South Korea work visa

From Dream to Reality: South Korea Work Visas Simplified

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Your Six-Step Work Visa Journey

Navigate the South Korea work visa process with confidence through our comprehensive, guided approach.

1. Work Visa Pre-Qualification
VisaHQ’s first step is a thorough pre-qualification assessment to determine your eligibility for a South Korea work visa. Our platform then generates a customized document detailing your qualifications, which you can attach to your resume when applying for jobs. This document demonstrates to potential employers that you have already taken important steps toward obtaining a visa, making you a more attractive candidate.
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2. Free Consultation with an Immigration Specialist
As part of our commitment to guiding you every step of the way, VisaHQ offers a free consultation with a dedicated immigration specialist. During this session, you can discuss your unique circumstances, clarify any questions about visa requirements, and gain a solid understanding of the overall application process. This personalized advice helps you make informed decisions and feel confident about your path forward.
3. Seamless Documentation & Application Support
VisaHQ transforms the challenging documentation process into a smooth, stress-free experience. Our experts assist you in preparing a comprehensive application package tailored specifically to South Korea’s detailed immigration requirements. We guide you through assembling key documents—including your employment contract, authenticated academic credentials, criminal background checks, and necessary Korean translations. With clear instructions, personalized checklists, and proactive support every step of the way, VisaHQ ensures accuracy, completeness, and compliance—accelerating your path toward visa approval.
4. Expert Submission & Employer Coordination
VisaHQ fully manages your application submission, closely coordinating with your South Korean employer to secure the vital Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI). We streamline communication between you, your employer, and Korean immigration officials, ensuring your application meets all requirements, deadlines, and local guidelines—saving you time, preventing costly mistakes, and positioning your case for quick approval.
5. Reliable, Stress-Free Approval
VisaHQ’s meticulous attention to detail significantly boosts your approval chances. Once the Korean Immigration Authority issues your CCVI, we swiftly coordinate its delivery directly to you. With VisaHQ handling every crucial detail, you can have total peace of mind knowing your visa approval is managed by seasoned professionals.
6. Comprehensive Consular Support
We don’t stop until you’re fully ready to start your new chapter in South Korea. VisaHQ arranges your appointment with the nearest Korean consulate, prepares you for any required consulate visits, ensures all documentation is perfect, and supports you every step of the way until your visa is securely in your passport.

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Get personalized assistance throughout your entire visa application process

End-to-End Immigration Support

From strategy to submission—your application, expertly managed.
Our full-service immigration plan offers structured, consultant-guided support for every step of your journey. From the initial strategy session to delivering a complete, signature-ready application, VisaHQ ensures every detail is covered with care and precision.

What’s Included:

Pre-qualification report in PDF format for all work visa types you may be eligible for. You may attach this report to your resume when applying for jobs.
Kickoff consultation with a dedicated Immigration Consultant
Signature-ready application package, fully reviewed by our Immigration Department
Certified document translation, if needed
Comprehensive review of all supporting materials
Application walkthrough and submission prep with your Consultant
All required immigration forms completed on your behalf
Packet printing and secure shipping to the appropriate authority
Real-time support via online chat throughout your process
Guidance and support from our Immigration Department if additional evidence is requested by authorities

Benefits of the Pre-Qualification Document

Attach pre-qualification document to your CV / Resume: Boost your application by providing employers with immediate clarity on your visa eligibility, improving your chances of standing out from the competition.
Pre-qualification report in PDF format for all work visa types you may be eligible for. You may attach this report to your resume when applying for jobs.
Family Visa Options: Discover which visa pathways are available for your family members, ensuring they can accompany you if necessary.
Credited Assessment Fee: If you later decide to apply for your work visa through VisaHQ, the fee you paid for the assessment will be credited towards your case.
Employer Confidence: Provide assurance to potential employers by answering their key questions about your visa process upfront.

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VisaHQ vs. Immigration Lawyer

VisaHQ	Immigration Lawyer
35+ countries with work visa programs are available for pre-qualification	An Immigration attorney would normally specialize in 1 country
Compare your chances of getting all available work visa types to multiple countries and select the easiest path	Immigration attorney would only assist with 1 possible country
Up to 70 different visa types, scenarios, and special programs for each country are analyzed for possible matches	Immigration lawyers would usually specialize in 2-3 most profitable and streamlined schemes they choose to focus on
VisaHQ will present you with a clear path forward, list of specific requirements, filing fees, and processing times	Immigration lawyers would normally avoid the full transparency and bring you along one step at a time after you commit to the process
VisaHQ is fully transparent with all filing fees and service fees upfront	An immigration lawyer would normally charge by the hour and would add various fees along the way
24/7 Support available via chat, phone, or email, regardless of what country you live in	Very few immigration lawyers provide continuing on demand support. Getting in touch may be challenging

Why Choose VisaHQ's Pre-Qualification?

Including this assessment with your resume when applying for international jobs greatly boosts your employability. It shows employers you are proactive and well-informed, easing concerns about the challenges of hiring a foreign candidate. Additionally, it helps employers plan ahead for both costs and timelines.

Visa Types We Support

Tourism & Business

Tourist visa
Business visa

Work & Immigration

Work visa pre-qualification
Immigration pre-qualification
Dependant visa for skilled workers
Family visa
Work visa

Frequently Asked Questions about Work Visa

What types of work permits are available for U.S. citizens moving to Korea?

U.S. citizens can apply for various types of work permits in Korea, including the E-2 visa for teaching English, the E-1 for professors, the E-3 for researchers, and the D-8 for business investors, among others.
What are the basic requirements to apply for a work permit in Korea?

Basic requirements typically include a valid passport, a job offer from a Korean employer, relevant qualifications (such as degrees or certificates), and proof of work experience. Additional documents may vary based on the specific type of visa.
How long does it take to process a work permit application for Korea?

The processing time for work permit applications generally ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, but it may vary depending on the type of visa and the specific circumstances of your application.
Where can I apply for a work permit to Korea?

You can apply for a work permit through the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate in the United States, or your prospective employer in Korea can apply on your behalf through the Korean Immigration Service.
Do I need to provide a health certificate for my work permit application?

Yes, most applicants are required to submit a medical examination report or health certificate confirming that they are free from certain communicable diseases, as part of the work permit application process.
What is the validity period of a work permit in Korea?

Work permits in Korea are typically valid for one year; however, they can be renewed or extended depending on the employment situation and compliance with visa regulations.
Can my family accompany me while I am on a work permit in Korea?

Yes, family members can accompany you on dependent visas. However, they need to apply separately for their visas based on your work permit status.
Is there a language requirement for obtaining a work permit in Korea?

While there are no formal language requirements for all work permits, proficiency in Korean may be beneficial and sometimes required, depending on the job and employer. For E-2 visas, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency.
Are there any restrictions on changing jobs while on a work permit in Korea?

Yes, changing jobs while on a work permit can be complicated. You generally need to apply for a new work permit with your new employer, and doing so without proper procedures can jeopardize your visa status.
What happens if my work permit expires while I am in Korea?

If your work permit expires while you are in Korea, you must leave the country immediately unless you have applied for an extension or change of visa status prior to expiration. Overstaying can result in penalties or bans on future entry.