Overview of the A and G Series Visas: Diplomacy, Official Duty, and Other Categories

When you take out B, C, D, E, F, and H from Korea's Status of Stay (체류자격, your legal status to stay in Korea) alphabet system, what remains are the A series and G-1. A-1 is for Diplomacy, A-2 is for Official Duty, and A-3 is for activities under treaties signed with the Republic of Korea. G-1 is a status that temporarily manages exceptional situations that are hard to classify into any other category, such as industrial accidents, long-term medical treatment, lawsuits, unpaid wages, refugee applications, and crime damage. This document organizes A-1 to A-3 and the main sub-codes (세부코드, specific category codes) of G-1 in one place.

1. Before You Start

Things to Know First

This document is not legal advice and does not guarantee the issuance of a Visa (사증) or stay permission. In particular, G-1 is not a single general "humanitarian visa", but a Status of Stay that temporarily manages different reasons such as refugee applications, medical treatment, lawsuits, unpaid wages, industrial accidents, crime victims, and long-term staying child policies. Even within the same G-1, work, extensions, family, and changes of Status of Stay differ greatly depending on the sub-code.

The starting point for checking policies is the latest HiKorea integrated guide manual. This document was written based on the August 7, 2026 edition manual, the June 2026 Ministry of Justice Monthly Statistics Report, and the laws and official websites in effect as of August 28, 2026. Before your actual application, check your sub-code and required documents again with Immigration Contact Center 1345, the immigration office in charge, or a Korean diplomatic mission abroad.

1-Minute Summary

• If you exclude B, C, D, E, F, and H from the alphabet system in the current Ministry of Justice manual, the series to explain are A-1 to A-3 and G-1.
• A-1 is for Diplomacy, A-2 is for Official Duty, and A-3 is for activities under treaties with the Republic of Korea. They are not employment visas that ordinary job seekers choose.
• The Period of Stay (체류기간) for the A series is usually the term of office for diplomacy or official duty, or the period recognized by the treaty.
• Employment for A series family members is not automatically allowed. Some types require reciprocity, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommendation, or permission for activity outside your Status of Stay (체류자격외활동허가) from immigration.
• G-1 is an Other status recognized by the Minister of Justice for people who are hard to classify under other Status of Stay from A-1 to H-2. The upper limit for a single grant is 1 year in principle, but the actual permitted period may be shorter depending on the reason.
• G-1 is not a visa for ordinary job seeking, simple labor, or long-term settlement. It is mostly granted to people who have exceptional circumstances inside Korea. The main case applied for directly from abroad is G-1-10 for long-term medical treatment.
• Employment under G-1 is not automatic. In most cases, refugee applicants, humanitarian stay holders, and certain victims must also get permission for activity outside your Status of Stay (permission to do work outside your pre-approved activities) before working.
• Not all G-1 sub-codes shown in statistics are open programs that anyone can apply for. Some are temporary policies, internal administrative categories, or leftover codes from past systems.
• T-1 tourist landing appears as a separate symbol in statistics, but it is not an ordinary visa or Status of Stay application item; it is a landing permit (상륙허가, temporary permit to go ashore) for cruise tourists and others.

What This Document Covers and Does Not Cover

What It Covers

• A-1 Diplomacy, A-2 Official Duty, and A-3 Treaty
• G-1 Other and the main sub-codes currently confirmed
• Policies on refugees, long-term medical treatment, victim remedy, and long-term staying children that are often confused with G-1
• Employment, registration, extension, family, departure and re-entry, and rights for the A and G series
• Why T-1 and various landing permits shown in statistics are not ordinary visas

What It Does Not Cover

• B and C short-term stay, D study, training, investment, and intra-company transfer, E employment, F family, residence, overseas Korean, and permanent residence, and H working holiday and working visit (covered in the guide for each series)
• Republic of Korea nationality, naturalization, and nationality restoration procedures
• The entire body of international law on diplomatic privileges and immunities

Categories shown in statistics such as 'unqualified' or 'unknown' are also excluded because they are not visas you can apply for.

Visas, Status of Stay, Sub-Codes, and Landing Permits Are Different from Each Other

• Visa (사증): This is a document where a Korean diplomatic mission abroad approves a foreign national's entry application. Even if you receive a visa, final entry is decided at immigration inspection at an airport or seaport.
• Status of Stay: This is your purpose and scope of activities for staying inside Korea. A-1, A-2, A-3, and G-1 are legal Status of Stay.
• Sub-code: This is an administrative classification that manages the same G-1 by specific reason, such as G-1-5, G-1-10, and G-1-81. The law provides the single broad framework of G-1, but the actual review of work, extensions, and documents varies by specific reason.
• Landing permit: This is a separate system that permits crew members, emergency patients, shipwrecked persons, cruise tourists, and others to go ashore under limited conditions and periods. The latest Overview of the 2025 Annual Statistics Report on Immigration and Foreigner Policy also shows tourist landing T-1 as a statistical code, but individuals do not apply for this at a Korean diplomatic mission abroad like an ordinary tourist visa.

You can check the basic structure in the Immigration Act and the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act.

First Eligibility Selection Test

1. Is it an official mission for a foreign government, diplomatic mission, or international organization? Check whether A-1 or A-2 may apply.
2. Does a treaty between the Republic of Korea and a foreign government or international organization apply directly? Check whether A-3 may apply.
3. Is it for ordinary employment, study, business, or family life, rather than diplomacy, official duty, or treaties? You must not choose G-1 first. Check standard purpose statuses such as D, E, F, or H.
4. Is departure difficult or do you need remedy of your rights, such as industrial accident treatment, long-term illness, lawsuits, unpaid wages, refugee applications, humanitarian protection, or crime damage? Check the corresponding G-1 detailed reason.
5. Are you coming from abroad to receive medical treatment for more than 90 days? Compare G-1-10 long-term foreign patient and C-3-3 short-term medical tourism.
6. Is working in Korea your main purpose? You need to look for E, H, F, or another status that allows work suitable for your job, not A or G.

2. A Series: Diplomacy, Official Duty, Agreements

Overview of the A Series

Status	Typical Eligible Persons	Standard for Period of Stay	Employment
A-1 Diplomacy	Diplomatic staff members of diplomatic missions and consular posts in Korea, persons recognized with diplomatic privileges, and recognized family members living in the same household	Term of office	Only original diplomatic activities allowed; separate employment for family members requires prior permission
A-2 Official Duty	Persons performing official duties for foreign governments or international organizations, administrative, technical, and service staff of missions, and recognized family members living in the same household	Period of official duty	Only original official duty activities allowed; separate employment for family members requires prior permission
A-3 Treaty	Persons engaged in activities designated by treaties with the Republic of Korea such as SOFA and Fulbright, and recognized family members	Period recognized by status or treaty	Employment outside treaty activities requires prior permission

The A series is not decided only by the type of passport cover. Your actual entry purpose, dispatch status, acceptance and recognition by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the applicable treaty must be verified together.

