1. Eligible Applicants and Scope of Activities

[Overview of Current Overseas Korean Policy > 2. Visit Employment (H-2) Visa System]

□ Expansion of Scope for Free Travel and Employment Activities for Koreans in China and CIS Regions

• Korean nationals residing in China and former Soviet Union regions (CIS) aged 18 or older will be issued multiple-entry visas (H-2) valid for three years, allowing free entry and exit within the visa's validity period. Upon foreigner registration with an H-2 status, a period of stay of up to three years will be granted. Depending on certain conditions*, the period of stay may be extended within the allowed scope.

  * (Employment Purpose) An additional 1 year and 10 months extension is possible upon receiving a confirmation letter for "Extension of Employment Period for Those Whose Employment Period Has Expired" from the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

  * (Non-Employment Purpose) Extensions of one year are possible, but engaging in employment activities after extending for non-employment purposes will result in a fine.

• Furthermore, those wishing to work in Korea can engage in employment activities in simple labor fields permitted by the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act after foreigner registration, undergoing employment education, and applying for job placement.

□ Different Visa Issuance Procedures Apply Based on Target Groups, such as Koreans with and without Relatives in Korea

• Koreans with relatives in Korea or those eligible for special visa issuance, such as parents of students studying abroad, can enter Korea upon invitation by Korean nationals or residents within the permitted number of invitees.
• For Koreans without relatives in Korea, entry will be allowed sequentially, taking into account the domestic labor market situation.

□ Simplification of Employment Procedures

• H-2 visa holders are only permitted to work within the scope of employment activities for the H-2 visa category (refer below).

[Attachment 3] Scope of Employment Activities for the Visit Employment System

a. Legal Basis

• Article 23, Paragraph 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act
• Article 29, Item B of Attached Table 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act (Visit Employment (H-2))

b. Designation Method

• Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Manufacturing, Construction: Positive list system (designated and listed industries)
• Services Industry*: Negative list system (designated and listed excluded industries)

  * According to the "Notification of Service Industry Classification" (Statistics Korea Notification No. 2018-390, Sept. 21, '18), the service industry refers to the 16 major categories (E, G to U) in the "Korean Standard Industrial Classification" (Statistics Korea Notification No. 2017-13, July 1, '17).

c. Scope of Activities Criteria

• Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Manufacturing, Construction: Permitted in industries designated and listed in Article 29, Item b, Subparagraph 2 of Attached Table 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act within the Korean Standard Industrial Classification.

  (1) Agriculture (3 sub-classifications), Forestry (4 minor classifications), Fishing (1 sub-classification, 1 minor classification), Mining (3 mid-classifications), Manufacturing (all industries, however, limited to employment in companies with less than 300 regular employees or capital of 8 billion KRW or less, or companies engaged in foundational industries whose head office or main office is located outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area), Construction (all industries, however, excluding employment in industrial environmental facility construction companies among power plant, steel mill, and petrochemical construction sites).

• Services Industry: Permitted, excluding activities in industries designated and listed in Article 29, Item b, Subparagraph 3 of Attached Table 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act within the Korean Standard Industrial Classification.

  ※ However, exceptions may apply where certain sub-categories within a mid-classification or sub-classification are excluded but permitted.

  The Korean Standard Occupational Classification system is structured as Major Category (alphabetical code) → Mid Category (2-digit code) → Sub Category (3-digit code) → Minor Classification (4-digit code) → Detailed Classification (5-digit code). Therefore, all sub-categories falling under permitted or excluded industries will be either permitted or excluded accordingly.

  (Example 3) Since the sub-category "Livestock Farming (012)" is a permitted industry, its lower-level detailed classifications such as "Cattle Farming (0121)" or "Pig Farming (0122)" are also permitted, as are even more detailed classifications such as "Dairy Cattle Farming (0121)" or "Beef Cattle Farming (01212)".

  (Example 3) Since the mid-classification "Water Transport (50)" is an excluded industry, not only its lower-level sub-classifications like "Ocean Transport (501)" or "Inland Water and Port Transportation (502)", but also all industries falling under its detailed and minor classifications are excluded.

d. Detailed Scope of Activities

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Manufacturing, Construction (Designated Permitted Industries)

Activities in the following industries are permitted.

