The South Korea Visitor Employment (H-2) Visa allows foreign nationals from designated countries to live and work in South Korea for a limited time. This visa is ideal for individuals seeking temporary employment in sectors such as agriculture, construction, or manufacturing. If you’re interested in working in South Korea on a short-term basis, the H-2 visa offers the opportunity to gain work experience while exploring the country. To apply, it’s important to meet the specific eligibility requirements and understand the application process.
- The Visitor Employment (H-2) is for Chinese Korean citizens seeking to enter South Korea for a work visit.
- This visa system allows applicants to submit their names in advance for consideration.
- The number of visas issued is limited, and recipients are chosen through methods like computerized lottery. An Entry visa is not issued straight away even if your application is received.
- The selection process is done through a computerised visa lottery depending on the immigration needs at the time.
Application Process
The application process for obtaining an H-2 visa involves several steps:
- Visa Acquisition: Eligible workers can apply for the H-2 visa at South Korean diplomatic missions abroad or change their status while in Korea through immigration services.
- Completion of Employment Training: Workers must undergo training related to their prospective job roles.
- Job Application: After training, workers can apply for jobs through employment centers or independently.
- Employment Declaration: Employers are required to declare the commencement of employment within 14 days of hiring an H-2 worker.
Rights and Protections
H-2 visa holders enjoy protections under South Korean labor laws equivalent to those afforded to local workers. This includes rights related to wages, working hours, and workplace safety. Additionally, these workers may invite family members depending on their employment duration in South Korea.
How long can an H-2 visa holder stay in South Korea
H-2 visa holders in South Korea can initially stay for a period of up to three years. This duration is specifically for those engaged in work and visit activities as overseas Koreans from designated countries, including China and several former Soviet states.
Additionally, the H-2 visa can be extended for an additional two years, allowing a total potential stay of up to five years if all conditions are met. However, it’s important to note that extensions require compliance with specific regulations, including the declaration of employment commencement by the employer.
Can H-2 visa holders bring their families to South Korea
H-2 visa holders in South Korea can bring their families under certain conditions. Specifically, they can apply for an F-1 visa, which allows their spouse and minor children to accompany them. This visa does not require the family members to be of Korean ethnicity, making it accessible for families of H-2 visa holders regardless of nationality.
Key Points about Family Accompaniment:
- Eligible Family Members: Spouses and minor children of H-2 visa holders can apply for the F-1 visa.
- Visa Application: The application for the F-1 visa can be made without needing a visa issuance certificate, simplifying the process for families wishing to join H-2 workers in South Korea2.
- Work Restrictions: Family members holding the F-1 visa are generally not permitted to work in South Korea.
Overall, while H-2 visa holders can bring their immediate family members to South Korea, those family members will have limited rights regarding employment.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to South Korea straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a South Korea D-10 Visa or a South Korea C-3 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the South Korea. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