A-1 to A-3 is not a pathway where an ordinary company invites you by getting a Confirmation of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정서, document pre-approving a visa from Korean immigration) from a domestic immigration office. In principle, it is a system where you apply directly to a Korean diplomatic mission abroad using official documents from a foreign government, diplomatic mission, international organization, or treaty agency.

A-1 Diplomacy

Eligible Persons

• Diplomatic staff members among the members of diplomatic missions and consular posts of foreign governments accepted by the government of the Republic of Korea
• Persons performing diplomatic or consular duties, such as ambassadors, ministers, counselors, secretaries, and consuls
• Persons recognized with equivalent diplomatic privileges and immunities according to treaties or international customs
• Persons receiving diplomatic treatment according to the purpose of visit and status, such as heads of state, minister-level representatives, and official delegations
• Family members of the same household recognized under the standards of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Secretary-generals, deputy secretary-generals, or equivalent high-ranking officials of international organizations who receive diplomatic treatment under treaties or agreements may also be included.

Period

The upper limit for the Period of Stay is generally the term of office. For short-term diplomatic missions, a shorter visa tailored to the mission may be issued, such as a 3-month single-entry visa, and single or multiple entries and procedures may differ depending on reciprocity between countries.

Basic Documents

• Visa application form, passport, photo, and fee or fee exemption confirmation
• Dispatch order, certificate of employment, or an official letter (공한, official diplomatic correspondence between governments) from a foreign government or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Documents showing your position, duty, working organization, and dispatch period
• For family members, documents proving relationships such as marriage and birth, and whether you live in the same household

Even if you hold a diplomatic passport, A-1 is not automatically granted if you enter for a non-diplomatic purpose such as tourism or a personal visit.

A-2 Official Duty

Eligible Persons

• Persons performing official duties of a foreign government or international organization approved by the government of the Republic of Korea
• Administrative, technical, and service staff of diplomatic missions and consular posts
• Staff members of headquarters or offices of international organizations who perform official duties
• Persons carrying out conferences, delegations, or official projects dispatched by a government or international organization
• Family members of the same household recognized under the standards of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Difference from A-1

A-1 focuses on diplomatic status and diplomatic privileges and immunities. A-2 focuses on persons who are not diplomats, but perform official duties of a government or international organization. Even ordinary passport holders may be eligible for A-2 if their status as government or international organization staff and their official duty purpose are confirmed by official documents.

Period and Documents

The upper limit for the Period of Stay is the period of official duty. Along with the application form, passport, and photo, you submit a dispatch order, certificate of employment, official letter from a foreign government, international organization, or relevant ministry, and family relationship documents.

A-3 Treaty

Eligible Persons

This status is for persons who engage in activities under treaties between the Republic of Korea and foreign governments or international organizations, or who are recognized with special stay status such as exemption from foreigner registration under a treaty, and their recognized family members.

Main Examples

• Persons subject to the "Agreement under Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America, Regarding Facilities and Areas and the Status of United States Armed Forces in the Republic of Korea", namely SOFA
• Participants in the Fulbright program of the Korean-American Educational Commission (한·미 교육위원단)
• Other persons for whom treaties concluded by the Republic of Korea clearly specify the application of A-3

A-3-99 is guided as the administrative code related to Fulbright in the latest Ministry of Justice manual. Specific activities and periods, such as education and research support, English teaching assistants, and international educational administration training, are judged by confirmation letters from the Korean-American Educational Commission and scholarship periods.

Period and Documents

The upper limit for the Period of Stay is the period during which status is maintained or the period set by the treaty. In addition to the application form, passport, and photo, you need proof of dispatch, employment, or status, an official letter from the relevant agency, and confirmation of treaty application. For Fulbright, the status and scholarship confirmation letter from the Korean-American Educational Commission is essential, and for SOFA, the relevant ID card, orders, and sponsor confirmation are important.

When You Lose Your Status

Your A-3 status can end because of retirement, the end of your contract, or loss of your treaty status. If you want to keep staying in Korea after that, the latest manual says that in principle you must apply within 30 days from the date you lost your status, to check whether you can change to another suitable Status of Stay. If you leave within 30 days, a separate change permission may not be needed, but check your status end date and planned departure date with 1345.

Who Are A Series Family Members?

Spouses and children are typical, but not all parents, adult children, and siblings are automatically included. The scope of recognition varies depending on the sending country or international organization, treaties, reciprocity, support relationships, whether you live together, and the acceptance standards of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Family members need to prepare the following:

• Official family relationship documents such as marriage certificates and birth certificates
• Translation, notarization, and whether an Apostille (아포스티유, international certification of document authenticity) or consular confirmation is needed
• The primary applicant's passport, A series status, and term of office documents
• Documents showing that you live together or receive financial support

If family members want to engage in separate study, employment, or business, do not assume that those activities are automatically included in A series family status, and check whether prior permission is required.

Employment for A Series Visa Holders and Their Families

Principles

A series visas are granted for diplomacy, official duty, and treaty activities. In principle, you need permission for activity outside your Status of Stay to do paid work beyond your approved official duties.

Families of A-1 and A-2 Diplomatic Mission Members

For family members of diplomatic mission members in Korea, some cases require confirmed reciprocity (상호주의, equal treatment between two countries), an employment recommendation (취업추천, an official letter recommending employment) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and permission from immigration. Generally, professional activities under D-1, D-6, and E-1 to E-7 are reviewed. However, entertainment establishment E-6-2, skilled technician E-7-4, and simple labor (단순노무, basic manual work) are excluded or restricted. Reciprocity and allowed job types can change by country, so do not use old country lists.

The standard process works like this.

1. Confirm your employment contract, job duties, and qualification requirements.
2. Your diplomatic mission requests an employment recommendation from the relevant department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. After the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends and notifies the case, you apply for permission for activity outside your Status of Stay at the immigration office in charge.
4. Work only within the employer, duties, location, and period written on your permit.

The permit period is decided within your contract period and the primary applicant's term of office. The general upper limit in the latest manual is 2 years, and reciprocity for the United States is listed as up to 3 years.

