✔ 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