Officials (A2) Eligible Applicants o People who plan to fulfill official duties or attend international conferences.
Required Items
o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of official passport and identification card (remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card, documents pertaining to legal status, and Diplomatic ID o There is no visa fee o Temporary duty order, statement of employment or official letter from Foreign Minister or an international organization to certify his or her status (a clear statement declaring that he/she is on official duty must be included in the letter).
* if, however, an individual wishes to fulfill his/her diplomatic duty with a general passport, the individual and his/her family members would still be included in this category.
Temporary Press Coverage Visa (C-1) Eligible Applicants o People dispatched by foreign newspapers, broadcasting networks, magazines, etc who plan to collect news material for a short period of time. o People who have contracts with foreign media outlets and plan to collect news material for a short period of time. o People who plan to stay in Korea for a short period to establish branches of foreign media outlets(to stay after a branch is set up, an application for a D-5 visa should be made).
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Cdn $33.00 visa fee o Additional items required for this type of visa: - Certificate of employment or copy of foreign press identification
Eligible Applicants o People who plan to establish a branch of a foreign corporation or foreign-invested corporation. o Self-employed people who wish to do market research with regard to purchasing items in Korea. o People who are invited by Korean public or private organizations as consultants or contract workers. o People who are in export/import businesses related to machinery or who need to come to Korea to learn about machinery installation, repair, inspection, and operation (but not people who are paid for installation and inspection, etc.)
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Flight itinerary issued by a travel agency or an airline. (Applicants are advised not to purchase their tickets until their visas are approved) o Cdn $33.00 visa fee o Additional items required for this type of visa: - Letter on company letterhead indicating: o Information about the applicant(e.g. period of employment and position) o Nature of business activities in Korea(in detail) o Intended period of stay o Contact person in Korea and their complete address and phone number - Letter of invitation from a Korean company - Other documents to support the application if available. For example: o Trade record with the Korean host company -export and import licenses, contract, letter describing the purpose of the business trip, import/export documents,etc o Documents related to the establishment of the Korean host company: copy of the business registration, tax statements, etc.
**Please Note: Multiple-entry visas can be issued to nationals of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, The United States, and Uzbekistan. Please contact the Consulate for details. (Visa fee is different).
Eligible Applicants o People who plan to stay as short-term visitors for reasons such as tourism, transit, visiting relatives, attending conferences, culture and art, general training religious ceremonies, etc (but not for the purpose of making profit)
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Flight itinerary issued by a travel agency or an airline. (Applicants are advised not to purchase their tickets until their visas are approved) o Cdn $33.00 visa fee o Additional items required for this type of visa: A. For short-term travellers: o Documents proving the purpose of the tour or visit, including a detailed plan for the visit, with the application date and applicant's signature at the bottom o Invitation letter or letter of personal reference o Documents proving financial ability to cover expenses in Korea (i.e. a bank statement) B. For short-term visitors for general training and university studies: o Letter of admission o Certificate from the most recent school attended o Documents proving financial ability to cover expenses in Korea (i.e. a bank statement)
Eligible Applicants o People who plan to stay for 90 days or less with the intention of profiting from commercials, fashion modeling, lectures, research, the instruction of new technology, etc.
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Flight itinerary issued by a travel agency or an airline. (Applicants are advised not to purchase their tickets until their visas are approved) o Cdn $33.00 visa fee o Additional items required for this type of visa: A. For general short-term employment: o Employment contract o Recommendation of employment certificate issued by the relevant minister o Personal reference letter B. For short-term teaching of foreign languages: (Click here for related information in Korean) o Employment contract o Letter of invitation o Copy of the employer's business registration o Copy of company's certificate of registration as a continuing education facility ("Pyeong-saeng Gyo-yuk Si-seol deung-nok-jeung") o Camp or teaching schedule o Original university degree o Sealed university transcript o Police Certificate (Click here for more information) *Please note that a Police Certificate is not required to be notarized, but sealed. For example, see http://vancouver.ca/police/clearances
** Please Note: Applicants with a degree from a university outside of Canada must submit a copy of their degree notarized by a notary public or a lawyer.
Eligible Applicants o People who plan to attend regular education courses(bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program) at college, university or graduate school for more than 3 months o Please note that people planning to study for less than 3 months should refer to the C-3 visa section.
