[May 2025 Latest] Everything about Korean Guitar (G-1) Visa! [For Foreigners Staying in Korea]

1. Eligible Persons and Scope of Activities

Scope of Activities

Activities not falling under the categories of Diplomatic (A-1) to Marriage Immigrant (F-6), Working Holiday (H-1), and Visiting Employment (H-2) status.

Eligible Persons

Persons not falling under Diplomatic (A-1) to Visiting Employment (H-2) status, or Permanent Resident (F-5) status, as specified in Article 1, Item 2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, and recognized by the Minister of Justice.

<Scope of Persons Recognized by the Minister of Justice>

• Persons and their families currently claiming industrial accident compensation and undergoing treatment.
• Persons and their families undergoing treatment due to illness or accident.
• Persons involved in various legal proceedings.
• Persons in mediation with the Ministry of Employment and Labor due to unpaid wages.
• Asylum applicants.
• Persons granted humanitarian stay among those whose refugee claims have been denied.
• Families of persons deceased due to accidents, etc.
• Persons granted humanitarian stay due to pregnancy, childbirth, etc.
• Patients requiring long-term treatment after entering the country for disease treatment, etc., and their families.
• Persons requiring humanitarian consideration, such as victims of sexual violence.
• Families of persons granted humanitarian stay (G-1-6).
• Persons falling under other categories.

2. Maximum Period of Stay Per Grant

1 year

3. Activities Outside the Scope of Registered Status

1. Permission for Activities for Victims of Sexual Violence, etc.

A. 대상 (Target Audience)

• Families of persons deceased due to accidents, etc. (G-1-7)
• Persons requiring humanitarian consideration, such as victims of sexual violence, etc. (G-1-11)
• Persons falling under other categories (G-1-99)

B. 취업활동 범위 (Scope of Employment Activities)

• Employment in simple labor sectors is possible, excluding restricted sectors.
• To be employed in a professional field, one must possess the qualifications prescribed by immigration law and related relevant laws.

C. 심사기준 (Review Criteria)

• The sector must not be a restricted sector.
• The employer at the intended place of employment must not be subject to restrictions according to the "Criteria for Issuance of Visa Recognition Certificates to Employers of Illegal Foreigners, etc." (Immigration Management Division-5057, 5085, '18.8.07.).
• However, if the aforementioned restriction criteria change, the changed criteria shall apply.

D. 허가기간 (Period of Permission)

• Period of Permission: Maximum of 1 year within the scope of the period of stay.
• For extensions, verify changes in employment status. If there are changes, obtain permission for activities outside the scope of status in advance.

E. 제출서류 (Required Documents)

Application form (Annex No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fees.

Employment contract, copy of business registration certificate, documents proving eligibility, etc.

F. 기타사항 (Other Matters)

• When granting permission for activities outside the scope of registered status, inform the applicant of the following:
• Prohibition of employment in restricted sectors.
• If employment status changes, obtain permission for activities outside the scope of status in advance.
• When granting permission for activities outside the scope of registered status and entering it into the immigration management system, use the computer code "E-7-H".

2. Permission for Employment Activities for Asylum Applicants

A. 허가 대상 (Target Audience for Permission)

• Those who have passed 6 months since applying for refugee recognition.
• Periods due to the applicant's fault, such as delay in submitting supporting documents, unknown whereabouts, or protective custody, shall not be included in the 6-month period.
• Applicants for refugee recognition who must support dependent family members unable to work due to disability or other similar reasons, and are recognized as particularly necessary by the Chief of the Immigration Office, etc.

B. 허용 범위 (Permitted Scope)

Simple labor work, excluding the 'Restricted Industries' below.

【취업제한 업종 (Restricted Industries)】

• Construction industry (If the business registration certificate only states the construction industry, employment is not permitted. If it is a complex industry such as construction-manufacturing, permission for activities outside the scope of status will be granted with the condition of not being employed in the construction industry) – "Construction industry employment prohibited" shall be stamped on the bottom of the visa status activity permission sticker.
• Engaging in employment at gambling establishments as defined by Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 1 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Regulation and Punishment of Speculative Behaviors, etc., and Article 1-2 of its Enforcement Decree.
• Working as an entertainment service provider in establishments such as cabarets and entertainment bars as defined by Article 36 and Article 21, Item 8 of the Food Sanitation Act and its Enforcement Decree.
• Engaging in employment in establishments that are contrary to good morals, among businesses that violate public morals as defined by Article 2 and Article 2 of the Act on the Regulation of Businesses Affecting Public Morals, etc., and its Enforcement Decree.
• Private tutoring activities as defined by the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Private Tutoring and Extracurricular Instruction.
• Other fields that deviate from the status of an asylum applicant, or which the Minister of Justice deems necessary to restrict employment.

For employment in professional fields such as foreign language conversation instructors (E-2), the same documents and procedures as for general foreign residents will be followed.

Asylum applicants who are illegally employed in restricted industries will be subject to legal action equivalent to that of general foreign residents.