2. Services Industry (Designated Excluded Industries)

Activities in the following industries are excluded.

• Those seeking employment can receive job placement services after completing employment education and applying for job placement, or they can find employment independently. Changes in workplace are also possible with a simple notification.

[Visit Employment System Detailed Procedures > a. Target Audience for Visit Employment System]

• Eligible Countries for Visit Employment System: Foreign nationals of Korean descent aged 18 or older from China and the 6 CIS countries* who meet the following criteria are eligible.

  * 6 CIS countries: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

• (Basic Eligibility) Persons who held Korean nationality by birth (including Koreans who emigrated before the establishment of the Republic of Korea government) or their direct descendants who have acquired foreign nationality, and who:
  • Are invited by relatives within the 8th degree of kinship or 4th degree of affinity who have a registered domicile in Korea.
  • Fall under the categories of national merit recipients and their bereaved families or families under the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for National Meritorious Persons" or national merit posthumous heroes and their bereaved families or families under the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of National Merit Posthumous Heroes".
  • Have made special contributions to the Republic of Korea or contributed to the promotion of national interests.
  • Are parents or spouses of students currently enrolled for at least one semester with a Study Abroad (D-2) visa.
  • Are individuals who have voluntarily departed from Korea according to the standards and procedures determined by the Minister of Justice to maintain order for foreign residents.
  • Others not falling under the above categories, selected according to the procedures prescribed and announced by the Minister of Justice.
• ※ For those who have completed their visit employment period and departed, visa issuance is only permitted according to the re-entry procedures for those who have completed their term.

2. Maximum Period of Stay Granted at One Time

• Maximum of 3 years (upon foreigner registration)
• Extension of stay for employment purposes may be granted for an additional 1 year and 10 months.

3. Activities Other Than Permitted Status

This manual does not contain information regarding activities outside the permitted status for H-2 (Visit Employment) visa holders.

4. Change/Addition of Workplace

• Changes in workplace are permissible with a simple notification.
• Notification Required For:
  • H-2 visa holders who have commenced employment in a permitted industry for the first time.
  • H-2 visa holders who have changed their workplace after commencing their initial employment.
• Notification Period:
  • For initial employment commencement: Within 15 days from the date of commencement.
  • For workplace changes: Within 15 days from the date of workplace change.
• Notification Method:
  • Online Notification: Access [Hi-korea] > Electronic Civil Petition > Civil Petition Title [H-2 Employment Commencement Notification or Workplace Change Notification] and enter required information (online notification by acquaintances is permitted).
  • Fax Notification: Complete the "Visit Employment Foreigner Employment Commencement Notification Form" and send it to the representative fax number (☎ 1577-1346 without area code). (Requires the notification form and a copy of the alien registration card).
  • Agency Notification: Apply through a registered agency at the Immigration Office (Branch Office/Sub-office).
  • ※ The employment commencement notification submitted to the Ministry of Employment and Labor is recognized due to the unification of employment commencement and work commencement notification methods between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Employment and Labor since October 13, '14.
• Required Documents:
  • Copy of Certificate of Special Employment Allowance, Copy of Standard Employment Contract, Copy of Business Registration Certificate.
• Penalties for Violation:
  • Subject to a fine of up to 1 million KRW pursuant to Article 100, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Act.

5. Granting of Status of Stay

This manual does not contain information regarding the procedure for granting H-2 (Visit Employment) status to individuals born in Korea.

6. Permission for Change of Status of Stay

[Permission for Change of Status to Visit Employment (H-2)]

◆ Change of status to Visit Employment (H-2) is generally not permitted. However, the following categories of individuals may be granted a change to H-2 status after review.

• Specific Permitted Categories are as follows:
  • Individuals who were on a Visit Employment status, subsequently changed to Other (G-1) status due to humanitarian reasons such as industrial accidents or illnesses, and who have not exceeded 4 years and 10 months from their initial entry date (or date of status change).
  • Individuals holding a Visit Co-residence (F-1) status for more than 3 months after applying for nationality.

    However, those whose Visit Employment (H-2) period is nearing expiration, those who have changed to Other (G-1) status due to litigation related to nationality application, or those who applied for nationality for the purpose of staying in Korea, such as those whose marital relationship has ended, are excluded.

