Can G-1 holders work in Korea?

Refugee applicants on G-1 may apply for work authorization (체류자격 외 활동허가) after 6 months from the date of refugee application filing. Recognized refugees and humanitarian protection recipients are generally permitted to work with separate work authorization approval.

How long does the refugee determination process take in Korea?

The initial review takes up to 6 months, but in practice many cases take 1–2 years or longer due to volume. Appeals can extend this further. G-1 status is renewed annually throughout the process.

What is the difference between a refugee and a humanitarian protection recipient in Korea?

A recognized refugee (난민인정자) meets the full 1951 Refugee Convention definition — persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership. A humanitarian protection recipient (인도적 체류자) does not meet the strict refugee definition but faces serious risk of harm if returned (e.g., armed conflict, civil war). Both receive G-1 status but with slightly different benefits.

What status do recognized refugees get?

Recognized refugees are typically issued F-2 (Long-Term Resident) status, which grants near-unrestricted work rights, access to social welfare, and a path to F-5 permanent residency after 5 years.

Can G-1 holders bring family members to Korea?

Recognized refugees and humanitarian protection recipients may request family reunification in Korea. Refugee applicants (whose cases are still pending) have more limited rights to family sponsorship. Eligibility is assessed case by case.

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한국 G-1 비자Humanitarian Visa

For asylum seekers, recognized refugees, and other humanitarian cases awaiting status determination in Korea.

검토됨 March 2026 — 대한민국 공식 출입국관리 포털 기반

체류 기간

1 year, renewable while refugee or humanitarian case is pending

처리 기간

Varies — determined by underlying refugee application review timeline

개요

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.

G-1 비자는 누구를 위한 것인가요?

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.

자격 요건

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

필요 서류

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)

단계별 신청 방법

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.

G-1 비자 도움이 필요하신가요?

G-1 신청을 전문으로 하는 검증된 전문가와 연결하세요.

주요 출입국 용어

용어가 생소하신가요?

한국 G-1 비자Humanitarian Visa

개요

G-1 비자는 누구를 위한 것인가요?

자격 요건

필요 서류

단계별 신청 방법

주요 출입국 용어

G-1 비자 — 자주 묻는 질문

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