VISA

G-1 Visa - How is it possible to work in Korea?

✔ Employment Guide for G-1 Visa Holders

The G-1 visa is a visa that does not, in principle, allow employment , but if certain conditions are met, employment may be possible in limited circumstances.

We will guide you through the process and whether you can work with a G-1 visa.😊


1️⃣ G-1 Visa Overview

The G-1 visa is granted to foreigners who stay in Korea for humanitarian reasons.

  • Refugee applicant
  • Foreigners staying long term for medical treatment
  • Foreigners staying for special reasons recognized by the Minister of Justice

Generally, G-1 visa holders are prohibited from working, but there are exceptions where employment is permitted within certain limits with permission from the Department of Justice.


2️⃣ G-1 Visa Employment Status

Since this is not a visa for employment purposes, you must obtain a ‘work activity permit’ to work.


✅ Eligibility Conditions

  • After 6 months of refugee status application: You can apply for a work permit after 6 months.
  • Prior approval from the Department of Justice is required: You must obtain a work permit specifying your employer and working conditions.
  • Limited to permitted occupations: General simple labor positions are not permitted, and employment is limited to certain industries.

    (Eligible occupations - simple labor (accommodation, restaurants, construction, etc.) / entertainment (bars, adult entertainment establishments, etc.) / industries harmful to youth / industries that harm national security / private tutoring, etc.)


❌ Conditions for inability to work or cancellation of permit

  • If less than 6 months have passed since the application for refugee status
  • Without permission from the Ministry of Justice
  • If you are employed in a job other than the one for which you are authorized
  • Illegal employment by employers (illegal employment)
  • If you do not obtain a new permit after changing your business location


❗ Disadvantages if illegal activity is detected

  • Forced Deportation and Entry Ban : If illegal employment is discovered, you may be forced to leave the country and may be banned from entering Korea for a certain period of time.
  • Fines and criminal penalties : Not only the foreign national who illegally works, but also the employer who knowingly hired the foreign national may be subject to punishment.
  • No extension or change of visa : If you have a history of illegal employment, it may be difficult to extend your G-1 visa or change to another visa.
  • Adverse impact on refugee status determination : If a refugee claimant engages in illegal employment, it may adversely affect the refugee status determination process.


3️⃣ G-1 Visa Employment Procedures

1. Check if you are eligible for employment

- Check if 6 months have passed since applying for refugee status

- Check if you can get a job in your desired field

2. Apply for a work permit

- Submit an application for employment permit to the competent immigration office

- Submit employment contract, business registration certificate, and employer verification documents

- Ministry of Justice review decision on whether to grant approval

3. Job search activities in progress

- Start working in an approved occupation and workplace

- If working conditions change, re-application to the Ministry of Justice is required.

4. Maintaining and renewing residence status

- Apply for G-1 visa extension if you need to extend your stay while working

- If you need to change your visa status, apply for a change at the Ministry of Justice


✔ For more detailed information, please refer to the official website of the Ministry of Justice Immigration Office or HRD Korea, or contact the relevant organization directly.

📌 Immigration Office website : www.immigration.go.kr
📌HRD Korea website : www.hrdkorea.or.kr

I am a dedicated recruiting manager at Jobploy.

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