Short-Term News Coverage (C-1) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Visa Issuance and Extension

Application for a Short-Term News Coverage (C-1) Visa

• Application for Visa Issuance (사증발급신청서; Form No. 17 attached)
• Passport
• One standard-size photograph
• Fee
• A dispatch certificate, certificate of employment, or foreign press card issued by the affiliated company

The head of the overseas diplomatic mission (재외공관의 장) may add or omit some of the accompanying documents if necessary for the review.

Application for a Certificate of Visa Issuance (nationals of designated countries)

• Application for a Certificate of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정신청서; Form No. 21 attached)
• Copy of passport
• One standard-size photograph
• A dispatch certificate, certificate of employment, or foreign press card issued by the affiliated company
• If applying through a representative: power of attorney
• If applying through a representative: the representative’s certificate of employment
• If applying through a representative: copy of the representative’s identification

As a rule, nationals of designated countries obtain a visa based on a Certificate of Visa Issuance. If an application is submitted without a certificate, the head of the diplomatic mission may request approval from the Minister of Justice.

Application for Permission to Extend the Period of Stay

• Application Form (신청서; Form No. 34)
• Original passport
• Fee
• Documents explaining the need to extend the period of stay
• Examples of supporting documents: a news-gathering order or dispatch certificate from the head office, a copy of a foreign press card, or a certificate of employment issued by the head office

The review fee for permission to extend the period of stay is KRW 60,000. The period of stay may be extended up to 90 days from the date of entry.

Q. Who is eligible for a C-1 visa?

It is for people who are dispatched by a foreign news organization or have a contract with a foreign news organization and intend to conduct news-gathering and reporting activities in Korea for a short period. It may also apply to people who engage in short-term activities to prepare to establish a branch of a foreign media company.

Q. What is the maximum period of stay for C-1?

The maximum period of stay that may be granted at one time is 90 days. A C-1 visa may be issued as a single-entry visa valid for 90 days or less.

Q. Can the period of stay for C-1 be extended?

If you entered Korea with a visa valid for less than 90 days from the date of entry, or were granted a period of stay of less than 90 days, it may be extended up to 90 days from the date of entry. You must submit documents explaining the need for the extension.

Q. What documents are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay?

You need an Application Form (Form No. 34), your original passport, the fee, and documents explaining the need to extend the period of stay. Examples of supporting documents include a news-gathering order or dispatch certificate from the head office, a copy of a foreign press card, or a certificate of employment issued by the head office.

Q. Do nationals of designated countries need to obtain a Certificate of Visa Issuance?

As a rule, nationals of designated countries obtain a visa based on a Certificate of Visa Issuance issued by the Minister of Justice or the head of an Immigration Office (출입국·외국인관서). If an application is submitted without a certificate, the head of the diplomatic mission may request approval from the Minister of Justice (법무부장관).

Q. How can I remain in Korea after preparing to establish a branch?

If you intend to remain in Korea after establishing a branch, you may obtain permission to change your status to Journalism (D-5). The excerpted manual does not specify the documents required for permission to change status.

Q. What documents are required to apply for a visa?

You need an Application for Visa Issuance, a passport, one standard-size photograph, and the fee. You must also submit a dispatch certificate, certificate of employment, or foreign press card issued by the affiliated company.