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Flight itinerary issued by a travel agency or an airline. (Applicants are advised not to purchase their tickets until their visas are approved) o Cdn $55.00 visa fee (Cdn $88.00 for multiple visa) o Additional items required for this type of visa: o Certificate of admission issued by the president of the college or university; the certificate should include the student's scholastic information and financial status (applicant's signature required) o Certificate from the most recent school attended (school letters or transcripts allowed) o Reference documents which prove the applicant's financial ability to cover expenses in Korea(i.e. a bank statement with a balance of more than USD $10,000) o Documents proving that research activity will be undertaken(for study in particular fields)
Eligible Applicants o People who plan to study Korean language at a language institute attached to a university o People who plan to learn skills or study technology at a national or public research organization o Please note that people planning to stay for less than 3 months should refer to the C-3 visa section
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Flight itinerary issued by a travel agency or an airline. (Applicants are advised not to purchase their tickets until their visas are approved) o Cdn $55.00 visa fee o Additional items required for this type of visa: A. For study of Korean language at a language institute attached to a college or university, or for college or university exchange program: o Letter of admission o Documents proving financial ability to cover expenses in Korea (certificate of remittance or money exchange for more than USD $3,000 OR documents regarding an academic exchange agreement between the colleges or universities) o A letter of personal reference is required if an applicant cannot prove the ability to pay necessary travel and living expenses, including school fees, or if the Justice Minister deems it particularly necessary B. For Other Cases: o Please Contact the Consulate
Eligible Applicants o A person who is dispatched to a chapter registered in Korea by the foreign religious body or social welfare organization o A person who is dispatched to the related Korean religious organization by the foreign religious body or social welfare organization. o A person who is engaged in missionary work or social welfare invited by medical or educational facilities operated by his or her belonging organization.*Except for those who are paid by these bodies or organizations: o A person who practices asceticism, trains or studies at a religious body recognized by a Korean religious body. o A person who is engaged only in social welfare invited by a Korean religious body or social welfare organization.
Required Items 1. Completed visa application form 2. One recent passport-type colour photo 3. Original and a photocopy of passport (remaining validity of at least 6 months) 4. For non-Canadians only: Original and a photocopy of Permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) 5. Cdn $55.00 visa fee 6. Visa Confirmation Number or Additional items required for this type of visa: o A warrant of detachment o A warrant duplicate of foundation for the religious body or social welfare program o Document proving support of expenses from the organization
Eligible Applicants o A person who has worked for the main office or branch of a foreign public institution, organization or other establishments of a company for more than a year. o A person who works by being dispatched as professional staff at the branch, office, subsidiary, supervising office of a foreign public institution in Korea or an interrelated company appointed by the Minister of Justice of Korea.
Required Items 1. Completed visa application form 2. One recent passport-type colour photo 3. Original and a photocopy of passport (remaining validity of at least 6 months) 4. For non-Canadians only: Original and a photocopy of Permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) 5. Cdn $55.00 visa fee 6. Visa Confirmation Number or Additional items required for this type of visa: o A dispatch warrant or a certificate of incumbency o A copy of a branch office or liaison office installation permit o Documented evidence of business fund importation or record of a business plan o Annual tax payment certificate
Eligible Applicants o A person who desires to engage in the administrative management of a foreign investment company prescribed by the “Foreign Investment Promotion Act.”
The Foreign Investment Promotion Act-Investment by a Foreigner (Foreign investor promotion law section 2 article 1)
o Possessing stocks or shares of the corporation or the company in question with the purpose of establishing continuous economic relationship with the corporation or the company in concern such as participating in administrative activities of the ROK company or the company operated by an ROK national o A loan of 5 years or longer where the overseas parent company or the company in a capital investment relationship with the parent company makes the loan to a foreign investment company in concern o Investment procedure: The foreigner who wishes to invest must report to the head of Korean Trade and Investment Promotion Agency or the head of foreign exchange bank in advance (foreign investor promotion law section 5-8, section 2-5 of the Ministerial Ordinance of same law) o Foreign investment by obtaining new stocks, etc (section 5 of the same law) o Foreign investment by obtaining stocks, etc (section 6 of the same law) o Obtaining stocks, etc due to merger, etc (section 7 of the same law) o Foreign investment by way of long term loan method (section 8 of the same law)
Required Items 1. Completed visa application form 2. One recent passport-type colour photo 3. Original and a photocopy of passport (remaining validity of at least 6 months) 4. For non-Canadians only: Original and a photocopy of Permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) 5. Cdn $55.00 visa fee 6. Visa Confirmation Number or Additional items required for this type of visa: o A dispatch warrant or a certificate of incumbency o A foreign investment report (a copy of register or business registration) or a copy of investment company registration
Eligible Applicants o An oversea trader who was given an ID number for trading business from the head of Korea Trading Association in accordance with overseas trading law and overseas trading control regulations.
