly used for D-series (student, training) and some E-series visas in certain countries
• Check the e-Visa eligibility list at evisa.go.kr
In-country status changes: If you are already in Korea on a valid status, you bypass the entire CVI/embassy process and apply directly at the local immigration office.
The CVI is your employer's or school's job — make sure they know the timeline and submit it well in advance of your intended start date.
Add 4–6 weeks minimum for the entire process: CVI review (1–2 weeks) + embassy processing (1 week) + travel/logistics.
If your CVI is rejected, ask your sponsor to find out the specific reason from immigration — rejection reasons inform how to reapply.
For E-2 applications: the degree apostille and criminal background check must be attached to the CVI application by your employer, not just shown at the embassy.
도움이 필요하신가요?
저희 전문가들은 how korea visa issuance works — cvi, embassy application & electronic visa (e-visa) explained 사례를 정기적으로 처리하며 한국 출입국관리소가 요구하는 사항을 정확히 알고 있습니다.
전문가 찾기Can I apply for a Korean work visa directly at the embassy without a CVI?
For most long-term work visas (E-series), no. The CVI is a required step — the embassy cannot issue most work visas without an approved CVI from Korean immigration. The only major exceptions are some F-series visas, H-1 (Working Holiday), and C-3 (short-term).
How long is a CVI valid?
A CVI is typically valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. You must apply for and receive your visa stamp and enter Korea within this 3-month window. If you miss it, your sponsor must apply for a new CVI.
Can I start working in Korea before my visa is fully processed?
No. You must have a valid work visa (visa stamp in passport + ARC registration) before beginning any paid work. Entering on a tourist or short-stay basis and working while waiting for your visa to be processed is illegal employment.
What is the difference between a CVI and a visa?
A CVI (사증발급인정서) is an internal Korean immigration authorization for your employer that confirms you are approved to receive a visa. It is not a visa and does not allow you to enter Korea. The actual visa is the stamp in your passport issued by the Korean embassy after the CVI is approved.