h2 visa in korea is a work visa. It can be issued to foreign nationals over the age of 18 who are citizens of China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine to work in certain industries.
If you register as a foreigner in the H-2 status, you can stay in the country for up to three years, with the possibility of extending your stay if you meet certain requirements. If you want to work in the country, you can work in the permitted industries in the casual labor sector after registering as a foreigner and applying for employment training and job search.
However, in order to obtain this visa, you must address the following issues.
1. Health and medical exams
As part of the South Korea H2 visa application process, you will be required to undergo a health and medical examination, including a test for communicable diseases.You will need to ensure that you meet the health requirements set by the South Korean government.
2. Background check and criminal record
These are common submissions for the South Korea H2 visa. You will be required to submit a criminal background check document.
3. Demonstrate Korean language proficiency
You must provide documentation of your ability to speak Korean at least communicatively.
The H2 visa application process can be time-consuming to plan and prepare for, and there is a high probability of unforeseen issues arising during the alien registration and job search after arrival. South Korea’s immigration laws and regulations are subject to change from time to time, and it can be difficult to stay up to date, especially for foreigners. Policy changes may affect visa eligibility criteria, application procedures, or documentation requirements, requiring additional research and preparation.
At Dongjul, we work with local Korean officials to ensure that you are on the right track to obtaining your H2 visa in korea. Many foreigners have difficulties with the visa process in Korea because they don’t understand the legal procedures. Our certified Korean experts can help you avoid any problems with your visa application.
H2 visa in korea details
[Detailed Status of Residence]
- H-2-1 (Relative Visitor)
Foreign nationals who are 25 years of age or older and have a strong connection to Korea. - H-2-2 (International Student Family Visitor)
Parents and spouses of foreign nationals over the age of 25 who are invited by their children who are enrolled in D-2 (study abroad) status for at least one semester. - H-2-3 (Voluntary Returnee)
Those who have voluntarily returned to the United States and reentered the country - H-2-4 (Visiting employment after training)
Employed as an industrial technical trainee and left the country after expiration of employment - H-2-5 (Lottery Visitor Employment)
Chinese and former Soviet Union (CIS) applicants who are foreign nationals over the age of 25 who are selected by lottery after pre-application for visitor employment - H-2-6 (Change of status)
Change of status after training with an unrelated compatriot - H-2-7 (Expiration Visitor)
A foreign national who is 25 years of age or older and who is under 60 years of age on the date of complete departure from the United States - H-2-99 (Other)
Those who have other reasons after 3 months in F-1 (Visitor) status
Common Documents
Proof of Korean language proficiency
- -Social integration program pre-assessment score sheet (21 points or more)
- Social Integration Program Training Certificate (Level 1 or higher)
- Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) transcript (Level 1 or above)
- Certificate of completion of Sejong Academy (Beginner 1B course or above) https://www.iksi.or.kr/lms/main/main.do
- Certificate of completion of Korean language course (level 2 or above) from the Korean Language Institute of the Ministry of Education
Overseas criminal background certificate
- (China) Considering that the issuing organization, form, and name are not uniform, “any document equivalent to a criminal background certificate (including a copy issued by a police station)” is accepted.
- (U.S.) In principle, a criminal background certificate from the FBI Headquarters (issued directly by the applicant or through a channel authorized by the FBI) is required, but a criminal background certificate issued by a state government is also accepted if it includes criminal history throughout the United States.
You must register as an alien first.
Compatriots who entered the U.S. on a visitor work visa must register as an alien within 90 days from the date of entry by submitting the following documents to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (office or branch) in charge of the place of stay.
Passport, one natural color photograph (taken within 6 months), Alien Registration Application Form, fee, and certificate of completion of the Early Adaptation Program training
Medical examination
- If you are a visitor worker (H2 visa), submit a medical certificate issued by a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice at the time of alien registration.
- The scope of employment activities for H-2 status holders are as follows
- Agriculture, fishing, mining, manufacturing, and construction
- Limited service industries
The procedure for working in the permitted industries is as follows.
- You can enter the country with an H-2 visitor visa, apply for employment training and job search*, and find a job, or you can find a job on your own. * Job applications are accepted in bulk at the Korea Employment Training Center.
This is the process of hiring your compatriot.
- If the employer is unable to hire a worker after 15 days of domestic recruitment efforts, the employer can apply to the Employment Support Center of the Ministry of Labor and Employment for a “Special Employability Certificate” – The employer can hire a compatriot within the scope of the permitted number of employees listed in the “Foreign Job Seekers List” of the Employment Support Center.
Who must report
H-2 visitor visa holders who have started employment in a permitted industry – H-2 visitor visa holders who have changed workplaces after starting employment
When to file
When you first start working ⇒ Within 15 days from the date you start working
End of the column
Understanding the H2 visa application process can be complicated, including the documents, forms, and procedures required. Navigating the Korean immigration system, which can have unique requirements and procedures, can be challenging for foreigners.
You don’t have to go it alone, and we recommend working with a local Korean expert to help you navigate the process.
Dongjul has partnered with an administrator who specializes in H2 visas in Korea and can help you with your visa issues. If you have any questions, you can reach out to us through our contact page. We look forward to hearing from you.