Seasonal Worker (E-8) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Application and Extension Documents

Application for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance

• Standard Employment Contract
• Evidence of efforts to recruit Korean nationals
• Copy of the seasonal worker’s passport
• Supporting documents required for the type of recommendation
• List of accommodation facilities to be provided
• Report on the results of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), etc.

The head of the basic local government applies through the Visa Portal. E-8 visas are issued only on the basis of a Confirmation of Visa Issuance. Issuance takes approximately 10 days from the date of application, so determine when to apply by taking the work schedule and time needed to prepare for departure into account.

Foreign National Registration

• Integrated Application Form (통합신청서)
• Passport
• One photograph (35 mm × 45 mm)
• Confirmation of Residence and Accommodation Provision (거주·숙소 제공 확인서)
• Certificate of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance enrollment, or an insurance policy or enrollment undertaking for farmers’ and fishers’ safety insurance
• Proof of travel insurance enrollment
• Drug Test Confirmation (마약검사 확인서)
• Local Government accommodation inspection confirmation

Submit the drug test results in a sealed envelope. The Local Government submits the accommodation inspection confirmation in a single official letter for all applicants.

Change of Workplace (Employer Reassignment)

• Integrated Application Form, passport, and Residence Card
• Copy of the Standard Employment Contract
• Certificate of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance enrollment, or an insurance policy or enrollment undertaking for farmers’ and fishers’ safety insurance
• Certificate of National Health Insurance enrollment or documents proving an application for enrollment (if applicable)
• Confirmation of the employer assigned a seasonal worker
• Confirmation of Residence and Accommodation Provision
• Drug Test Confirmation if the change is agreed before foreign national registration

A change is permitted if the employment contract is terminated early for reasons attributable to the employer, or if the employer and worker agree to the change before foreign national registration. Adding a workplace is not permitted, and the change fee is waived.

Permission to Extend Period of Stay

• Application for Recommendation to Extend the Period of Stay for a Foreign Seasonal Worker
• Passport and Residence Card
• Confirmation of Residence and Accommodation Provision
• Employment contract
• Employer’s identification document
• Human Trafficking Victim Identification Indicators
• Recommendation for Extension of the Period of Stay for a Seasonal Worker Whose Period of Stay Is Expiring
• Integrated Application Form

Apply to the Local Government 60 to 40 days before the expiry date. If fewer than 40 days remain before expiry, obtain a recommendation letter from the Local Government and then apply in person at the competent Immigration Office. The fee is waived.

Permission to Engage in Activities Not Covered by Status of Stay (Participation in the Seasonal Worker Program for Foreign Nationals Staying in Korea)

• Integrated Application Form, Residence Card, and passport
• Copy of the Standard Employment Contract
• Application to Participate as a Seasonal Worker
• Recommendation for Student Participation in Seasonal Work (if applicable)
• Certificate of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance enrollment, or an insurance policy or enrollment undertaking for farmers’ and fishers’ safety insurance
• Certificate of National Health Insurance enrollment or documents proving an application for enrollment (if applicable)
• Confirmation of the employer assigned a seasonal worker
• Confirmation of Residence and Accommodation Provision (if applicable)

Registered foreign nationals who are eligible to participate in the seasonal worker program for foreign nationals staying in Korea may apply. The permitted period must end no later than the expiry date of the period of stay and may be from a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 8 months. The fee is waived.

Q. What types of work can I do on a seasonal worker (E-8) visa?

You may work in recognized crop cultivation and harvesting, related primary processing, or primary processing of fishery products. You will perform seasonal work in the field and at the workplace assigned by the Local Government (지방자치단체).

Q. What is the maximum period of stay for E-8?

The period of stay granted at one time is up to 8 months. The total period of stay may not exceed 8 months.

Q. Do I have to apply for the visa myself?

For foreign nationals staying overseas, after the Local Government makes an assignment, the head of the basic local government (기초자치단체장) applies for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정서). The application is submitted through the Visa Portal.

Q. Can overseas relatives of a marriage immigrant also apply?

Marriage immigrants may recommend to the Local Government relatives within four degrees of kinship who live overseas, as well as those relatives’ spouses. Agriculture corresponds to E-8-2, and fishing corresponds to E-8-4.

Q. Should family members of a marriage immigrant who are staying in Korea also apply for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance?

Family members staying in Korea are not eligible to apply for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance. If applicable, they should apply for permission to engage in activities not covered by their status of stay.

Q. When should I apply for an extension of my period of stay?

Apply to the Local Government 60 to 40 days before the expiry date. If fewer than 40 days remain before expiry, first apply to the Local Government and obtain a recommendation letter, then apply in person at an Immigration Office.

Q. Can I change or add a workplace?

Adding a workplace is not permitted. You may change workplaces if the employment contract is terminated early for reasons attributable to the employer, or if you and the employer agree to the change before you register as a foreign national.

Q. Can I do other work while staying in Korea on E-8?

Seasonal workers (C-4 and E-8) cannot obtain permission to engage in activities not covered by their status of stay for activities other than seasonal work. Registered foreign nationals participating in the seasonal worker program for foreign nationals staying in Korea should check the separately provided application requirements for permission to engage in seasonal work.

Q. What documents are required for a visa application?

Required documents include a Standard Employment Contract (표준근로계약서), evidence of efforts to recruit Korean nationals, a copy of the passport, and a list of accommodation facilities to be provided. Depending on the type of recommendation, you must also submit documents proving work experience in agriculture or fishing, the family relationship, or the relationship between the student and the student’s parents.