법짝MunseoNaholloVisaStay in Korea

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H-2 Working visit2026 end of new issuance and change to F-4

A status for ethnic Koreans of foreign nationality (e.g. from China and former Soviet countries); reports say it is no longer newly issued.

Checked on 2026-10-17 · Facts and sources on this page: ↓

At a glance

Who it is forA status for ethnic Koreans of foreign nationality (e.g. from China and former Soviet countries); reports say it is no longer newly issued.
Can you work?Within set limitsCurrent holders work within the permitted scope; check the scope on HiKorea.
Length of stayThe system is changing — see the facts below.Reports say new H-2 issuance stopped on 12 Feb 2026 and ethnic-Korean statuses were merged into F-4. Current H-2 holders may change to F-4 before expiry, with the change fee waived until 31 Dec 2027. Needs checking (확인 필요)
ExtensionBefore expiry, check with HiKorea or 1345 whether to extend or change to F-4.Apply for an extension from 4 months before your expiry date until the day before it expires. Applying after expiry leads to penalties. Needs checking (확인 필요)
Change of statusReports say you can change to F-4 even before expiry, via HiKorea e-application.Reports say new H-2 issuance stopped on 12 Feb 2026 and ethnic-Korean statuses were merged into F-4. Current H-2 holders may change to F-4 before expiry, with the change fee waived until 31 Dec 2027. Needs checking (확인 필요)Reports say F-4 stay is now granted for 1–3 years depending on Korean ability and the Social Integration Programme, and 10 of 47 previously restricted simple-labour occupations (e.g. construction labourer) are opened first. Needs checking (확인 필요)
Alien registrationIf you will stay longer than 90 days, you must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry (Immigration Control Act Art. 31). Confirmed by official source
Re-entryRegistered foreigners who return within 1 year of departure are exempt from a re-entry permit; if less than a year of stay remains, only until that date. Confirmed by official source

Document checklist

Typical documents only. They vary by sub-type and office — check HiKorea's status manuals and the office (needs checking).

Fees

Where to apply

For applications that require an office visit, book a date and time on HiKorea in advance; some applications can be filed online via HiKorea e-application. Needs checking (확인 필요)

Common mistakes

Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure. Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ

FAQ

What happens to H-2 now?

Reports say from 12 Feb 2026 it is no longer newly issued and is merged into F-4. If you already hold H-2, check on HiKorea how to change to F-4 and the fee waiver period.

Facts and sources on this page

Anything we could not compare directly with an official page is marked "Needs checking". Always verify on the government websites below before applying.

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