*The overseas trader stands for one who performs the entire export-import activities or delegates part or all of such activities for the products, etc such as one who imports or exports, one who was given the power of attorney from the importer or exporter from a foreign company and one who delegates import-export (overseas trade law section 2 number 3).
o A person who desires to establish a company and manage or engage in a profit making business such as trading, etc. o A person who is dispatched to a public or private organization in Korea to provide technological guidance or supervision for installation, operation, repair of shipbuilding and industrial equipment (machine).
Required Items 1. Completed visa application form 2. One recent passport-type colour photo 3. Original and a photocopy of passport (remaining validity of at least 6 months) 4. For non-Canadians only: Original and a photocopy of Permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) 5. Cdn $55.00 visa fee 6. Visa Confirmation Number or Additional items required for this type of visa: o A dispatch warrant or a certificate of incumbency o A copy of register or business fund importation record or a copy of business plan o Annual tax payment certificate
o Be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language. (U.S.A, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland and South Africa only)
o Applicants must be a native speaker or have studied from the junior high level (7th grade) and resided for at least 10 years or more in the country where English is the primary language.
o Applicants must graduate and hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. A degree from a French-speaking university is not a sufficient qualification to teach English. A temporary degree or graduation letter from University is not acceptable.
o New Policy (Effective Dec 15, 2007)
1. All E2 visa applicants must have an interview at the Consulate General in Vancouver. 2. First- time E2 visa applicants must apply for their visas in their own countries
3. Any applicant who worked previously with an E1, E2, E3 visa in Korea without any illegal activities is exempt from an interview (subject to the Consulate's discretion) and can apply for an E2 visa in a third country.
※ For Visa Interview Appointment Process,click here
※ Starting February 11, 2008, the Korean Consulate in Vancouver will accept a Self-Introductory CD to lessen the burden of face-to-face interviews for those who live outside B.C. Therefore, non-B.C. residents such as those who live in AB, SK, Yukon, NWT can either have a face to face interview at the Korean Consulate in Vancouver OR submit a Self-Introductory CD when applying for an E-2 Visa. After reviewing the visa applicant's CD and application form, a Consul may contact the applicant for further questions if necessary. Please note that the Korean Consulate in Vancouver will NOT return this CD to the visa applicant. *The Korean Consulate reserves the right to conduct face-to-face interviews if necessary. *This option is NOT for those who live outside Canada.
* Click here for more information on what to present on the CD and how to burn a CD.
Required Items
o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Cdn $55.00 visa fee o Non-mandatory documents: Resume and Language Certificate(i.e.TESOL or TEASL Certificate) or a copy of it can be enclosed with the visa application if applicable.
o Additional items required for this type of visa: A. For individuals with visa issuance confirmation numbers: o Visa issuance confirmation number(Click here for details) (clearly stated on top of the visa application form) o Sealed university transcript (required for verification purposes)
B. For instructors invited by the Ministry of Education: ※ Visa interview is exempt in most cases. If necessary, the Korean Consulate will contact individually. o Original university degree o Sealed university transcript o Original employment contract from the superintendent of Educational Affairs o Notice of appointment from the head of Gyowon University Training Centre or the superintendent of Educational Affairs o Police Certificate orCriminal Record Check (Click here for details) (If not available, the photocopy of Police Certificate or Criminal Record Check notarized by the Korean Consulate will also be accepted.)