Families of International Organization Staff

Special exceptions may apply to spouses and minor children of international organization staff holding A-1 or A-2 status. Depending on the international organization and family scope, you may apply for immigration permission without reciprocity or a recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but the requirement for prior permission itself is not eliminated. Generally, activities other than simple labor are eligible, and the permit period is reviewed within 1 year.

A-3 Visa Holders and Their Families

If an A-3 status holder under SOFA wants to add E-1 to E-7 activities, you must get permission for activity outside your Status of Stay in advance. You need proof of SOFA status, sponsor consent, an employment contract, and job qualification documents. If your employer changes, you must get a new permit.

Study

A-1 to A-3 holders are on the list of statuses that can study without separate permission for activity outside your Status of Stay, as long as it does not interfere with the original stay purpose of diplomacy, official duty, or treaty. However, if full-time study effectively ends your primary duties, or if study combines scholarships with work, check again with your organization and immigration.

Registration, Address, Re-entry, and Birth for A Series Visas

Foreigner Registration

A-1 to A-3 are representative statuses exempt from foreigner registration requirements under laws and treaties. However, if you wish, there is a procedure to register for daily conveniences such as online identity verification, banking, and telecommunications. You do not fall into illegal stay simply because you did not register, but you may need alternative identity documents such as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs ID card or a diplomatic mission certificate.

When you are exempt from registration requirements, the report of a change of address rule for registered foreigners also does not apply in the same way. Instead, you must follow internal procedures to notify your diplomatic mission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or your sponsor of address and family changes.

Re-entry

For registered long-term residents, re-entry permits are generally waived if you return within 1 year from departure and your Period of Stay remains valid. If you entered on a single-entry visa or did not register your A series status, check before departure whether you have a multiple-entry visa, your term of office, and whether you need a re-entry permit to return.

Children Born in Korea

Foreign children born in Korea must obtain a Status of Stay within 90 days of birth. If the child departs within 90 days, there may be an exception where a separate grant of Status of Stay is not needed, but check birth reports, passports, family A series status, and treaty rules with your diplomatic mission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and immigration.

Tuberculosis Test Certificate

The latest Ministry of Justice manual lists A-1 to A-3 as exempt from submitting a tuberculosis test certificate for long-term stay. However, health and quarantine measures at the time of entry are separate.

3. G-1 Status and Its Sub-Codes

What Is G-1 Other?

Under the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, this is a residual status granted to persons recognized by the Minister of Justice among those who do not qualify for other Status of Stay categories from A-1 to H-2. Simply put, it is reviewed as a last resort when you cannot fit into any other status.

Key Characteristics

• It is not a status that substitutes for regular employment, study, or business purposes.
• You must have a specific reason, such as difficulty leaving Korea, medical treatment, remedy of your rights (권리구제, legal action to resolve disputes and protect rights), or protection.
• Most people apply after their existing stay situation changes inside Korea.
• Stay permission is temporary and may not be extended once the underlying reason ends.
• Employment, family, and status change rules differ by sub-code.

Under the law, the upper limit for a single Period of Stay is 1 year in principle, but in practice it is granted for 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year according to the case, treatment, or screening period.

Key G-1 Sub-codes at a Glance

Sub-code	Representative Reason	Typical Initial and Extension Unit	Employment
G-1-1	People undergoing industrial accident (산업재해, work injury) compensation or treatment, and necessary family members	Within 1 year, extension usually 6 months	Not automatically allowed
G-1-2	People needing long-term medical treatment for illness or accident, and necessary family members	Within 1 year, extension usually 6 months	Not automatically allowed
G-1-3	Remedy of rights such as civil, criminal, family, or administrative lawsuits	Usually 6 months	Not automatically allowed
G-1-4	Complaints and lawsuits for unpaid wages (임금체불, wages your employer failed to pay)	Usually 6 months	Not automatically allowed
G-1-5	Refugee status applicant (난민인정 신청자, a person applying for refugee recognition)	Within 6 months to 1 year	Requirements met, such as 6 months after applying, plus prior permission
G-1-6	Person granted humanitarian stay (인도적체류, permission to stay on humanitarian grounds)	Usually 1 year	Prior permission required
G-1-7	Family members of persons who died from accidents or other causes	Case by case	Prior permission may be reviewed for specific protected persons
G-1-8	High school graduates among long-term staying children born in Korea	By policy and case	Not automatically allowed
G-1-9	Persons who have difficulty leaving Korea due to pregnancy or childbirth	Within 1 year, extension usually 6 months	Not automatically allowed
G-1-10	Foreign patients requiring medical treatment for 91 days or more and necessary companions	Within 1 year	Not for employment purposes
G-1-11	Remedy of rights for victims of sexual violence, human trafficking, abuse, or major crimes	Within 1 year	Prior permission may be reviewed
G-1-12	Spouses and minor children of humanitarian stay holders	Within the primary applicant's period	Prior permission required
G-1-13	High school graduates among long-term staying children who entered during infancy or early childhood	By policy and case	Not automatically allowed
G-1-14	High school graduates among long-term staying children who entered after early childhood	By policy and case	Not automatically allowed
G-1-15	Minor siblings of long-term staying school-enrolled children	By policy and case	Not automatically allowed
G-1-19	Past administrative code related to temporary COVID-19 seasonal work	Not a new regular pathway	Not a currently open seasonal work visa
G-1-81 to G-1-83	Parent and guardian categories related to raising long-term staying children	By policy and case	Not automatically allowed, check your permit
G-1-99	Other miscellaneous reasons	Case by case	Prior permission may be reviewed only for certain protection cases

The periods in the table are not guaranteed automatically. They may be shorter depending on the end of the case, treatment feasibility, living expenses, address, possibility of returning home, and the primary applicant's period.

G-1-1 Industrial Accident

Eligibility

• Foreigners undergoing industrial accident medical care and compensation procedures with the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service due to a work-related injury
• Persons who have difficulty leaving Korea due to industrial accident approval, review, re-examination, lawsuits, or medical treatment
• Persons whose need is recognized, such as spouses or family members who must care for a patient in practice

Key Documents

• Integrated Application Form (통합신청서), passport, photo, and fee
• Medical care approval certificate (요양승인서, official proof of approved medical care) from the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service, and industrial accident compensation claim and review documents
• Medical certificate, doctor's opinion letter, and expected treatment period
• Documents proving employment and the accident, income and living support, and your place of residence
• For accompanying family, documents showing family relationship and the need for caregiving

The initial permission is set within 1 year according to treatment and compensation procedures, and extensions are usually in 6-month units. If the condition is severe, a period within 1 year can be reviewed. Applying for an industrial accident claim alone does not automatically allow you to work.