  • Foreign nationals of Korean descent* who entered Korea legally before April 1, '04 (including those who emigrated before the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and China on Aug. 24, '92) and who were illegally staying, but have applied for nationality and subsequently changed to Other (G-1) status.
  • Foreign nationals of Korean descent aged 18 or older who are currently residing with a Companion (F-3-19, F-3-20) status.

    * This includes foreign nationals of Korean descent currently residing with a Visit Co-residence (F-1-9, F-1-11) status.

  • Chinese nationals with a Visit to Korea (C-3-8) visa whose preliminary assessment score for the Social Integration Program is 41 points or higher.
  • Other foreign nationals of Korean descent currently legally residing in Korea who have contributed to national interests or individuals for whom humanitarian residence is deemed unavoidable by the Director of the Immigration Office (Branch Office/Sub-office).
  • ※ Change of status to Visit Employment (H-2) is restricted for individuals who were on a Visit Employment (H-2) status, departed, and then changed to Visit Co-residence (F-1) status and continued to reside in Korea. However, if the period of stay with a Visit Employment status does not exceed 3 years, a change is possible, and if a "Confirmation of Employment Period Extension for Those Whose Employment Period Has Expired" is obtained from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, an extension of up to 4 years and 10 months may be granted.
• Required documents are as follows:

  Application form, passport, documents proving Korean descent, and supporting documents for each category, "Confirmation of Employment Period Extension for Those Whose Employment Period Has Expired" (issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labor) for those wishing to stay beyond three years, documents proving place of residence, and fees.

• ※ Change of status may be denied based on the results of background checks for criminal records in Korea or abroad.

7. Extension of Period of Stay

[Visit Employment (H-2) Status Management Procedures > □ Extension of Period of Stay]

• (Employment Purpose) If a "Confirmation of Employment Period Extension for Those Whose Employment Period Has Expired" is obtained from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the period of stay may be extended up to 4 years and 10 months from the date of entry (or date of status change). (Extensions up to 6 years are possible due to direct extension of stay period for reasons such as infectious disease outbreaks or natural disasters).
• (Non-Employment Purpose) Holders of Visit Employment status wishing to stay in Korea for non-employment purposes may receive a one-year extension of stay at a time.

  ※ This is a temporary policy and may be subject to change.

• (Treatment Standards Based on Health Condition) In cases where individuals are diagnosed with tuberculosis (including suspected tuberculosis) but apply for an extension of stay after foreigner registration, their cases will be processed according to the "Guidelines for Visa Issuance and Stay Management for Foreign Tuberculosis Patients."
• (Upon Foreigner Registration) Upon initial entry with a Visit Employment visa and application for foreigner registration, the period of stay granted can be up to a maximum of three years.

  ※ A three-year period of stay is granted only if proof of Korean language proficiency is submitted.

[Guidance on Extension of Period of Stay for Visit Employment (H-2) Visa Holders for Non-Employment Purposes]

◦ Considering the difficulties in returning to one's home country due to COVID-19, from December '20 onwards, a temporary extension of stay for non-employment purposes has been allowed for H-2 visa holders whose period of stay has expired, who wish to stay for purposes such as family visits and cohabitation.

• For H-2 visa holders whose period of stay for employment is expiring and who are required to depart, considering difficulties in departure due to COVID-19, etc., a one-year extension of stay for non-employment purposes is granted if they wish to stay in Korea for purposes such as family visits and cohabitation, childcare, or studies, without engaging in employment.
• Eligible Applicants

  Individuals whose Visit Employment (H-2) period of stay (3 years, 4 years and 10 months) is expiring and who wish to stay in Korea for purposes such as family visits and cohabitation, childcare, or studies, without employment.

• Application Method

  The application method is the same as the existing period of stay extension application. Additionally, the "Guidance and Precautions for H-2 Visa Holders for Non-Employment Purposes" (form below) must be submitted.

[Attachment 11] Guidance and Precautions for H-2 Visa Holders for Non-Employment Purposes

[Guidance on Extension of Period of Stay for Visit Employment (H-2) Visa Holders for Non-Employment Purposes]

◦ For H-2 visa holders whose period of stay has expired and who are required to depart, but wish to remain in Korea for purposes such as family visits, cohabitation, childcare, or studies without engaging in employment, a stay extension for non-employment purposes of one year is granted.