Eligible Applicants o People with visa issuance confirmation numbers
Sponsors of visa applicants may submit relevant visa documents to the Ministry of Justice in Korea on behalf of their prospective employees. After the submitted documents have been reviewed and approved by the Ministry, visa issuance confirmation numbers are given to the applicants. Once applicants obtain the numbers, they may bring the below documents to the nearest Korean embassy or consulate to receive the visa. However, it is important to note that the Consulate may request additional documents for verification purposes.
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card o Cdn $55.00 visa fee o Visa issuance confirmation number
**Please Note: people wishing to apply for the types of visas listed below must apply for visa issuance confirmation numbers.
Professor (E-1) o People who are qualified according to the 'Higher Education Act' standards and wish to teach at educational facilities.
Long-term Teaching of a foreign Language (E-2) o Please refer to the previous section for details.
Research (E-3) o People who are invited by public or private institutions in Korea to engage in the field of natural science or in high technology research and development.
Technological Guidance (E-4) o People in public or private organizations who offer special technology or expertise in natural sciences/high-technology fields, or people who offer special technology or expertise not available in Korea.
Profession (E-5) o Professionals who are certified abroad in the fields of law, accounting, medicine, or other areas approved by Korean law and who plan to work in such areas within Korean regulations.
Culture and Arts (E-6) o People who plan to work in the following areas for the purpose of making profit: music, art, literature, sports, entertainment (e.g. acting, musical performances), advertisements, fashion modelling.
Specially-designated Activities (E-7) o People who have contracts with public or private Korean organizations to work in areas specially designated by the Minister of Justice. o Please see the E-2 visa section for requirements.
Visa to visit and stay with family (F-1~F-3) o Please note: Those who wish to apply for the below types of visas should contact the Consulate for details.
Visit and Stay with Family (F-1) o Those who wish to visit and stay with family; Children or spouses of F-2 visa holders; Adopted children who formerly had Korean citizenship. o Please see the C-3 visa section for requirements.
Residency (F-2) o Spouses of Korean nationals or spouses of permanent residents(F-5 visa holders)
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Original and a photocopy of Marriage Certificate o A photocopy of spouse’s valid passport and permanent Resident Card (or documents pertaining to legal status) o Flight itinerary issued by a travel agency or an airline. (Applicants are advised not to purchase their tickets until their visas are approved) o Cdn $33.00 visa fee o Documents proving the purpose of the tour or visit, including a detailed plan for the visit, with the application date and applicant's signature at the bottom o Invitation letter or letter of personal reference o Documents proving financial ability to cover expenses in Korea(i.e. a bank statement)
Family dependants (F-3) o Spouses or unmarried children under 20 of people with the following types of visas: Culture/Art(D-1), Study(D-2), General Training(D-4), Religious Work(D-6), Intra-company Transfer(D-7), Treaty Investment(D-8), Treaty Trade(D-9), Professor(E-1), Foreign Language Teaching(E-2), Research(E-3), Technological Guidance(E-4), Profession(E-5), Arts/Entertainment(E-6), Specially-Designated Activities(E-7)
For those who will stay less than 3months, see the information listed below:
Required Items
o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card (work-permit or study-permit document) o Flight itinerary issued by a travel agency or an airline. (Applicants are advised not to purchase their tickets until their visas are approved) o Cdn $33.00 visa fee o Copy of marriage certificate
For those have a visa issuance number (longer than 3months):
Required Items
o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o For non-Canadians only: original and a photocopy of permanent Resident Card o Cdn $55.00 visa fee o Visa issuance confirmation number
Eligible Applicants o Foreign citizens who previously possessed ROK citizenship(they must have renounced their ROK citizenship.) o Foreign citizens with at least one parent or grandparent who possessed ROK citizenship in the past but who currently is a citizen of another country
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o Cdn $88.00 visa fee o Additional items required for this type of visa: A. For foreign citizens who previously possessed ROK citizenship: o Canadian citizenship certificate of the applicant (letter-sized document) o Canadian citizenship certificates(letter-sized document) or permanent residency documents(card) of the applicant's parents o Recent copy of the family register("je jeok deung bon" previously called "ho jeok deung bon") proving the applicant's citizenship has been renounced
B. For foreign citizens with at least one parent or grandparent who possessed ROK citizenship in the past but who currently is the citizen of another country: o Original birth certificate issued by a foreign country(the names of the applicant's parents must be stated) o Recent copy of the family resister("je jeok deung bon" previously called "ho jeok deung bon") proving that a parent or grandparent of the applicant was a Korean citizen o Documents showing the reason and date the parent or grandparent gained foreign citizenship(i.e. a letter-sized citizenship certificate)
* Please note that the Family Relation Certificate (ga jok gwan gye jeung- myung suh) and the Basic Certificate (gi bon jeung myung suh) can be submitted instead of "je jeok deung bon" or "ho jeok deung bon".