For industrial accident counseling, use the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service and Ministry of Employment and Labor 1350, and use 1345 for stay questions.

G-1-2 Medical Treatment for Illness or Accident

This applies to persons who experience a severe illness or accident while staying lawfully in Korea. It is reviewed when you cannot maintain your existing status or leave Korea immediately because of it. It may also include short-term visitors who suffer unexpected accidents.

Foreign patients who enter Korea from the start for long-term medical treatment should review G-1-10 first, not G-1-2.

Key Documents

• Doctor's opinion letter stating the diagnosis name, need for treatment, outpatient or hospitalization period, and reasons why leaving Korea is difficult
• Financial ability or guarantee documents to cover medical treatment and living expenses
• Documents proving your place of residence, family relationships, and the need for caregiving
• Documents showing your previous Status of Stay and the background of the accident

The initial permit is within 1 year, and extensions re-examine the actual need for medical treatment usually within 6 months.

G-1-3 Remedy of Rights Such as Lawsuits

This applies to persons who must stay in Korea due to civil, criminal, family, or administrative cases. Examples include lawsuits for damages or deposit returns, legal aid cases, criminal trials under bail or release, and appeals procedures.

Not every case is approved just because a dispute exists. Immigration reviews whether you must attend in person or carry out procedures in Korea, case progress, whether an attorney alone is sufficient, living support, address, and possibility of return.

Key Documents

• Complaint, petition, case receipt, and court hearing date notice
• Confirmation from the prosecution, court, investigative agency, or legal aid organization
• Attorney statement and documents showing that your personal appearance is necessary
• Documents proving living expenses, your place of residence, and guarantees

It is usually granted and extended within 6 months. If the case ends or your need to stay in Korea disappears, the basis for extension may also disappear.

G-1-4 Unpaid Wages

This is reviewed when a foreigner who worked in Korea files a complaint about unpaid wages with the Ministry of Employment and Labor and needs to continue investigations, mediation, or lawsuits, but their existing Period of Stay is expiring.

Key Documents

• Ministry of Employment and Labor complaint receipt, confirmation of unpaid wages and employer details, or case progress documents
• Labor contract, pay statements, bank transaction records, and evidence of commuting and work
• Civil lawsuit or payment order documents
• Documents proving living expenses and your place of residence

Case progress is checked usually within 6 months. A period to prepare for departure after the remedy of your rights ends is granted only in limited cases. You cannot automatically work at a new workplace while waiting to receive unpaid wages.

G-1-5 Refugee Status Applicants

Who Is Eligible?

Under the Refugee Act, this applies to persons who applied for refugee status in the Republic of Korea and are undergoing review, objection, or lawsuit procedures. A refugee application receipt and active case progress are essential.

G-1-5 is not a regular visa that you receive in advance at a Korean diplomatic mission abroad before entry. Your stay is managed after you file a refugee application through statutory procedures inside the Republic of Korea or at a port of entry.

Periods and Obligations

• You receive a Period of Stay within 6 months to 1 year depending on your grounds and procedure.
• You must report your address and contact information accurately, and comply with interviews, document submissions, and appearance requests.
• If you do not have a passport, alternative documents such as a written statement of reasons may be reviewed, but this does not remove the identity verification requirement.
• If an applicant deliberately delays the procedure, it may negatively affect calculations such as when work permission becomes available.

Employment

In principle, you may work after 6 months from your refugee application date, but this is not an automatic work permit. You must secure a labor contract and obtain permission for activity outside your Status of Stay from the immigration office in charge before working. If your livelihood is severely difficult for reasons beyond your control, an exception review is possible even before 6 months.

Simple labor may be possible within the permitted scope, but there are restricted fields such as construction, gambling, entertainment establishments, adult entertainment, and private tutoring. Professional jobs require E series level qualifications, such as degrees, licenses, and experience in the relevant field. If you change employers, you must get a new permit.

Applying for refugee status is not a detour for a work visa. Submitting false documents can cause serious penalties not only for refugee screening, but also for your stay and future entry into Korea.

G-1-6 Persons Granted Humanitarian Stay

This applies to persons who were not recognized as refugees, but were granted permission to stay because they cannot be returned to their home country due to risks of torture or other inhuman treatment or punishment. Their legal status is not the same as recognized refugees.

• You usually receive a Period of Stay within 1 year from the date of the decision notice.
• If humanitarian grounds continue, extensions are reviewed within 1 year.
• If the reasons disappear or safe return becomes possible, extensions may be restricted.
• For employment, you need permission for activity outside your Status of Stay after signing a labor contract.
• Permitted simple labor may be possible, but you must follow restricted job category rules.
• Construction is reviewed only when additional requirements are met, such as prior permission and basic safety and health training for the construction industry.

Check whether spouses and minor children of G-1-6 holders can stay together under G-1-12.

G-1-7 Families of Deceased Persons and Related Cases

This can include cases where family members of foreigners who died in Korea from industrial accidents, accidents, or crimes must stay for funerals, compensation, investigations, trials, or the remedy of their rights. Because public manuals do not list every situation under fixed criteria, cases receive individual review focused on agency confirmations and the necessity of staying in Korea.

The work permit guidance in the latest manual allows review of permission for activity outside your Status of Stay for G-1-7 holders whose need for protection is recognized. However, this does not mean all G-1-7 holders can work automatically.

G-1-9 Pregnancy and Childbirth

This is reviewed from a humanitarian perspective when a person cannot leave Korea immediately due to pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum recovery, and no other Status of Stay resolves the situation.

Key Documents

• Medical certificate or doctor's opinion letter stating the expected due date, health condition, and whether air travel is possible
• Documents proving financial ability to cover childbirth, medical care, and living expenses
• Documents proving spouse, guardian, identity guarantee, and family relationships
• Documents showing your place of residence, departure plan, and previous stay history

The initial permit is within 1 year, and extensions review necessity usually within 6 months. Pregnancy itself does not create a right to settle long term or to work. The nationality of a child born in Korea is not acquired automatically just by birthplace, so check both the parents' nationality law and the Nationality Act of the Republic of Korea.

G-1-10 Long-Term Foreign Patients and Companions

Eligible Persons

• Foreign patients who need treatment, rehabilitation, or medical care for 91 days or more at a Korean medical institution
• A spouse, direct family member, or a caregiver for a patient who is strictly necessary for treatment
• People whose test results confirm the need for long-term treatment after entering on B-1, B-2, or C-3-3

Short-term treatment is generally under C-3-3 medical tourism, and long-term treatment of 91 days or more is under G-1-10. The Korean diplomatic mission abroad, the registered agency for foreign patients (외국인환자 유치기관, an agency authorized to help foreign patients), and immigration decide based on your actual period and treatment plan.