C. 허가 기간 (Period of Permission)

• Asylum applicants whose cases are not decided within 6 months, and other asylum applicants with specific reasons: Permission for activities outside the scope of registered status will be granted for the period of stay, within the scope of the period of stay.
• Those granted humanitarian stay: Permission for activities outside the scope of registered status will be granted for the period of stay, within the scope of the period of stay.

제출 서류 (Required Documents)

• Application form (Annex No. 34), passport, alien registration card.
• Employment contract.
• Copy of business registration certificate and other documents related to the place of business.
• Fees are the same as for general foreign residents.

3. Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Registered Status for Humanitarian Stay Recipients

A. 허가 대상 (Target Audience for Permission)

Those granted humanitarian stay without obtaining refugee recognition, families of humanitarian stay recipients (G-1-12), and families of refugee recognized persons (F-1-16).

B. 허용 범위 (Permitted Scope)

• Same as for asylum applicants. However, employment in the construction industry is permitted.
• When employed in the construction industry, it is necessary to complete the "Basic Safety and Health Education for Foreign Workers in the Construction Industry" after obtaining a permission for activities outside the scope of registered status.

C. 허가 기간 (Period of Permission)

Maximum of 1 year within the scope of the period of stay.

제출 서류 (Required Documents)

Same as for asylum applicants.

4. Change or Addition of Place of Employment

• Employment permission is a pre-approval matter (same for asylum applicants, humanitarian stay recipients, etc.).
• If the place of employment (employer) changes, new permission for activities outside the scope of registered status is required.
• Fees are the same as for general foreign residents.

5. Granting of Registered Status

1. Asylum Applicants Born in Korea (G-1-5)

A. 체류허가기간 (Period of Stay Permission)

• Within 1 year.
• However, unless there are special circumstances, the period of stay will be granted the same as that of family members.

B. 제출서류 (Required Documents)

• Application form (Annex No. 34), passport, 1 standard-sized photograph, fees.
• Receipt of application for refugee recognition.
• Documents proving residence (lease agreement, confirmation of accommodation provision, notification of expiration of stay by mail, public utility payment receipts, dormitory fee receipts, housing confirmation from churches, refugee support facilities, human rights organizations, UNHCR, etc.).

2. Minor Children Born in Korea to Humanitarian Stay Recipients (G-1-12)

A. 체류허가기간 (Period of Stay Permission)

Within the period of stay of the humanitarian stay recipient.

B. 제출서류 (Required Documents)

• Application form (Annex No. 34), passport, 1 standard-sized photograph, fees.
• Documents proving the relationship with parents, such as a birth certificate, and documents confirming the minor child's age.
• Fees are the same as for general foreign residents.

3. Minor Children Born in Korea to Asylum Applicants (G-1-5) (G-1-99)

A. 체류허가기간 (Period of Stay Permission)

Granted until the expiration of the period of stay of the relevant asylum applicant (G-1-5).

B. 심사기준 (Review Criteria - all of the following conditions must be met)

• The father or mother must be legally residing as an asylum applicant (G-1-5).
• However, this does not apply to asylum applicants (G-1-5) whose departure deadline is extended.
• Children born in Korea must be under 17 years old and not have applied for asylum.
• If a child born in Korea to an asylum applicant (G-1-99) has applied for asylum, guidance will be provided to amend their status to G-1-5.

C. 제출서류 (Required Documents)

Application form (Annex No. 34), passport*, 1 standard-sized photograph, fees.

Due to the specific nature of asylum applications, a letter of reason may be substituted if a passport is unavailable.

• Documents proving the relationship with parents, such as a birth certificate, and documents confirming the minor child's age.
• Fees are the same as for general foreign residents.

6. Permission to Change Registered Status

1. Persons and Their Families Claiming Industrial Accident Compensation and Undergoing Treatment (G-1-1)

A. 대상자 (Target Audience)

• Persons claiming or appealing industrial accident compensation.
• Persons hospitalized for industrial accidents, those undergoing treatment with approval from the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service after treatment, and those undergoing treatment for after-effects.
• Families of industrial accident victims (spouse and direct relatives).

B. 체류허가기간 (Period of Stay Permission)

Within the scope of 1 year (until completion of hospitalization and industrial accident compensation).

C. 제출서류 (Required Documents)

• Application form (Annex No. 34), passport, 1 standard-sized photograph, fees.
• Industrial accident compensation claim or appeal document.
• Medical certificate from a hospital due to industrial accident, etc.
• Documents proving family relationship or guardianship (for family members only).
• Confirmation of ability to maintain livelihood.

2. Persons and Their Families Undergoing Treatment Due to Illness or Accident (G-1-2)

A. 대상자 (Target Audience)

• (Registered Foreigners) Those who require long-term treatment due to various illnesses or accidents during their stay and cannot maintain their existing registered status.
• (Those who entered with a short-term visa) Those who have suffered various accidents and require unavoidable long-term treatment.