◦ H-2 visa holders who are found to be engaging in employment activities while staying for non-employment purposes may be subject to penalties under the Immigration Act, and various permits for stay may be restricted.

• Extension of Period of Stay

  One year at a time (further extension possible upon request, but penalties for employment activities and restrictions on stay extension may apply).

• How to Check if Extension is for Non-Employment Purpose
  • ① Access Hi-Korea (www.hikorea.go.kr) ② Navigate to Information Inquiry → ③ Select "Inquiry on Employment and Eligibility for Employment of Foreigners" Menu → ④ Enter personal information and click "Inquire".
  • (Employable H-2) The phrase "Employable" will be displayed.
  • (Non-Employment H-2) The phrase "Not Employable" will be displayed.

8. Re-entry Permit

This manual does not contain information regarding re-entry permits for H-2 (Visit Employment) visa holders.

9. Alien Registration

[Visit Employment (H-2) Status Management Procedures]

❐ You must first complete alien registration.

• Koreans entering with a Visit Employment visa must register as an alien within 90 days of entry at the competent Immigration Office (Branch Office/Sub-office) by preparing the following documents:

  ⇒ Passport, one color photograph (taken within the last 6 months), application for alien registration, fee, certificate of completion of early adaptation program.

  ⇒ For parents of students: In addition to the above documents, a certificate of enrollment and a copy of the alien registration card of the student on a Study Abroad visa (submission can be omitted if applying concurrently with the student).

• Health Status Verification

  H-2 visa holders must submit a health certificate in the format below, issued by a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice, when applying for alien registration.

  ※ Previously, the health check conducted during employment education for those seeking employment was omitted (to avoid duplication).

[Attachment 5] Health Certificate

Designated Health Examination Institution Number:

Drug Test

The examinations were conducted as follows.

We hereby certify that the health condition of the examinee has been assessed as indicated above.

10. Original Additional Information (All content outside the template)

[Flowchart for Entry Procedures for Foreign Nationals of Korean Descent]

[Visa Issuance Procedures for Visiting Koreans]

Matters concerning visa issuance for visiting Koreans (C-3-8) are as follows:

• a. Eligible Applicants
  • Foreign nationals of Korean descent falling under Article 2, Item 2 of the "Act on the Entry and Legal Status of Foreign Nationals of Korean Descent".
  • ※ Individuals who have been sentenced for crimes specified in Article 2 of the "Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes," specifically Items 1 to 6, as well as offenses related to drugs, voice phishing, and habitual drunk driving (three or more times), or have received a sentence of imprisonment or heavier for other crimes, may have their visa issuance restricted through substantive review, regardless of entry restrictions.
• b. Required Documents
  • Visa Application Form (Prescribed Form No. 17), Passport and copy, one standard size photograph, Fee.
  • Official documents from the country of nationality proving Korean descent.
• c. Visa Issuance Details
  • Multiple-entry visa for visiting Koreans (C-3-8, 90 days) with a validity of 5 years.
  • ※ Visa applications are accepted regardless of country of nationality, place of birth, or household registration jurisdiction.

[Visa Issuance Procedures for Visit Employment (H-2)]

◇ For invitations by relatives within the 2nd degree of kinship or affinal relations, applications can be made at overseas missions. For relatives within the 3rd to 8th degree of kinship or 3rd to 4th degree of affinal relations, applications can be made at the Immigration Office (Branch Office/Sub-office) responsible for the inviter's jurisdiction.

□ Required Documents by Detailed Eligibility Category

[Visa Issuance by Overseas Missions] Target applicants for visa issuance by overseas missions and required documents are as follows:

① Koreans with Relatives in Korea

• ○ Persons falling under the categories of national merit recipients and their bereaved families, or national merit posthumous heroes and their bereaved families or families, as defined by the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for National Meritorious Persons" or the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of National Merit Posthumous Heroes".
• ○ Persons submitting a Certificate of Visa Issuance for Visit Employment to apply for a visa.
  • • Documents proving status as national merit recipient, posthumous national merit recipient, or their bereaved families or descendants, and official documents from the country of nationality proving Korean descent.
  • • Visit Employment Certificate of Visa Issuance Number.

