Overview of H-2 Visa (Visit Employment) and F-5-14 Visa
The H-2 visa is designed for foreign nationals of Korean descent who wish to engage in temporary employment in South Korea. Holders of this visa who meet specific criteria can apply for the F-5-14 visa, which grants them permanent residency. Notably, the F-5-14 visa is available to individuals holding the H-2 or F-4 visas who have worked for over four years in specific sectors, including manufacturing.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the F-5-14 visa, applicants must meet the following basic conditions:
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Employment Duration: Applicants must have worked for the same employer for at least four years on an H-2 or F-4 visa. Eligible employment encompasses various fields, such as manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, and caregiving.
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Asset Requirements: Applicants need to demonstrate income equivalent to 70% of the per capita gross national income from the previous year. If an applicant’s income falls short, possessing a technical qualification at the level of an industrial engineer or higher can be considered an exception.
Income Criteria and Required Documentation
When applying for the F-5-14 visa, specific income criteria and documentation are necessary:
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Income Criteria: Applicants must meet the income requirement of 70% of last year’s gross national income, which amounts to approximately 30 million KRW.
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Required Documents:
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Completed application form
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Passport and alien registration card
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Proof of income
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Employment and qualification certificates
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Criminal background certificate (must be issued overseas and apostilled)
Application Process and Important Considerations
To apply, gather all required documents and submit them to the local immigration office. It is crucial to ensure that your paperwork is completely prepared before submission. Additionally, you must provide sufficient proof of your employment history through your work certificates.
If an applicant does not meet the income threshold, possessing a qualification at the industrial engineer level or higher may allow for exceptions. Moreover, if you’ve transitioned to another job within the same industry within three months of leaving your previous position, continuous employment can still be recognized.
For a detailed guide on applying for the F-5 visa from the F-4 visa, check out here.