visa procedure in korea

Procedure flowchart

Procedures for those entering with Working Visit (H-2) status.

Procedure	Details
1. Apply for visa or visa issuance certificate	Visa must be applied at an overseas embassy Visa issuance certificate can only be issued to parents or spouse of Study Abroad (D-2) visa holders that have studied in Korea with enrolling more than 2 semesters, or Korean national's relatives that are closer than 3rd cousin by consanguinity or 1st cousin by affinity. It can be applied at  local immigration office.
2. Foreigner registration and employment education	Those seeking over 90 days of stay must apply for foreigner registration within 90 days from the date of entry * Application for foreigner registration can be filed regardless of the applicants employment education status. Applicants may apply for employment or request employment recommendation upon completing employment education at an educational facilities designated by the Ministry of Labor Notification of employment or change in workplace must be filed within 14 days of its occurrence.
3. Extension of stay	May stay for up to 3 years from the date of entry into Korea.  * But, those who are requested to work continuously by the employer can be allowed to stay within 4 years and 10 months from the entry date. * However, parents of spouse of those with Study Abroad (D-2) status may stay for as long as D-2 remains valid. Extension of stay must be applied at the local immigration office prior to the expiration of current term of stay.
4. Departure	Must depart after 3 years of stay Foreigner registration card must be returned at the airport immigration office.
5. Re-entry	Re-entering with previous Working Visit (H-2) status * If the visa is still valid, there is no need to be issued another visa.
6. Re-application for foreigner registration	Re-application for foreigner registration must happen within 90 days of re-entry (App required documents and procedures are the same) The status of stay expires on the same day as the visa.

* Employment education facility : Human Resources Development Service of Korea

Procedures for those eligible for status change into Working Visitor (H-2) status

Procedures	Details
1. Foreigner registration and change of status	Those seeking over 90 days of stay must apply for foreigner registration within 90 days from the date of entry Status will be changed to Working visitor (H-2) upon foreigner registration
2. Employment education	Applicants may apply for employment or request employment recommendation upon completing employment education at an educational facilities designated by the Ministry of Labor Notification of employment or change in workplace must be filed within 14 days of its occurrence.
3. Extension of stay	May only stay for up to 3 years from the date of entry Extension of stay must be applied at the local immigration office prior to the expiration of current term of stay.
4. Complete departure	Complete departure must be made before the expiration date for the status of stay. Foreigner registration card must be returned to the airport immigration office upon departure

* Employment education facility : Human Resources Development Service of Korea