Main Documents

• Integrated Application Form for visa and stay, passport, photo, and fee
• Medical certificate, doctor's opinion letter, reservation confirmation, and treatment plan from a Korean medical institution
• Estimated treatment costs, money already paid, and ability to cover living expenses
• Relevant documents if there is a guarantee from a registered agency for foreign patients
• Family relationship of the companion or proof of the need for caregiving
• Place of stay in Korea

The Period of Stay is granted and extended within 1 year to match the treatment period. The companion's period is also unlikely to go beyond the patient's treatment period. Patients and companions cannot enter for the purpose of working.

Policy Changes for Medical Tourism in 2026

In September 2025, the Ministry of Justice expanded the number of top-rated registered agencies for foreign patients from 39 to 90. Designated agencies receive benefits such as simplified application documents, electronic visa applications issued within 3 days after application, and an expanded scope of accompanying family members who can be invited. Next, in an official press release on April 17, 2026, it announced that it will newly arrange screening requirements and procedures to issue short-term C-3 multiple-entry visas or long-term G-1 visas more easily to foreigners visiting for repeated medical treatment or wellness tourism. The latter is an improvement scheduled to take effect, so check the Guide to Medical Tourism Visa Improvements (2026-04-17) from the Ministry of Justice, the latest manual, and Korea Visa Portal standards on the application date.

Do not trust advertisements from unregistered brokers claiming "100% guaranteed long-term medical visa," and check the registration of medical institutions and agencies, treatment cost refunds, companion scope, and the actual issued code.

G-1-11 Victims of Crime and Violence

This is for victims of sexual violence, forced prostitution, human trafficking, repeated assault, abuse, or serious crimes. It is reviewed while you proceed with procedures for remedy of your rights, such as investigations, trials, compensation for damages, and protection.

Main Documents

• Confirmation of case receipt, investigation, or trial from the police, prosecution, or court
• Confirmation letter from a victim support organization, counseling center, or shelter
• Medical certificates, counseling records, and materials on protection order and temporary measures
• Documents on legal aid and compensation for damages procedures
• Documents showing a safe place to stay and living support

The need for remedy of your rights is reviewed within 1 year for the initial period. If you need living expenses, you can apply for permission for activity outside your Status of Stay, and approved simple labor or qualified professional work can be reviewed. Being a victim does not make work performed before permission lawful.

Call the police at 112 for urgent violence, confinement, or passport seizure, call 119 for emergencies, call 1366 for violence against women counseling, and call 1345 for immigration stay counseling.

G-1-12 Family of Humanitarian Stay Holders

Spouses and minor children of G-1-6 humanitarian stay holders are the main eligible group. Married minor children and certain others may be excluded from the scope.

• The primary applicant's reason for humanitarian stay and Period of Stay must be valid.
• You must prove marriage or birth certificates, translations and notarizations, and living together or support relationships.
• The permitted period for family members is usually within the primary applicant's remaining period.
• Work is not automatically allowed just because you are family, and you need permission for activity outside your Status of Stay in advance.

If the primary applicant's G-1-6 ends, family members may also have no separate ground to stay, so check in advance whether each person qualifies for another status.

G-1-99 Other Miscellaneous Reasons

This code manages cases that do not fit other sub-codes exactly, but where the Minister of Justice recognizes the need to stay. It does not mean "all hard-to-explain reasons are G-1-99" or "this is an Other-category visa that anyone can apply for."

One representative case stated in the latest manual is when a child under 17 born in Korea to a G-1-5 refugee status applicant staying legally has not applied for refugee status separately. G-1-99 is reviewed within the parents' remaining Period of Stay, and alternative documents such as a written statement of reasons can be reviewed if passport issuance is impossible.

Even if G-1-99 is shown on the work permission table, it does not mean that all G-1-99 holders can work. Check whether your facts qualify for permission, such as crime victim status or humanitarian protection, and check whether your actual permit lists the workplace, job type, and period.

Policy for Long-Term Staying Children: G-1-8, 13, 14, 15, and 81 to 83

Purpose of the Policy

This system considers the right to education and the living foundation of long-term staying children (장기체류 아동), meaning children who have attended school in Korea for a long time. If certain requirements are met, it gives a Status of Stay to the child, and temporarily manages the stay of minor siblings, parents, and caregivers.

The current application period for the Plan for Granting Status of Stay to Long-Term Staying Children from the Ministry of Justice is 2025-04-01 to 2028-03-31. The policy was announced in 2025, but related codes continue to be confirmed in the latest stay manual of August 7, 2026, and the June 2026 Monthly Statistics Report, so it is considered a valid policy as of the base date.

Main Requirements for Children

The main categories of the official policy are as follows. You must check specific details about age, school, continuous stay, legal violations, and application periods with the immigration office in charge.

1. Children who were born in Korea or entered before age 6, have stayed in Korea for 6 years or more, and are currently attending elementary, middle, or high school, or have graduated from high school
2. Children who entered after age 6, have stayed in Korea for 7 years or more, and are currently attending elementary, middle, or high school, or have graduated from high school

Children attending school may have D series codes applied to match their school level and situation. If it is difficult to change immediately to a normal status such as study abroad or employment after high school graduation, G-1-8, 13, and 14 can be used temporarily.

Codes Appearing in Statistics

Code	Name and meaning in 2026 Ministry of Justice statistics
G-1-8	High school graduates among long-term staying children born in Korea
G-1-13	High school graduates among long-term staying children who entered as infants or toddlers
G-1-14	High school graduates among long-term staying children who entered after early childhood
G-1-15	Minor siblings of children attending school
G-1-81	Category related to raising children born in Korea
G-1-82	Category related to raising children who entered as infants or toddlers
G-1-83	Category related to raising children who entered after early childhood

G-1-81 to G-1-83 for parents and caregivers is not a system that grants permanent residency separate from the child's status. Policy conditions such as past illegal stay, penalty fines, pledge to leave the country, the child's enrollment or graduation, and support relationships are reviewed individually.

Important Rights and Restrictions

• In the latest manual, G-1-8, 13, and 14 are included in the list of statuses that allow study abroad activities without separate permission, as long as they do not infringe on the original purpose of stay.
• These three codes are included in the list of exceptions where restrictions on changing Status of Stay to D-2 study abroad in Korea are relaxed compared to general G-1.
• However, employment is not automatically allowed. When moving to university, vocational training, or employment after high school graduation, you must meet the requirements for the target status and get permission for change.
• The period and activities of siblings and parents are linked to the child and policy period, and each person needs their own permit.