② Koreans Without Relatives in Korea

③ Koreans Re-entering After Completing Visit Employment Period

※ Visit Employment (H-2-7) visas for re-entry can also be issued by overseas missions responsible for the applicant's residence (overseas missions may process applications regardless of jurisdiction at the discretion of the head of the mission).

[Issuance of Certificate of Visa Issuance within Korea] Target applicants for Certificates of Visa Issuance at Immigration Offices (Branch Offices/Sub-offices) and required documents are as follows:

□ Common Required Documents

• ① Proof of Korean Language Proficiency

  Refer to the submission criteria for proof of Korean language proficiency (below).

• ② Overseas Criminal Record Certificate

  Refer to the submission criteria for overseas criminal record certificates (below).

[Attachment 2] Submission Criteria for Proof of Korean Language Proficiency

a. Submission Target

• Individuals applying for Visit Employment (H-2) or Overseas Korean National (F-4) visas at overseas missions.
• Individuals applying for alien registration, sojourn registration, extension of stay period, or change of status of stay to Visit Employment (H-2) or Overseas Korean National (F-4) within Korea.

b. Required Documents

• Social Integration Program Preliminary Assessment Score Sheet (21 points or higher)¹
• Social Integration Program Completion Certificate (Level 1 or higher)
• Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) Score Certificate (Level 1 or higher)
• Sejong Korean Language Institute Completion Certificate (Beginner Level 1B or higher)
• Ministry of Education Korean Language Course Completion Certificate (Level 2 or higher)²
• ¹ Scores from the Social Integration Program Preliminary Assessment and the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) are valid for 2 years from the announcement date of the results. (This validity period also applies to other Korean language proficiency proofs).
• ² Updated by the Ministry of Education Korean Education Centers (43 centers in 19 countries; Management Division-1499, Feb. 17, 2022).

c. Exemption Subjects

Common Provisions

• Individuals for whom proof of Korean language proficiency has been recognized from a previous application for a different status of stay (including those who fall under exemption categories).
• Individuals who have previously held Korean nationality.
• Individuals aged 60 or older.
• Individuals who have graduated from elementary school (including those who passed the GED for elementary school, or those recognized as having elementary school academic credit under Article 6 of the "Regulations on the Establishment and Operation of Alternative Schools") or higher, or who have graduated from schools defined under the "Higher Education Act" in Korea.

Visa Issuance for Visit Employment (H-2)

• Individuals re-entering after completing their Visit Employment period (H-2-7).

Stay Permit for Visit Employment (H-2)

• Individuals re-entering after completing their Visit Employment period (H-2-7).
• Individuals who obtained a Visit Employment (H-2) visa from overseas missions after submitting proof of Korean language proficiency.
• Individuals who obtained a Visit Employment visa before September 2, '19, and those currently residing with a Visit Employment status are exempt from submitting proof of Korean language proficiency for period of stay extensions.

Overseas Korean National (F-4)

• Individuals aged 13 or younger.
• Individuals who have resided in Korea for 3 years or more with an Overseas Korean National (F-4) visa.
• Individuals who have obtained a national technical qualification (Skilled worker level or higher).
• Applicants for Overseas Korean National (F-4-30) status currently enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school in Korea.
• Individuals who obtained an Overseas Korean National (F-4) visa before September 2, '19, and those currently residing with an Overseas Korean National (F-4) status are exempt from submitting proof of Korean language proficiency for period of stay extensions.

d. Processing Standards

For Visa Issuance

For Various Stay Permit Applications

[Attachment 1] Submission Criteria for Overseas Criminal Record Certificates

a. Submission Target

• Individuals applying for Visit Employment (H-2) or Overseas Korean National (F-4) visas at overseas missions.
• Individuals applying for change of status of stay to Visit Employment (H-2), Overseas Korean National (F-4), or Permanent Resident (F-5) within Korea.

b. Scope of Submission

• Country of nationality.
• Third country (provided that continuous residence for one year or more within the last 5 years from the date of application is met).

c. Exemption Subjects

Common Provisions

• Individuals under 14 years of age.
• Individuals born in Korea or who entered Korea before the age of 14 and have not continuously resided abroad for 6 months or more after reaching the age of 14.
• Individuals applying for change of status of stay within Korea within 3 months from the visa issuance date, having submitted an overseas criminal record certificate at the time of visa application.
• Registered (sojourning) foreigners who submitted an overseas criminal record certificate* at the time of visa issuance or change of status in Korea and have not resided abroad for 6 months or more.