* "je jeok deung bon" and the documents underlined above are issued from the municipal government known as "Dong sa moo so" in Korea.
*Important information for F-4 visa applications and other people of Korean heritage:
o Military Service Among dual citizenship holders who were born outside Korea but whose names were included on their family register("ho jeok deung bon"), only those who have renounced their Korean citizenship can apply for F-4 visas. Men aged 18 to 35 who did not renounce Korean citizenship before they reached 18 cannot renounce their Korean citizenship unless: 1) they have an exemption from military service, or 2) they complete their military service.
* Please note that men aged 24 to 35 who did not renounce Korean citizenship before the age of 18 should apply at the Consulate for an extension of military service(required in order to travel to Korea for a short period). For details, please contact the Consulate.
o Entry, Departure, and Residency in Korea
For people who obtain F-4 status, preferential treatment is granted as follows: o A stay of up to two years is permitted and the period of stay can be extended through an application process. o It is possible to engage in almost all employment activities, excluding unskilled manual labour and speculation activities. However, in order to work in certain regulated professions, individuals must qualify in the relevant area(law, medicine, etc.), in accordance with Korean laws. o It is not necessary to complete the alien registration process if the F-4 visa holder reports domestic residency to a Korean immigration office.
The Working Holiday Program(WHP) was created under the mutual cooperation and establishment of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Republic of Korea and 7 participating countries(Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, and United States, Germany) with the purpose of providing opportunities to individuals from each respective country to travel to Korea, while allowing them to earn and save money through short-term employment. Stays of up to 1 year (multiple visas) are permitted for Canadian working holiday visa recipients.
Eligible Applicants o Canadians (between ages 18 and 30 at the time of visa issuance) currently residing in Canada ONLY can apply for visas at a Korean Embassy or Consulate in Canada. Dependent family members of H1 visa applicant cannot be accompanied.
Ineligibility o Individuals of the WHP cannot engage in the following job categories that are against the spirit of the WHP agreement or national laws:
-Adult entertainment-related businesses -Dancer, singer, musician or acrobat -Requiring specific license or skills, such as in the field of medical practices, lawyer, professor, pilot, etc. -Foreign language instruction(if an individual desires to work as a foreign language instructor after their arrival in Korea under WHP, the individual will required to change their visa status to E-2 at the local immigration office); and -Related to journalism, religion, academic research, or instruction of engineering-related technical skills. -Those who desire to take training or educational course in pursuit of an academic degree other than a Korean language training course will be required to apply for a student visa (D2). -Those whose main objectives for visiting Korea are not travel, but solely to seek employment, will be ineligible to participate in WHP.
Required Items o Completed visa application form o One recent passport-type colour photo o Original and a photocopy of passport(remaining validity of at least 6 months) o Return flight ticket o Travel itinerary and travel plan(specify details) o Documents, such as a bank statement, proving that the applicant has the ability to cover travel and living expenses for the first 3 months of the stay o Certificate from the most recent school attended(school letters or transcripts allowed) o Employment letter including references o Resume and cover letter (if applicable) o Police Certificate issued within recent 3 months (Click here for more info) *Please note that a Police Certificate is not required to be notarized, but sealed. o A complete physical examination performed by a physician within recent 3 months including a chest X-ray, urinalysis, blood test, and HIV test. o Cdn $88.00 visa fee
After receiving an H1 visa o If H-1 visa holders stay in Korea more than 90 days, they must submit an application for foreign registration(http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/index.html) to the head of the local immigration office or branch within 90 days of entry.
o If H-1 visa holders want to change their place of residence, they need to report their new address to the head of the local immigration office, branch office or the new city/municipal/county office within 14 days of relocation
: Jan 14, 1963
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