Application Preparation

• Records of the child's birth, entry, and departure
• Elementary, middle, and high school enrollment or graduation certificates and school life materials
• Proof of family relationships, actual caregiving, and living together
• Documents on address in Korea, living support, National Health Insurance and medical care, and legal violation or stay history
• Passports or documents establishing identity for the child and each family member
• Plans for higher education, employment, or departure after graduation

G-1-19 Is Not Currently a New Seasonal Work Visa

G-1-19 is an administrative code that managed temporary seasonal work (계절근로, short-term farm or fishery work) for foreigners staying in Korea during the COVID-19 period. People may still remain in the 2026 Ministry of Justice statistics, and the latest E-8 manual refers to the re-employment experience of past G-1-19 participants, but this must not be used to explain it as a "G-1 seasonal work visa" that anyone can newly apply for now.

Currently, seasonal work in agriculture and fisheries is primarily conducted through E-8 procedures run by local governments. If you see an old G-1-19 recruitment notice, blog post, or broker advertisement, check with the Ministry of Justice or local government whether applications are currently accepted.

4. Application and Stay Procedures

How to Determine Whether You Can Work on a G-1

First Principle: Do Not Work Just by Looking at Your Card

You cannot work simply because G-1 is written on your Residence Card (외국인등록증, also called the Alien Registration Card or ARC). You must check the sub-code, permission for activity outside your Status of Stay, and all limits on employer, job type, location, and period.

Representative Groups Eligible for Permission Review

• G-1-5 refugee status applicants: meeting requirements such as 6 months passing after application
• G-1-6 persons granted humanitarian stay
• G-1-11 victims of serious crimes and violence
• G-1-12 family of humanitarian stay holders
• Some G-1-7 and G-1-99 holders where the need for protection is recognized

Other statuses such as industrial accidents, illness, lawsuits, unpaid wages, pregnancy, and long-term medical care do not grant new employment rights by that reason itself. If you have an existing employment relationship, treatment conditions, or other legal grounds, check separately with 1345 and the relevant organization.

General Procedure

1. Check with 1345 whether your sub-code is eligible for work permission.
2. Sign a written contract with an employer whose business registration is in good standing.
3. State clearly the job type, location, wages, working hours, and period.
4. Apply for permission for activity outside your Status of Stay at the immigration office in charge.
5. Start working after receiving the permit.
6. Go through procedures for a new permit or change if the employer, job type, or workplace changes.

Industries That May Be Restricted

Gambling, entertainment establishments and adult entertainment, businesses with risks of mediating prostitution, and private tutoring are restricted. In construction, even groups permitted by the Ministry of Justice such as G-1-6 need separate prior permission and basic safety and health training. Professional jobs may require the same level of degree, work experience, and license as the corresponding E series.

Study Is Viewed Differently from Work

The latest manual states that G-1-5 refugee status applicants, G-1-6 humanitarian stay holders, and long-term staying children under G-1-8, 13, and 14 can engage in study abroad activities without separate permission, as long as they do not infringe on the original purpose of stay. However, being able to study is different from being able to change your Status of Stay to D-2. For G-1-5, after the current Period of Stay ends, it is difficult to change to D-2 in Korea solely for study reasons, and you may need to leave Korea and obtain a study visa. G-1-6 and G-1-8, 13, and 14 are reviewed as exceptions to the restriction on changing to D-2 inside Korea.

Common Documents for G-1 Applications and Extensions

It varies depending on specific reasons, but prepare the following basic package.

Identity and Application

• Integrated Application Form or visa application form
• Valid passport, photo, and fee
• For refugee or victim cases where getting a passport is difficult, documents stating the reason and establishing identity

Reason for Stay

• Medical certificates, doctor's opinion letters, and treatment plans
• Documents on industrial accident medical care and compensation cases
• Case receipt and progress documents from courts, prosecution, police, Ministry of Employment and Labor, or refugee screening
• Key evidence for the relevant reason, such as victim support organization confirmations, family relationships, and school enrollment or graduation records

Living Support and Address

• Proof of where you live, such as a lease contract (임대차계약서, housing rental agreement), proof of housing provided by the employer, or dormitory confirmation
• Living cost documents such as bank deposits, remittances, medical fee payments, or guarantors
• If family supports you, documents proving the relationship and support ability

Extension

• Latest evidence showing that the reason continues even after previous permission
• Case hearing dates, screening stages, treatment progress, and remaining estimated period
• Whether you complied with rules on legal violations, changes of address, and work permission
• Plans for departure or transition to a regular status after the reason ends

Submitting only an old medical certificate or single case receipt repeatedly may be insufficient. With each extension, you must prove anew the reason you still need to stay in Korea.

Where to Apply

Abroad

• A-1 to A-3: Official channels of foreign governments, missions, international organizations, and agreement agencies, and Korean diplomatic missions abroad
• G-1-10: Korean diplomatic mission abroad or Korea Visa Portal channels through the patient or a registered agency for foreign patients

Inside Korea

• Apply for grant, change, or extension of Status of Stay at the immigration office in charge.
• Many civil applications require a visit reservation on HiKorea.
• For refugees, crime victims, lawsuits, industrial accidents, and unpaid wages, apply together with a case confirmation letter from the relevant authority.

Use the Korea Visa Portal to check visa types, applications, and results abroad, and use HiKorea for stay civil applications and visit reservations in Korea. Do not search G-1 and send money to private agencies first.

Foreigner Registration and Change of Address

If you stay for 91 days or more on a G-1, you must in principle complete foreigner registration and get a Residence Card. If you changed to G-1 inside Korea, permission and registration may be processed together.

When a registered foreigner moves, you must make a report of a change of address (체류지 변경신고, reporting your new residence) within 15 days from the date you move in. You can report it at the immigration office in charge or at si, gun, gu, eup, myeon, and dong offices, and you need address proof such as a lease contract or proof of housing provided by the employer.

The following may be subject to separate report or change.

• Changes in passport number, issue date, or expiration date
• Changes in personal information such as name, gender, or nationality
• Changes in organization, employer, or school
• Changes in approved activity location or job type

If you miss the reporting deadline, disadvantages such as penalty fines and administrative fines may occur.

Extension, Change of Status of Stay, Departure

Extension

You must apply before your stay expires. Check HiKorea to see if online civil petitions are possible and when you can apply. A case-related G-1 may require an in-person visit due to original documents or interviews. The mere fact that your application was received does not allow unpermitted employment or activities.