  * Includes exemption subjects.

  ※ Applicants who enter Korea more than 6 months after visa issuance, or those who have overstayed or previously resided in Korea with an expired visa, are not eligible for exemption.

• Individuals for whom it is impossible to obtain a criminal record certificate due to natural disasters, war, or similar circumstances*, provided that the applicant submits proof of the difficulty in obtaining the certificate.

  ※ (Example) Canadian nationals under 18 years of age, etc.

Visit Employment (H-2)

• Individuals aged 60 or older.
• National merit recipients (posthumous)¹ and their bereaved families or families² under the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for National Meritorious Persons" or the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of National Merit Posthumous Heroes".
• Applicants for Visit Employment re-entry (H-2-7) visa who have not completed 6 months since their final departure date.

Overseas Korean National (F-4)

• Individuals aged 60 or older.
• National merit recipients (posthumous) and their bereaved families or families under the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for National Meritorious Persons" or the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of National Merit Posthumous Heroes".

Permanent Resident (F-5)

• Individuals who have continuously resided in Korea legally for 10 years or more until the time of application.

  * Must not have resided abroad continuously for 6 months or more.

• Individuals applying for Permanent Resident status (F-5) under any of the following categories:

  - High-net-worth Investors (F-5-5), Doctoral degree holders in advanced technology fields (F-5-9), Doctoral degree holders in general fields (F-5-15), Possessors of specific skills (F-5-11), Special merit recipients (F-5-12), Persons applying for Overseas Korean Permanent Residency (F-5-7) as special merit recipients under Article 7, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Nationality Act.

d. Requirements for Criminal Record Certificates

1. Issuing Authority and Content

• Official documents issued by the authorized institution(s)² in the applicant's country of nationality (or third country), including all criminal records within the country of nationality (or third country).
  • ① Criminal record acknowledgment letters issued by Korean embassies abroad are not accepted (However, embassies of Russia, Turkmenistan, etc., in Korea that are authorized to issue criminal record certificates under their national laws are exceptions, but authentication is still required).
  • ② If the criminal record verification institutions or systems within the country of issuance are insufficient, certificates from relevant authorities in the applicant's place of residence may be accepted as alternatives.

    (China) Considering the lack of uniformity in issuing authorities, formats, and names, "all documents equivalent to criminal record certificates (including those issued by the Public Security Bureau)" are accepted.

    (USA) The submission of a FBI criminal record check (obtained directly by the applicant or through FBI-authorized channels) is generally required. However, state-issued criminal record certificates are also accepted if they include criminal records from across the United States.

    (Canada) Verification is to be done using the Criminal Record Checks (CRC) issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). While there are Name-based criminal record checks and Certificated Criminal record checks (requiring fingerprint submission), Name-based checks have weaknesses in identity verification, therefore, only Certificated Criminal record checks that can be issued after fingerprint submission are accepted.

  • ③ Others

2. Authentication Procedures

• The authentication procedure varies depending on whether the country is a signatory to the Apostille Convention³.
  • (Non-signatory countries) Consular authentication by the Korean diplomatic mission in the country issuing the criminal record certificate.
  • (Signatory countries) Apostille authentication by the competent authority of the country issuing the criminal record certificate.

3. Validity Period

• The document must be issued within 6 months prior to the date of visa application or change of status application.

4. Submission Timing and Other Matters

• Submission of the original criminal record certificate and a notarized translation* is generally required.

  * The translator's personal information and contact details must be provided, along with a copy of their identification.

e. Processing Standards Based on Overseas Criminal Records

• Individuals sentenced in their country of nationality (or a third country) for "Specific Violent Crimes" as defined in Article 2 of the "Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes".

  Visit Employment (H-2)	Overseas Korean National (F-4)	Permanent Resident (F-5)
  Visa issuance and change of status denied.	Visa issuance and change of status denied.	Permit restricted due to failure to meet the "good conduct" requirement.

