We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete guide to South Korea\u2019s E-9-5 Non-Professional Employment – Service visa: eligibility, documents, process, restrictions, extensions, and risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> April 7, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n The E-9-5 Non-Professional Employment – Service<\/strong> category is part of South Korea\u2019s broader E-9 Non-Professional Employment<\/strong> framework. In practical terms, it is a work-authorized immigration status<\/strong> used for certain foreign workers doing authorized non-professional service work<\/strong> in Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South Korea\u2019s E-9 system exists to let approved employers hire foreign workers in sectors where the government permits labor recruitment from abroad under controlled conditions. The system is closely linked to the Employment Permit System (EPS)<\/strong> managed by labor authorities, with immigration permission handled by the Ministry of Justice \/ Korea Immigration Service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For ordinary applicants, the key point is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n South Korea uses status codes such as D, E, F, H, etc. Within that system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is best understood as a work visa category leading to a status of stay<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on where the applicant is in the process, it may involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So it is effectively a hybrid route<\/strong>:\n1. labor authorization,\n2. immigration visa issuance or confirmation,\n3. residence\/status registration after arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official naming can vary by source. You may see references to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a Korean mission or Hi Korea page uses slightly different wording, use the official wording on that page for your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Public English-language information on the exact sub-stream E-9-5 Service<\/strong> is more limited than for the broader E-9 category. In practice, applicants often interact through the employer\/EPS process rather than choosing \u201cE-9-5\u201d independently.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This route is generally suitable for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use E-9-5 if your real purpose is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your purpose, another visa may be more appropriate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The E-9-5 is used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless specifically authorized under Korean law or immigration permission, this visa is not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korean immigration guidance does not publicly present E-9 as a flexible remote-work status. If you are in Korea on E-9-5, assume that your lawful work must match the approved employer and activity<\/strong>. Unapproved side work or online work may violate your status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If \u201cvolunteering\u201d resembles work that would normally be paid, it may create immigration risk. Do not assume it is allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short incidental study may sometimes be possible, but this is not a study visa<\/strong>. Anything substantial should be cleared with immigration first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may marry while in Korea, but marriage does not<\/strong> automatically change your immigration status. A separate status change application may be needed if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other E-9 subcategories may cover different industries or sectors. The exact public-facing breakdown may differ across systems, forms, or internal government references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Applicants often say \u201cI just need a Korean work visa.\u201d In Korea, the exact visa class matters<\/strong>. E-9-5 is only for a narrow category of work.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Because E-9-5 sits inside Korea\u2019s EPS\/labor-approval framework, eligibility depends on both labor rules<\/strong> and immigration rules<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eligibility under E-9 is generally limited to nationals of countries participating in Korea\u2019s foreign worker recruitment system. This is policy-based and can change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your nationality is not on the current participating-country list, you may not qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ordinarily, applicants need to be selected through the Employment Permit System<\/strong> or another official labor recruitment pathway recognized for E-9 issuance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You normally need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The offered work must fall within a sector authorized for E-9-5 service employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age rules may exist under EPS recruitment policy. Exact age criteria can vary by sending country arrangements and labor-side rules. Verify with EPS and the Korean mission handling your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical checks may be required before or after arrival, and workers may need to meet communicable disease and general fitness standards under applicable regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants with serious criminal records, prior immigration violations, or security concerns may be refused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A valid passport is required. Many missions expect a passport with sufficient remaining validity beyond intended entry\/stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prior overstay, deportation, or illegal work in Korea can severely affect eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n E-9 recruitment often involves labor-side requirements such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not always published on immigration pages, but they are central in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants may need to submit biometrics and register after arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n E-9 recruitment is quota-driven at the national and sector level. Even fully qualified applicants may need to wait for openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korean embassies and consulates can have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> The embassy\/consulate that processes your application may require documents beyond the general list on Hi Korea.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You are generally not eligible if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although E-9 is not primarily a settlement visa<\/strong>, some workers may later qualify for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Workers may need to report:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must maintain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Working outside the authorized workplace or job scope can lead to status cancellation, fines, departure orders, or future visa problems.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n For E-9 routes, the actual stay period is usually tied to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Korea periodically updates labor and immigration rules, exact maximum periods should be checked on current official pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Historically, E-9 employment periods have been governed by labor and immigration rules that may allow multi-stage continuation, but applicants should not assume a fixed maximum without checking the latest official policy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Korea, the key practical concept is often not just \u201cvisa validity,\u201d but also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Extensions should be handled before the period of stay expires<\/strong>. Do not wait until the last day unless officially instructed otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because E-9-5 often runs through employer\/EPS processing, the exact checklist can vary by country, mission, and stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n E-9 is not mainly a self-funded category, but some posts may still ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If requested, provide exactly what the mission asks for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes required depending on the recruitment stream:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only if relevant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where requested:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on nationality and processing post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not commonly applicable for principal E-9 workers, but if any family-related filing arises:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If documents are not in Korean or English, the mission may require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check the exact embassy rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the photo specification on the current Korean mission or visa portal page. Do not guess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Applicants often submit a valid document in the wrong format, such as an uncertified translation when the mission requires notarized or apostilled translation support.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n For E-9-5, there is usually no public \u201cminimum personal bank balance\u201d rule<\/strong> presented the way visitor visas often have one. The focus is instead on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some missions may ask for evidence of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> Even if personal funds are not a headline requirement, keep a clear paper trail for any large recent deposits in case the mission asks questions.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Official fees vary by visa type, nationality, reciprocity arrangements, and mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South Korean visa fees are updated from time to time. Some missions list fees in local currency, others in USD-equivalent local currency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Always check the latest official fee page for the exact embassy\/consulate where you will apply. Do not rely on screenshots or old social media posts.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n South Korea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Non-Professional Employment – Service<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n E-9-5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Work visa \/ status of stay for non-professional employment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Authorized employment in certain permitted service-sector activities under Korea\u2019s non-professional employment framework<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Foreign worker recruited through Korea\u2019s foreign labor system for eligible service work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Varies by visa issuance and employment authorization<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Usually tied to employment permission and alien registration status; exact period depends on approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Varies by visa issuance and re-entry status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Yes, in some cases, subject to labor and immigration rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, but only for authorized employer\/activity under E-9 rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Limited; not the main purpose of this status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Generally not as a standard dependent route for ordinary E-9 workers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Possible indirectly in limited cases, but not a straightforward PR route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect only, if the person later qualifies through long-term residence\/naturalization rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