Change to Another Status

G-1 is a representative status where changing your status within Korea is restricted. The latest manual restricts other G-1 holders, apart from statuses such as D-3, E-8, E-9, E-10, and G-1-6, from changing to D-2 Study in Korea, but makes an exception for long-term staying children under G-1-8, 13, and 14. Other changes to D, E, or F are also strictly reviewed based on specific reasons and Ministry of Justice guidelines.

Receiving a job offer does not automatically change your status from G-1 to E-7 or E-9. You may need to leave Korea, get an appropriate visa, and re-enter.

End of Grounds for Stay

When the grounds for your stay end, such as the completion of medical treatment, end of litigation, wage payment, end of refugee procedures, or loss of humanitarian grounds, your stay is not extended unconditionally until the expiry date. Check with 1345 immediately to see if you need a separate departure preparation period or if there is another lawful status.

Re-entry and Overseas Travel

If a registered foreigner returns within 1 year from the date of departure and their existing Period of Stay remains, a general re-entry permit exemption may apply. However, you must check before departure in the following cases:

• When a refugee applicant or humanitarian stay holder visits their home country where they claimed persecution
• When you must appear for litigation, investigation, industrial accident, or medical treatment procedures
• When you do not have a passport or need a travel certificate
• When your Period of Stay expires while you are outside Korea
• When there is a departure order, entry ban, or restriction on re-entry permits

In particular, visiting your home country can have a major impact on assessing your need for refugee or humanitarian protection. Consult with a lawyer, refugee support organization, and 1345 before leaving Korea.

Inviting Family and Children Born in Korea

G-1 is not a general family invitation status. Family members do not automatically get the same status, and immigration reviews cases only when specific reasons are stated as follows:

• Family members who actually need to care for patients of industrial accidents or severe medical treatment
• Necessary accompanying family members and caregivers for long-term foreign patients
• G-1-12 spouses and minor children of G-1-6 humanitarian stay holders
• G-1-99 cases such as minor children born in Korea to refugee applicants
• Minor siblings and caregivers under the long-term staying child policy

When a child is born in Korea, you must apply for a grant of Status of Stay within 90 days from the date of birth. Prepare the birth certificate, parents' passports and Residence Cards, family relationships, and address. The child's code may vary depending on the parents' specific G-1 reason.

5. Rights and Safety

Labor Rights, Industrial Accidents, and Wages

Even if a G-1 holder works lawfully after getting permission for activity outside your Status of Stay, you are not automatically excluded from the basic protections of the Labor Standards Act, Minimum Wage Act, and Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act just because you are a foreigner. Even if you worked without permission, do not give up your claim for wages for labor you already provided or your report of violence or industrial accidents, and receive labor counseling and immigration counseling respectively.

2026 Minimum Wage

According to the Minimum Wage Commission, Status by Year, the 2026 minimum wage is as follows:

• Hourly wage 10,320 KRW
• Daily wage for 8 hours 82,560 KRW
• Monthly wage converted to 209 hours 2,156,880 KRW

Keep your contract, commute records, pay statements, bank statements, messages, photos of your work, and employer information. An employer cannot justify forcibly keeping your passport or Residence Card, or refusing to pay wages because you reported them.

Where to Get Help

• Wages and working conditions: Ministry of Employment and Labor 1350
• Industrial accidents: Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service 1588-0075
• Stay and work permits: Immigration Contact Center 1345
• Crime, confinement, and violence: police 112
• Emergency patients: 119

Health Insurance, Medical Expenses, and Taxes

• Health insurance coverage for G-1 varies depending on your Period of Stay in Korea, registration, sub-code, and statutory enrollment exclusions or deferrals. Do not assume insurance starts automatically just because you have a Residence Card.
• In principle, long-term foreign patients under G-1-10 must prove their ability to pay medical and living expenses, so check the coverage scope of private insurance, hospital deposits, and refund conditions.
• For treatment approved for industrial accidents, check the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service medical care benefit scope and your out-of-pocket costs separately.
• Legally received wages and business income can be subject to Korean taxation, regardless of your Status of Stay. Check resident or non-resident status, withholding tax, and tax refunds with the National Tax Service or a tax specialist.

For the A series, tax and insurance treatment differs depending on sending state or international organization agreements, diplomatic exemptions, tax treaties, and social security agreements. You must not generalize that "all diplomats are exempt from all taxes and insurance."

Preventing Fraud and Broker Damage

• The claim that "if you get G-1, you can do any work" is false.
• Avoid broker arrangements claiming that "you can work legally if you enter on a tourist visa and file a false refugee application."
• Do not forge case receipts, medical certificates, or family relationship documents.
• Check the registration and actual offices of hospitals, registered agencies for foreign patients, lawyers, and administrative scriveners.
• Separate service fees, government payments, agency fees, and hospital deposits, and get written receipts.
• Do not sign blank application forms or blank labor contracts.
• Do not leave your passport, Residence Card, mobile phone, or bank cards with employers or brokers.
• Keep the inquiry screens and permit documents for your Period of Stay and work permit yourself.
• If you fear the impact that reporting damage may have on your stay, consult 1345 and victim support organizations at the same time.

6. Wrapping Up

It Is Easier to See It Situation by Situation

A Person Trying to Work at a Korean Company with a Diplomatic Passport

A diplomatic passport by itself does not allow A-1 employment. For individual employment, you must check statuses matching your job duties, such as E or F.

When the Spouse of a Diplomat in Korea Wants to Lecture at a University

Check whether reciprocity, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommendation, and immigration permission for activity outside your Status of Stay are required, and start lecturing after getting permission.

Fulbright Scholar

A-3-99 is reviewed based on the confirmation letter from the Korean-American Educational Commission and your scholarship and activity period. Check for prior permission for separate paid activities outside the scholarship program.

A Person Who Needs 5 Months of Treatment Due to a Traffic Accident While Traveling

If it is an unexpected accident, review the possibility of G-1-2. You need hospital diagnoses, proof that travel is not possible, treatment costs, living expenses, and address records.

A Worker Who Did Not Receive 3 Months of Wages and Whose Visa Is Expiring Soon

First, file an unpaid wage complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and review a G-1-4 stay using case confirmation materials. Working at a new job requires a separate status or permission.

A Person Who Received a Restaurant Job Offer 7 Months After a Refugee Application

Even if 6 months have passed, you must not start working immediately. Check whether it is a restricted industry, and work after getting permission for activity outside your Status of Stay with an employment contract.