• Individuals sentenced in their country of nationality (or a third country) for socially significant crimes.
  • -(Drugs, Voice Phishing, 3 or more DUI offenses) Processed according to the following visa category standards:

    Visit Employment (H-2)	Overseas Korean National (F-4)	Permanent Resident (F-5)
    Visa issuance and change of status denied for 6 years from the date of sentencing.	Visa issuance and change of status denied for 7 years from the date of sentencing.	Permit restricted due to failure to meet the "good conduct" requirement.

  • -(Threats, Extortion, Fraud) Permanent Resident (F-5) status change denied.
• Individuals sentenced in a foreign country for offenses equivalent to imprisonment or heavier for other crimes*.

  Visit Employment (H-2)	Overseas Korean National (F-4)	Permanent Resident (F-5)
  Visa issuance and change of status denied for 4 years from the date of sentencing.	Visa issuance and change of status denied for 5 years from the date of sentencing.	Permit restricted for 10 years from the date of sentencing due to failure to meet the "good conduct" requirement.

  * For Visit Employment (H-2) and Overseas Korean National (F-4) applicants, offenses of threat, extortion, and fraud are also considered as other crimes.

g. Status of Apostille Member Countries (as of June '24)

¹ National merit recipient (posthumous) as defined in Article 4 of the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for National Meritorious Persons" or Article 4 of the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of National Merit Posthumous Heroes" [Note the distinction from special naturalization 대상자 under Article 6, Paragraph 1 of the "Nationality Act" Enforcement Decree].

² Bereaved families or families of national merit recipients (posthumous) as defined in Article 5 of the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for National Meritorious Persons" or Article 5 of the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of National Merit Posthumous Heroes" [Note the distinction from special naturalization 대상자 under Article 6, Paragraph 1 of the "Nationality Act" Enforcement Decree].

³ The convention is officially titled the "Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents." It allows documents certified by a competent authority in the issuing country to be used in signatory countries without further authentication.

□ Health Status Verification

• Eligible Applicants

  Foreign nationals of Korean descent intending to enter Korea with a Visit Employment (H-2) status as prescribed by the Immigration Act Enforcement Decree.

• Verification Documents

  Applicants must submit a self-declared Health Status Confirmation Form when applying for a visa at overseas missions.

  · The confirmation form requires applicants to declare their health and psychological status, including information on infections such as tuberculosis and Hepatitis B, history of drug use, and treatment for mental illnesses.

[Attachment 4] Health Status Confirmation Form

Confirmation Form for E-9 / E-10 / H-2 Visa Applicants

This confirmation form is a checklist for applicants of Non-professional Employment (E-9), Seafarer Employment (E-10), and Visit Employment (H-2) visas or visa issuance applications for Korea, who must personally confirm their health and psychological status. Failure to complete the following information or providing false information may result in the denial of visa issuance, or subsequent revocation of stay permit or deportation after entry. Please complete the form accurately.

6) Do you have any contagious diseases that pose a risk to public health?
Yes □ (Disease: Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis). No □

7) Have you used controlled substances (narcotics) or experienced substance abuse (alcohol, etc.) within the past 5 years?
Yes □ (Substance: ). No □

8) Have you received medical treatment for any mental, emotional, or nervous disorders in the past?
Yes □ (Disorder: ). No □

9) Have you experienced any serious illness or injury within the past 5 years?
Yes □ (Illness and treatment outcome: ). No □

<Important Notice>
If you intend to stay in Korea for more than 90 days after entry, you are required to complete alien registration within 90 days of entry. Upon applying for alien registration, you must submit a health certificate issued by a hospital designated by the Korean government. Furthermore, please be aware that to complete alien registration, you must have completed basic legal order education stipulated by the Korean government.

Year | Month | Day
Applicant: (Signature or Seal)
To the Ambassador (Consul General) of ○○○○

[Processing Standards for Legal Violations]

• (General Standard) First-time offenders will be fined 5 million KRW or more. For repeat offenders, if the cumulative amount of fines within the last 3 years is 7 million KRW or more, stay will be denied, and departure will be ordered.

  If a person has received penalty notices three or more times within the last 3 years, regardless of the amount, stay will be denied, and departure will be ordered.

