Korea H-2 Work and Visit — Employment Start Report, Deadlines and Penalties

Overview

H-2 overseas Koreans enter on the visa, complete employment training and a job application, and may then be placed in work or find a job themselves.

The most common issue is the employment start report. Failing to report within 15 days of first starting work or changing workplace is subject to a fine of up to KRW 1 million under Article 100(2) of the Immigration Act.

At a Glance

Scope of Activity

• Employment within permitted industries (the scope is set out in the manual's annex)

Who Qualifies

• Overseas Koreans who entered on an H-2 visa and completed employment training and the job application
• H-2 holders who first start work in a permitted industry (subject to reporting)
• H-2 holders who change workplace after first starting work (subject to reporting)

Required Documents

• Employment start report form for H-2 overseas Koreans
• Copy of the Special Employment Permit Confirmation
• Copy of the standard labour contract
• Copy of the business registration certificate
• Copy of the ARC (for fax filings)

Application Process

1. Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
2. Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
3. Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
4. File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
5. Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
6. Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.

Key Points

• Filing methods: in-person with a prior reservation, online (HiKorea > e-Application > "H-2 employment start report or workplace change report"), fax (1577-1346), or through an agency registered with the Immigration Office.
• Online filing by an acquaintance is also allowed, to improve access and reduce counter congestion.
• Since 13 October 2014, following the unification of reporting between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, employment start reports transmitted by the latter are also recognised.
• An employer who cannot recruit Korean nationals despite 15 days of effort may apply to the Employment Support Center for a Special Employment Permit Confirmation and hire from the register of foreign job seekers within the permitted headcount.
• Where the Ministry of Employment and Labor issues a confirmation extending the employment period for those whose term has expired, the four-year-ten-month rule applies from the date of entry or of the status change permit.
• Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
• Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
• Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
• You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
• Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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