A South Korean Work Visa allows foreigners to work legally in South Korea. The most common work visas are issued under the E-Series, which cater to different types of employment. Here’s a breakdown of the key work visa categories and the application process:
Types of Work Visas (E-Series):
- E-1 Professor Visa:
- For individuals working as professors or researchers at higher education institutions.
- E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa:
- For teaching foreign languages, typically at schools, private academies (hagwon), or institutions.
- E-3 Research Visa:
- For professionals involved in natural science or high-technology research.
- E-4 Technical Instructor/Technician Visa:
- For technical experts or instructors invited to work in South Korea.
- E-5 Professional Employment Visa:
- For professionals such as lawyers, accountants, or medical practitioners.
- E-6 Arts and Performance Visa:
- For artists, musicians, or entertainers working in the entertainment industry.
- E-7 Specially Designated Activities Visa:
- For foreigners employed in specific sectors or companies that require specialized skills.
- E-9 Non-Professional Employment Visa:
- For workers in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, construction, etc., typically arranged through the Employment Permit System (EPS).
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Eligibility:
- You need a valid job offer from a South Korean employer.
- The employer should provide a sponsor letter and other relevant documents to support your visa application.
- Depending on the visa type, you may need specific qualifications or experience related to your job.
Required Documents for Work Visa:
The specific documents may vary depending on the type of visa and the South Korean consulate, but generally include:
- Completed Visa Application Form:
- Obtain it from the South Korean visa portal or the consulate.
- Valid Passport:
- Must have at least six months of validity and sufficient blank pages.
- Passport-sized Photograph:
- Generally 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, taken recently with a white background.
- Employment Contract:
- A signed contract between you and the South Korean employer outlining the terms of employment.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (from your employer):
- This document is issued by your employer to confirm that they are sponsoring your visa.
- Educational Certificates:
- Proof of relevant qualifications or degrees (may need to be notarized and apostilled).
- Criminal Record Check:
- You might need to provide a criminal background check from your home country (usually for E-2 visa and some other categories).
- Medical Examination Certificate:
- Some work visas, like the E-2, require a medical check-up to ensure you meet health standards.
- Visa Application Fee:
- Varies by visa type and nationality (typically $50 to $100 USD).
Application Process:
- Step 1: Job Offer: Secure a job in South Korea and ensure that the employer provides all necessary supporting documents (e.g., Certificate of Sponsorship).
- Step 2: Submit Application: Submit your visa application along with the required documents to the South Korean embassy or consulate in your country.
- Step 3: Wait for Processing: Processing times vary, but it typically takes 5 to 15 business days.
- Step 4: Visa Issuance: Once approved, you’ll receive the visa in your passport. You’ll then be able to enter South Korea to start your employment.
Alien Registration Card (ARC):
- After arriving in South Korea, you must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at a local immigration office within 90 days of your arrival. The ARC is your primary form of identification and will be needed for various tasks such as opening a bank account or obtaining a phone contract.
Visa Extension and Renewal:
- If your contract is extended or if you need to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension through the immigration office before your visa expires.
Key Considerations:
- Language Requirement: Some work visas, especially for teaching positions (E-2), may require proof of language proficiency (e.g., native speaker for language teaching).
- Sponsorship Requirement: Your employer is your sponsor for most E-series visas and must file relevant documents with the Ministry of Justice.