• H-2 visa holders engaging in employment activities for non-employment purposes may be subject to fines under the Immigration Act.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Who are the eligible applicants for the Visit Employment (H-2) visa?

A: Foreign nationals of Korean descent aged 18 or older from China and the 6 CIS countries are the primary eligible applicants. Specifically, this includes Koreans with relatives in Korea who are invited, national merit recipients and their bereaved families, individuals who have made special contributions to Korea, parents and spouses of students studying abroad, those who have voluntarily departed, and un-related Koreans selected according to procedures prescribed by the Minister of Justice.

Q: What kind of work can I do with a Visit Employment (H-2) visa?

A: Employment is permitted only within designated industries. For agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, manufacturing, and construction, specific permitted industries are listed. For the services industry, employment is permitted except for certain excluded industries. For example, crop farming, livestock farming, retail trade (excluding automobiles), and restaurant operations are permissible, but entertainment bars, automobile sales, and postal/telecommunications services are restricted. Please refer to the detailed scope of activities section above for a comprehensive list.

Q: What is the procedure for obtaining employment?

A: After entering Korea with an H-2 visa, you must first register as an alien. Subsequently, you need to complete employment education, apply for job placement, and then either receive job referrals from employment support centers or find employment independently. If you commence employment or change your workplace, you must notify the competent Immigration Office (Branch Office/Sub-office) within 15 days.

Q: Can I extend my period of stay while on a Visit Employment (H-2) visa without working, for purposes such as visiting family?

A: Yes, it is possible. Upon expiration of your period of stay, if you wish to continue residing in Korea for non-employment purposes, you can apply for a one-year extension of stay for non-employment purposes. However, engaging in employment activities is prohibited, and violations may result in fines.

Q: Is proof of Korean language proficiency required when applying for a Visit Employment (H-2) visa or changing status within Korea?

A: Yes, it is required. You must submit one of the following documents: Social Integration Program (KIIP) Preliminary Assessment Score Sheet (21 points or higher), KIIP Completion Certificate (Level 1 or higher), or Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) Score Certificate (Level 1 or higher). However, certain exemptions apply, such as for individuals aged 60 or older or those who have previously held Korean nationality.

Q: Can I obtain a Visit Employment (H-2) visa if I have a criminal record?

A: Yes, it is restricted. You are required to submit an overseas criminal record certificate. If you have records of specific violent crimes, drugs, voice phishing, or three or more DUI offenses, your visa issuance or change of status may be denied. For other crimes resulting in a sentence of imprisonment or heavier, denial may apply for a period of 4 to 6 years.

Q: What is the maximum period of stay allowed on a Visit Employment (H-2) visa?

A: Upon initial entry and alien registration, the period of stay granted is a maximum of three years. For those staying for employment purposes, the period of stay can be extended up to 4 years and 10 months by obtaining a "Confirmation of Employment Period Extension for Those Whose Employment Period Has Expired" from the Ministry of Employment and Labor. For non-employment purposes, extensions of one year at a time are possible.

Q: Can I change my visa status to Visit Employment (H-2) if I am currently staying in Korea on a different visa?

A: While generally not permitted, exceptions exist. This may include individuals who changed their status to G-1 due to reasons such as industrial accident treatment or illness, F-1 holders who have had their nationality application pending for more than 3 months, or C-3-8 holders who have achieved 41 points or higher in the Social Integration Program.

Q: What are the common documents required for a Visit Employment (H-2) visa application?

A: In addition to the visa application form, passport, photograph, fee, and documents proving Korean descent, you are required to submit "Proof of Korean Language Proficiency" and an "Overseas Criminal Record Certificate". Furthermore, you must submit a "Health Status Confirmation Form" when applying for the visa and a "Health Certificate" issued by a government-designated hospital upon alien registration.

Q: How can I check if my period of stay extension is for non-employment purposes?

A: You can check this by visiting the Hi-Korea website (www.hikorea.go.kr), navigating to the "Information Inquiry" section, and selecting "Inquiry on Employment and Eligibility for Employment of Foreigners." After entering your personal information, click "Inquire." If you are eligible for employment, "Employable" will be displayed; if your status is for non-employment purposes, "Not Employable" will be displayed.