How it fits into South Korea\u2019s immigration system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Is it a visa, permit, or status?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Alternate names and labels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who this visa is for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n Suitable?<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourists<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use visitor\/tourist status, not E-9-5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitors<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use short-term business visa if applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Job seekers<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n E-9-5 is not a general job-seeker visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employees<\/td>\n Yes, if in approved service work<\/td>\n Must have correct sponsorship\/approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Students<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use D-2\/D-4 or other student category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouses\/partners<\/td>\n No, as main route<\/td>\n E-9-5 is not a family visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Children\/dependents<\/td>\n No, generally<\/td>\n Dependents are not normally the standard route under E-9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Researchers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Usually E-1\/E-3\/E-5\/E-7 or related<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomads<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Not the correct category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Founders\/entrepreneurs<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use business\/investment route if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Investors<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use investment route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Retirees<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Not for retirement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Religious workers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use religious category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Artists\/athletes<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use performance\/arts\/sports category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit passengers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Transit rules apply separately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical travelers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use visitor\/medical route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Diplomatic\/official travelers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use diplomatic\/official status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Special category applicants<\/td>\n Sometimes<\/td>\n Only if they fit EPS\/E-9 criteria<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Who should not use this visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Better alternatives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Prohibited or generally not permitted purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Volunteering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Study<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marriage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official classification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related classification context<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Commonly confused categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
E-9 vs H-2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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E-9 vs E-7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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E-9 vs C-4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Nationality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Approved recruitment channel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Job offer \/ employer sponsorship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Sector eligibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Criminal background \/ character<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Passport validity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Immigration compliance history<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Education \/ language \/ testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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11. Biometrics \/ registration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Quotas \/ caps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eligibility matrix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nRequirement<\/th>\n Usually required?<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Eligible nationality<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Must fit current participating-country rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Valid passport<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Standard requirement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Approved employer<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Core requirement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Labor approval\/EPS process<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Usually essential<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sector match<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Must match authorized service work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Funds proof<\/td>\n Not usually primary like visitor visas<\/td>\n But some posts may request supporting documents<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Language test<\/td>\n Often part of labor-side process<\/td>\n Verify current EPS rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical exam<\/td>\n Often yes<\/td>\n Timing varies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police certificate<\/td>\n May be required<\/td>\n Depends on process\/post<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics<\/td>\n Often yes<\/td>\n Mission\/immigration dependent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family relationship proof<\/td>\n Only if relevant<\/td>\n Dependents are generally not standard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Accommodation proof<\/td>\n Sometimes<\/td>\n May be handled via employer arrangements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Not eligible in common situations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Refusal risk table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nRefusal issue<\/th>\n Why it matters<\/th>\n Legal fix<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Wrong visa category<\/td>\n Immigration sees purpose mismatch<\/td>\n Reapply under correct category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Unapproved employer<\/td>\n No valid sponsorship basis<\/td>\n Wait for proper labor approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Ineligible nationality<\/td>\n Outside current scheme<\/td>\n Explore other visa categories<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Prior overstay<\/td>\n Compliance risk<\/td>\n Provide full disclosure and supporting explanation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Missing police\/medical docs<\/td>\n Incomplete statutory checks<\/td>\n Submit correct updated documents<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Inconsistent personal data<\/td>\n Identity concern<\/td>\n Correct records before applying<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Untranslated documents<\/td>\n Officer cannot assess evidence<\/td>\n Use proper certified translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Practical benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Possible long-term benefit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Reporting obligations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Compliance restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Validity and stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Entry rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Stay calculation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form<\/td>\n Official consular\/immigration form<\/td>\n Starts the application<\/td>\n Using old form version<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport<\/td>\n Valid travel document<\/td>\n Identity and travel authorization<\/td>\n Damaged passport; low validity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport photos<\/td>\n Visa-standard photos<\/td>\n ID matching<\/td>\n Wrong size\/background<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa issuance confirmation or employer approval papers<\/td>\n Official Korea-side approval documents<\/td>\n Shows authorized sponsorship basis<\/td>\n Missing pages or expired approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employment contract<\/td>\n Signed work contract<\/td>\n Confirms role and terms<\/td>\n Job title not matching visa category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What may still matter financially<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof if requested<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hidden costs to plan for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Fee table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCost item<\/th>\n Typical status<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application fee<\/td>\n Check latest official mission fee page<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Processing\/service fee<\/td>\n May apply depending on where you apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics fee<\/td>\n Varies; may be bundled or separate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical exam fee<\/td>\n Usually paid separately to approved provider<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police certificate cost<\/td>\n Paid to issuing authority in home country<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Translation\/notary\/apostille<\/td>\n Variable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Courier fee<\/td>\n If passport\/documents are mailed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Insurance cost<\/td>\n If separately required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Travel to interview\/medical center<\/td>\n Variable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Residence\/registration fee in Korea<\/td>\n Check current immigration fee schedule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension\/renewal fee<\/td>\n Check latest Hi Korea fee information<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Important fee note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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