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NEWS LETTER

[Immigration News] Overseas Korean Status Consolidation Policy

Date : 2026-03-05

Effective February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Justice will implement the Overseas Korean Status Consolidation Policy, applying the same standards for all countries.

 

1️ The two different visas for overseas Koreans will be consolidated into the Overseas Korean (F-4) visa.

 

2️ F-4 visa holders will be eligible to work in a broader range of occupations.

 

3️ Benefits will be provided to individuals with high Korean proficiency or outstanding volunteer records

 

Effective February 12, 2026, the Ministry of
Justice will implement ‘Overseas Korean

Status Consolidation Policy,’ applying

the same standards for all countries.

The two different visas for overseas Koreans will be consolidated into the
Overseas Korean (F-4) visa.


1    Same Standards for All Countries

The period of stay (up to 3 years) will
be granted based on Korean language

proficiency and the enrollment/completion
of the Korea Immigration & Integration
Program (KIIP).

2    Issuance of Overseas Korean (F-4) Visa

Current Work and Visit (H-2) visa holders may change
their visa status to F-4 visa by submitting a ‘Consolidated
Application Form.’

※ Online Application is available via Hi, Korea
(www.hikorea.go.kr).


Individuals with a criminal record involving
murder, rape, drugs, or voice phishing are
ineligible for the F-4 visa.

● Required Document: F-4 Consolidated Application Form

(Report Form)

● Processing Fee: waived until December 31, 2027

(The Domestic Residence Report issuance fee is not waived)

※ Additional documents may be required during processing


Please note

● Issuance of Work and Visit (H-2) visa will be suspended.

● Current H-2 visa holders may remain in Korea until their allowed period of stay expires.

2  F-4 visa holders will be eligible to work in a broader range of occupations.

F-4 visa fiolders will now be able to engage in 10 occupations tfiat were previously restricted.


10Newly

Permitted Occupations

construction
laborer

manual labeling
laborer

mining
laborer

gas station
attendant

loading/unloading
laborer

store shelf
stocker

loading/
unloading laborer

(miscellaneous types)

parking
attendant

manual packaging
laborer

vending machine
attendant

※ The number of occupations restricted for F-4 visa holders will be reduced from 47 to 37.

Benefits will be provided to individuals with high Korean proficiency or
outstanding volunteer records.

Individuals wfio demonstrate fiigfi Korean language proficiency or an outstanding record of 
volunteer
work will be eligible for relaxed income requirements* wfien applying for Permanent Resident (F-5) 
visa.

* High Korean language proficiency (completed KIIP level 5): at least 70% of the previous year’s 
GNI per capita.

Volunteer work experience of 100 or more hours within the previous 6 months: at least 80% of the 
previous year’s GNI per capita.

For more information                                                                                
                                         


Immigration Contact Center
under the Ministry of Justice

(Call               , without area code;
interpretation available)

Hi, Korea website

www.hikorea.go.kr

Korea Immigration Service

www.immigration.go.kr

Overseas Korean Residency
Support Centers designated
by   the Ministry of Justice

(23 locations nationwide)