Can I get a job in Korea with an F-1 (Visiting/Cohabiting) visa? (Latest 2026)
At a Glance: In principle, employment is not permitted with an F-1 (Visiting/Residency) visa. However, you may legally work by obtaining permission for activities outside the scope of your status of residence if you fall under one of the following five categories: ① ethnic Koreans from China, ② foreign language instructors or teachers for F-1 or F-3 holders, ③ foreign language proofreaders at public institutions, ④ family members (F-1-12) of outstanding talents under the points system (F-2-7), and ⑤ accompanying parents of outstanding talents, investors, or international students. Applications can be made through HiKorea or the competent Immigration Office.
What is an F-1 visa?
The F-1 (Visiting/Residing) visa is issued to foreign nationals staying in Korea for purposes such as visiting relatives, living with family, supporting dependents, or settling household affairs. The maximum period of stay granted at one time is two years, and it is classified into F-1-5, F-1-12, F-1-13, F-1-16, etc., depending on the specific qualification.
In principle, employment and profit-making activities are prohibited, but if certain requirements are met, employment is possible through permission for activities outside the scope of the status of residence (a system that exceptionally permits activities not allowed by the original visa).
Activities permitted without separate permission: Taking training courses
Taking education at regular educational institutions (elementary, middle, high schools, and universities) is possible without a separate permission procedure to the extent that it does not infringe upon the original purpose of stay (effective June 15, 2009). Since attending school is not subject to permission for activities outside of one's qualification, you can register and take classes immediately.
5 Cases Where You Can Work with an F-1 Visa
1. Permission for Employment Activities of Korean Chinese (E-1 ~ E-7)
Among ethnic Koreans of Chinese descent holding an F-1 visa, if they are qualified for employment, activities outside the scope of their visa status are permitted, ranging from Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7).
Required documents
| division | document |
|---|---|
| basic | Application form (Attachment No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee |
| Employment-related | Employment recommendation letter from the head of the competent ministry or documents proving the necessity of employment, employment contract |
| Workplace related | Business registration certificate |
| Proof of qualification | Degree or Certificate |
2. Foreign language instructors and teachers holding F-1 or F-3 visas (E-2, E-7)
Holders of Visiting/Resident (F-1) and Accompanying (F-3) visas may work as Foreign Language Conversation Instructors (E-2) or Foreign Workforce Teachers (E-7). In this case, additional documents such as degree certificates, criminal background checks, and pre-employment medical examination reports corresponding to the relevant qualification are required.
3. Foreign Language Proofreader at Public Institutions (E-7)
Holders of F-1 and F-3 visas may be employed as foreign language proofreaders (E-7) at national agencies and public organizations (local governments, government-invested institutions).
Required documents
- Application form (Attachment No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee
- Employment contract
- Copy of business registration certificate
- Letter of Recommendation (issued by the head of the relevant institution)
- Degree Certificate (Original and Copy)
4. Spouse and minor children of outstanding talents under the points system (F-1-12)
This applies to cases where individuals have obtained F-1-12 status as the spouse or minor child of a point-based excellent talent (F-2-7) holder.
- Principle : Employment and profit-making activities are prohibited.
- Exception : If you meet the employment requirements for professional or semi-professional occupations (E-1 to E-7), you may work by obtaining permission for activities outside the scope of your visa status.
- Exclusions : Hotel and entertainment workers (E-6-2), skilled workers (E-7-4)
- Additional documents : All documents required by the relevant status of residence
5. Accompanying parents of top talent, investors, and international students
Top talents, investors, and accompanying parents of international students are also eligible for employment if they meet certain conditions.
Required documents
| division | document |
|---|---|
| basic | Application form (Attachment No. 7), passport, alien registration card, fee |
| Family verification | Documents proving family relationship |
| Proof of residence | Lease agreement, accommodation confirmation, utility bill payment receipts, etc. |
Key Summary Table
| division | Target | Possible employment range |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit for ethnic Koreans from China | Chinese nationals holding F-1 visas | E-1~E-7 Extracurricular Activities |
| Foreign language instructors/teachers | F-1, F-3 holders | Foreign Language Conversation Instructor (E-2), Foreign Workforce Teacher (E-7) |
| Public institution proofreader | F-1, F-3 holders | Foreign Language Proofreader (E-7) |
| Point-based excellent talent family | F-1-12 holder | E-1~E-7 (excluding E-6-2, E-7-4) |
| Top Talent & Investor Accompanying Parents | F-1 holder | When certain conditions are met |
| Course attendance | All F-1 holders | Study at a regular educational institution (exemption from permission) |
Precautions when applying
- Mandatory Prior Permission : Employment without permission for activities outside your permitted status of residence constitutes illegal employment and may result in fines or deportation.
- Specific requirements subject to change : Requirements vary depending on the specific visa category (F-1-5, F-1-12, etc.), and Ministry of Justice guidelines are revised frequently. The latest information must be checked on HiKorea.
- Exclusion of E-6-2 and E-7-4 : For F-1-12, hotel and entertainment workers (E-6-2) and skilled workers (E-7-4) are excluded from eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I do part-time work with an F-1 visa?
A. In principle, employment and profit-making activities are prohibited for F-1 visa holders, so general part-time work is not permitted. You may legally work only if you fall under one of the five cases explained above and have obtained permission for activities outside your status of residence. Unauthorized employment is considered illegal employment and is subject to punishment, so please be sure to check with the competent Immigration Office in advance.
Q2. Where do I apply for permission to engage in activities outside the scope of my status of residence?
A. You can apply online via HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or by visiting the competent Immigration Office. Required documents vary depending on the application type, but basic requirements include an application form (Attachment No. 34 or 7), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee, and employment contract. Please note that detailed fees and processing times are subject to change based on the latest immigration policies, so please check with HiKorea or the Foreigners Information Center (☎ 1345).
Q3. Can I work in a factory if I hold an F-1-12 visa?
A. F-1-12 holders (spouses and minor children of outstanding talents under the points system) are permitted to work only in the professional and semi-professional E-1 through E-7 categories; skilled technical personnel (E-7-4) are excluded. Since general manufacturing and production positions (E-9) do not apply, employment in factory field positions is difficult. It is more realistic to seek a professional role that matches your educational background and work experience.
Q4. Is it permissible to work as a school administrative assistant while attending a Korean university on an F-1 visa?
A. While university studies themselves are permitted without separate permission, paid activities such as on-campus teaching assistantships or student workers may require a separate permit for activities outside the scope of your visa status or a part-time work permit. Please check with the university's Office of International Affairs or the relevant immigration office before proceeding.
Q5. I am a Korean-Chinese national. Can I get a job immediately with an F-1 visa?
A. Even ethnic Koreans from China holding an F-1 visa are not automatically granted work authorization. To work in the E-1 to E-7 categories, they must meet the necessary employment qualifications (degree, work experience, employment contract, etc.) and obtain permission for activities outside their permitted status of residence by providing a letter of recommendation from the relevant government ministry, documents proving the necessity of employment, an employment contract, a business registration certificate, etc.
Since employment eligibility varies significantly depending on your specific F-1 visa category (F-1-5, F-1-12, etc.), it is crucial to accurately verify your qualifications first. If you find the complex visa assessment difficult, consult with an administrative advisor at Jobflowy and check job postings available for your visa on the platform.
For more detailed consultation, please contact Jobploy.