7. Permission to Extend Period of Stay

1. Persons and Their Families Claiming Industrial Accident Compensation and Undergoing Treatment

A. 체류허가기간 (Period of Stay Permission)

In principle, within the scope of a 6-month period of stay (however, for critically ill patients, up to 1 year).

B. 제출서류 (Required Documents)

• Application form (Annex No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fees.
• Medical certificate for industrial accident.
• Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service's "Notification of Decision on Treatment Plan Review (Industrial Accident Insurance Card)", after-effects service card, etc.
• Confirmation of eligibility for other (G-1) statuses.
• Documents proving residence (lease agreement, confirmation of accommodation provision, notification of expiration of stay by mail, public utility payment receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.).

2. Persons and Their Families Undergoing Treatment Due to Illness or Accident

A. 체류허가기간 (Period of Stay Permission)

In principle, within the scope of a 6-month period of stay for one extension.

B. 제출서류 (Required Documents)

• Application form (Annex No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fees.
• Documents issued by a medical institution, such as a medical certificate, proving the need for long-term treatment.
• Documents proving the ability to cover treatment and stay expenses.
• Letter of guarantee.
• Confirmation of eligibility for other (G-1) statuses.

8. Re-entry Permit

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption System (Enforcement Rule amended on 12.1.2010)

• Foreigners who have completed registration and intend to re-enter within one year from the date of departure are exempt from re-entry permits.
• If the remaining period of stay is less than one year, re-entry is permitted without a permit within the remaining period of stay.
• However, individuals subject to entry restrictions or visa issuance restrictions must visit the competent immigration office (branch office or liaison office) to obtain a re-entry permit.

2. Required Documents

Application form (Annex No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fees.

9. Foreigner Registration

• Application form (Annex No. 34), 1 standard-sized photograph, fees.
• Documents proving residence.

※ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Who can receive a G-1 (Miscellaneous) visa?

A1: The G-1 visa is granted to individuals who do not fall under statuses from Diplomatic (A-1) to Visiting Employment (H-2) or Permanent Resident (F-5), and who have special circumstances recognized by the Minister of Justice for staying in Korea. Key eligible persons include those undergoing treatment for industrial accidents, illnesses, or accidents and their families, individuals involved in legal proceedings, those in mediation with the Ministry of Employment and Labor due to unpaid wages, asylum applicants and humanitarian stay recipients, and victims of sexual violence.

Q2: For how long can one stay with a G-1 visa?

A2: The maximum period of stay that can be granted at one time is 1 year.

Q3: Can G-1 visa holders work in Korea?

A3: Employment activities for G-1 visa holders vary depending on the specific type of registered status. For example, asylum applicants can obtain permission to work in simple labor sectors, excluding restricted industries, after 6 months from their application. Humanitarian stay recipients can work, including in the construction industry. Certain G-1 holders, such as victims of sexual violence, can also work in simple labor sectors, excluding restricted industries. In all cases, individuals must obtain permission for activities outside the scope of registered status from the relevant immigration office before working.

Q4: What are the industries where employment is restricted for G-1 visa holders?

A4: For asylum applicants, restricted industries include the construction industry, gambling establishments, entertainment venues such as cabarets and hostess bars, businesses that undermine public morals, and private tutoring. Each specific status may have restrictions on activities, so it is necessary to confirm in advance.

Q5: Can asylum applicants (G-1) work in the construction industry?

A5: No, asylum applicants are restricted from working in the construction industry. However, those who have received humanitarian stay permission can work in the construction industry.

Q6: If a G-1 visa holder changes their place of employment, what is the procedure?

A6: If the place of employment (employer) changes, new permission for activities outside the scope of registered status must be obtained in advance. This is a pre-approval matter, and changing employers without permission may constitute illegal employment.

Q7: If a child is born in Korea to parents holding a G-1 visa, what happens to the child's visa?

A7: Children born in Korea must be granted a registered status within 90 days from the date of birth. For example, a child born in Korea to an asylum applicant (G-1-5) can be granted G-1-99 status until the parents' period of stay expires, and a child born in Korea to a humanitarian stay recipient can be granted G-1-12 status within the scope of the parents' period of stay.

Q8: If a G-1 visa is obtained for treatment due to an industrial accident, how is the period of stay extended?

A8: In principle, extensions are possible within a 6-month period of stay, and up to 1 year for critically ill patients. For extension applications, documents such as a medical certificate from the hospital and the "Notification of Decision on Treatment Plan Review" from the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service must be submitted.

Q9: Can G-1 visa holders leave Korea and re-enter without a re-entry permit?

A9: Yes, G-1 visa holders who have completed foreigner registration are exempt from needing a separate re-entry permit if they intend to re-enter within one year from the date of departure. However, this exemption applies only within the remaining period of stay if it is less than one year. Individuals subject to entry restrictions must obtain a permit separately.

Q10: What is the duration of the permission for activities outside the scope of registered status (employment) for G-1 visa holders?

A10: Generally, permission is granted for up to 1 year within the scope of the period of stay. If there are changes to the place of employment upon extending the period of stay, new permission must be obtained.