Visa Application
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been a consistent flux in immigration policies and visa application procedures.
The timelines and document requirements for visa applications vary depending on the month and nationality of the applicant, subjecting individuals to potential alterations and additional document requests by the immigration authorities.
These unpredictable changes can be particularly frustrating for individuals seeking to obtain a valid work visa in Korea.
Allow us to address and furnish comprehensive information on frequently asked questions pertaining to the visa application process in Korea.
Application process
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The predominant type of work visa sought and granted in Korea is the E7 visa. For individuals of non-Korean ethnicity or those not married to a Korean national, the E7 work visa is commonly pursued.
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In instances where individuals are currently employed in Korea and intend to change jobs or employers, they are required to submit a new visa application.
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E7 visas typically carry a validity period of 1 to 2 years, necessitating renewal at least 1 to 2 months prior to the expiration date.
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The standard timeline for visa application processing ranges from 6 to 10 weeks.
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The specific process for visa application varies depending on whether the applicant is currently residing in Korea or not. Below, we delineate the procedures for both scenarios.
The likelihood of visa approval by the immigration office is contingent upon several key factors:
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Nationality
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Type of job position (Technical roles often exhibit higher approval rates)
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Salary (Higher salaries generally correlate with greater approval prospects)
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Years of experience (A minimum of 5 years' experience is typically required)
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Educational background and relevant technical certifications (e.g., AIPCA, Law degree, IT certificates, etc.)
Quota
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In Korea, companies are subject to limitations on the number of visas they can apply for, posing challenges in securing a PEO/EOR service provider capable of facilitating work visas for foreign nationals. These constraints stem from quotas that are often filled, rendering them unable to submit further applications.
The quota system operates as follows:
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Typically, the number of visas a company can obtain depends on its type and size. A common guideline is that a company may employ 1 to 2 foreign nationals for every 10 Korean nationals they employ.
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Companies with highly technical business models or operations, where few Korean nationals possess the requisite skills, may be granted a higher percentage of visa approvals by the immigration office.
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