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.
검토 기준
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.
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2026년 4월 22일
출처 기준
신청 전 주의사항
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.
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 : occupation justification; for : 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.
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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.
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비자 절차
외국인등록증 (ARC)
외국인등록증(ARC)은 90일 이상 한국에 체류하는 외국인에게 발급되는 공식 신분증입니다. 은행 계좌 개설, 휴대폰 계약, 대부분의 공공 서비스 이용에 필수입니다.
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하이코리아 (HiKorea)
하이코리아 사용법 (www.hikorea.go.kr) — 체류기간 연장, 체류자격 변경, 외국인등록증 갱신을 온라인으로 신청하는 방법. 처리 기간: 영업일 기준 3-10일.
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체류기간 연장
체류기간 연장이란 현재 비자 또는 외국인등록증의 만료일 이후에도 한국을 출국하지 않고 합법적으로 체류를 이어갈 수 있도록 허가를 받는 절차입니다.
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체류자격 변경
체류자격 변경이란 이미 한국에 체류 중인 외국인이 출국하지 않고 현재 비자 종류에서 다른 비자 종류로 전환하는 절차입니다. 예를 들어, 졸업 후 취업한 경우 D-2 유학 비자에서 E-7 특정활동 비자로 변경할 수 있습니다.
Can I apply for a Korean work visa directly at the embassy without a CVI?
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.
작성자 James Chae — 엑스퍼트 사피엔스 공동창업자
플랫폼 전문 분야: 출입국 컨설팅 및 비자 서비스 · 검토됨 4월 2026