An Overseas Patient Who Booked 4 Months of Cancer Treatment

Because it exceeds 90 days, check G-1-10 first. Prepare your treatment plan, finances, and the need for accompanying persons through the hospital or a registered agency for foreign patients.

An Undocumented High School Student Who Has Attended School in Korea Since Elementary School

Check the birth and entry age, Period of Stay in Korea, and school attendance requirements under the long-term staying child policy. Prepare documents by family unit because codes and conditions differ for the child, siblings, and parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the A Series a Work Visa?

No. It is a status for diplomacy, official duty, and treaty activities. If family members or you want to do other work, separate permission is required.

Does Having a Diplomatic Passport Automatically Mean A-1?

No. You must have an actual diplomatic mission and proof of dispatch and reception. For tourism or personal business trips, use other entry statuses matching your purpose.

Is G-1 a Single Type of Humanitarian Visa?

No. It is a bundle of different grounds, such as industrial accidents, illness, litigation, unpaid wages, refugee applications, humanitarian stay, medical tourism, victims, and long-term staying children.

Can I Go to Korea on G-1 and Look for a Job?

G-1 is not a general job-seeking visa. If you come from abroad to work, check statuses matching your duties and employment system, such as E, H, or F.

Can I Work If I Receive a G-1 Card?

No. Check whether it is a sub-code eligible for work, whether you received permission for activity outside your Status of Stay, and your permitted workplace, occupation, and period.

Can I Work Automatically 6 Months After a Refugee Application?

No. The passage of 6 months is only a key application requirement. You need an employment contract and prior permission from immigration. Any period where the applicant intentionally delayed procedures can be judged differently.

Can I Change from G-1 to a Study or Work Visa Right Away?

In most cases it is restricted. There are some exceptions such as G-1-6 and long-term staying children under G-1-8, 13, and 14, but you must meet all requirements of the target status and get permission for a change of Status of Stay. Re-applying after leaving Korea may be required.

If I Do Not Know Whether Treatment Will Exceed 90 Days, Should I Choose C-3-3 or G-1-10?

Based on your current medical plan and doctor's opinion, check C-3-3 first if it is 90 days or less, and G-1-10 if it is 91 days or more. Check with the hospital and Korean diplomatic mission abroad before issuance.

Can I Apply for Seasonal Work under G-1-19?

It is not currently a new general pathway. It is an administrative code under a temporary COVID-19 system. For current seasonal work, check E-8 local government procedures.

Is T-1 a New Tourist Visa?

No. It is a code indicating a tourist landing permit in statistics. General travelers should check their own entry pathways, such as the B or C series or K-ETA.

Official Channels to Check

What to Check	Official Organization or Page	How to Use
A and G status, documents, work, and extension	HiKorea Integrated Guide Manual, 2026-08-07 edition	The top practical reference for this document
Current laws on stay	Korean Law Information Center, Immigration Act	Legal grounds for registration, extension, work, and landing permits
Activity scope and upper limits for Status of Stay	Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act	Check legal scope of A-1 to A-3 and G-1
Refugee applications and humanitarian stay	Korean Law Information Center, Refugee Act	Legal grounds for refugee procedures, work, and treatment
Current G-1 sub-codes in 2026	Ministry of Justice Monthly Statistics Report on Immigration and Foreigner Policy, June 2026	Cross-check codes currently in use such as G-1-15, 81, 82, and 83
Nature of tourist landing T-1	Ministry of Justice Overview of the 2025 Annual Statistics Report on Immigration and Foreigner Policy	Distinguish statistical categories of stay and landing from general visas
Long-term staying child policy	Ministry of Justice Plan for Granting Status of Stay	Check eligibility requirements applied from 2025-04-01 to 2028-03-31
Latest changes in long-term medical tourism	Ministry of Justice Press Release, 2026-04-17	Check improvement directions such as top-rated agencies and electronic visas
Visa application and results	Korea Visa Portal	Check diplomatic mission and electronic visa pathways for the A series and G-1-10
Korean diplomatic mission abroad in charge	Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korean Diplomatic Missions Abroad	Check local checklists, official letters, and fees
Industrial accidents	Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service	Apply for medical care and compensation, and check case details
Minimum wage	Minimum Wage Commission	Check the 2026 hourly wage of 10,320 KRW
Immigration counseling	Immigration Contact Center 1345	1345 inside Korea, +82-2-1345 from abroad
Labor counseling	Ministry of Employment and Labor 1350	Unpaid wages and working conditions counseling

Check These Yourself Before You Apply

A Series

• Did you determine your status based on your actual diplomatic, official, or treaty duties rather than your passport?
• Do you have official letters from your dispatching organization, proof of employment or identity, and treaty application materials?
• Did you check if your family is included in the official scope?
• Did you check for a Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommendation and immigration permission before separate employment?
• Did you check how to handle departure, re-entry, and procedures after your term of office ends?

G-1

• Did you check the exact G-1 sub-code?
• Do you have recent evidence that your stay in Korea is still necessary?
• Did you prepare an extension reservation or application before your stay expires?
• Did you complete foreigner registration and report a change of address within 15 days?
• Did you check if you are eligible for a work permit and work only after getting permission?
• Do your workplace, occupation, location, and period match your permit document?
• Do you have a plan for departure or status change after your case or treatment ends?
• Did you avoid assuming that family members automatically receive status?

In Closing

The A series is a status for official standing in diplomacy, official duty, and treaties, while G-1 is a status that temporarily manages specific exceptional grounds such as treatment, remedy of your rights, and protection. You must not choose either status solely for the purpose of working in Korea. For A, check your dispatching organization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and treaties first. For G-1, check your sub-code, currently ongoing cases, and prior work permission first. Policies and administrative codes may change, so if a new notice or law takes effect on your application date, that material takes precedence over this document.

Official Sources

This document was written based on the following official materials:

• Guide Manual for Visa and Stay Applications by Status of Stay (2026-08-07 edition) · Ministry of Justice, HiKorea
• Immigration Act · Korean Law Information Center
• Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act · Korean Law Information Center
• Refugee Act · Korean Law Information Center
• Monthly Statistics Report on Immigration and Foreigner Policy, June 2026 · Ministry of Justice
• Overview of the 2025 Annual Statistics Report on Immigration and Foreigner Policy · Ministry of Justice
• Plan for Granting Status of Stay to Long-Term Staying Children · Ministry of Justice
• Guide to Medical Tourism Visa Improvements (2026-04-17) · Ministry of Justice
• Korea Visa Portal · Ministry of Justice
• Guide to Korean Diplomatic Missions Abroad · Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service · Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service
• Status of the Minimum Wage for 2026 · Minimum Wage Commission