Three Main Ways to Apply for a Korean Visa

If you’re planning to live, work, or study in Korea, one of your first steps will be securing the right visa. While the process may seem straightforward, Korean immigration procedures can be complex—especially for those who are new to the system. In general, there are three main ways to apply for a Korean visa, each with its own procedures, advantages, and restrictions. 1. Apply Directly at a Korean Consulate (Outside of Korea) This is the most traditional method of obtaining a Korean visa. The applicant—also known as the invitee—prepares all the necessary documents and submits them directly to a Korean Consulate or Embassy in their home country (or in a country where they are legally residing). The consulate reviews the application and either approves or rejects the visa. If approved, the visa will be issued as one paper document, called “Visa Grant Notice”. Important note: Not all visa types can be applied directly at a consulate. Certain long-term or specialized visas—such as investor or specific work visas—require pre-approval from Korean immigration before the consulate can issue them. Processing times can vary significantly depending on the consulate and the type of visa requested. 2. Apply Through the Certificate of Visa Issuance Confirmation (Pre-Approval in Korea) This is the most common and recommended route, according to the Korean Immigration Office. In this process, the inviter (such as a Korean company, school, or family member) applies on behalf of the applicant at the immigration office inside Korea. Here’s how it works: The inviter submits all required forms and supporting documents to the immigration office in Korea. Once approved, immigration issues a Certificate of Visa Issuance Confirmation Number (often just called a “pre-approval number”). The invitee then takes this number to a Korean Consulate outside Korea, along with their passport and other required documents. The consulate reviews the pre-approval and finalizes the visa issuing a Visa Grant Notice. Advantages of the pre-approval method: Faster and more predictable processing at the consulate, since immigration in Korea has already reviewed the case. Required for many long-term visas (e.g., work visas, spouse visas, certain study visas). 3. Apply for a Change of Status (Inside Korea) A Change of Status means you arrive in Korea with one type of visa (or sometimes no visa if your country has a visa waiver agreement) and then apply at the Korean immigration office to switch to a different visa type. For example, someone who enters Korea as a tourist might later change to a D-8 investor visa or a D-7 intra-company transfer visa, provided they meet eligibility requirements. Things to keep in mind: Only a limited number of visa categories are eligible for Change of Status. Nationals from countries without a visa waiver agreement must first enter Korea with a valid short-term visa before applying for a change. Immigration will carefully review whether you meet the requirements for the new visa type. Which Method Should You Use? If your visa type requires pre-approval, Method #2 is usually your only option. If your visa type allows it and you have all the documents ready, Method #1 can work—but may be slower or less predictable. Method #3 is useful for those already in Korea who meet eligibility requirements, but it’s only available for certain visa types. Final Tip: Visa rules in Korea change regularly, and consulates may have slightly different requirements. Always check the latest guidelines from the Korea Immigration Service or the nearest Korean Consulate before starting your application. If you have a sponsor in Korea, coordinate closely to ensure your paperwork is accurate and complete. With the right approach, getting your Korean visa doesn’t have to be stressful—you just need to choose the method that best fits your situation.