When can I apply to extend my E-8 seasonal worker stay, and what documents do I need?

Unlike a general extension (which starts 4 months before expiry), E-8 seasonal workers must in principle apply to the local government for an extension recommendation 60 to 30 days before the stay period expires. The extension fee is waived.

Documents you need

These are the documents you submit to the local government.

• Application for recommendation of stay extension (체류기간 연장 추천 신청서) — the form you submit to the local government (city/county)
• Passport and Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증)
• Residence/accommodation confirmation — to prove your address
• Employment contract — newly written by agreement with the employer
• Employer's ID

Steps

1. The employer and the seasonal worker agree and sign an employment contract.
2. Apply for the recommendation at the local government 60 to 30 days before expiry.
3. The local government checks the contract period, the crop type and period, unpaid wages, and other items. Then it issues a recommendation letter. It sends the list of applicants to the immigration office with jurisdiction.
4. Immigration reviews the need for extension, any criminal record, passport information, and other items.
5. If approved, you or your employer will be notified by text message.

⚠️ Points to watch

• If you could not apply to the local government by 30 days before expiry, you must get an extension recommendation letter from the head of the local government. Then you must apply in person at the immigration office with jurisdiction. Bring the integrated application form, passport, Alien Registration Card, accommodation confirmation, recommendation letter, employment contract, and employer's ID. Before you visit, arrange the date with the immigration officer.
• An extension is up to 3 months. Your total stay cannot exceed 8 months.
• If your employment contract ended early because of the foreign worker's own fault, you cannot rejoin the program or extend.

💡 Good to know

If you entered the seasonal work program while already staying in Korea (G-1-19), the procedure is different. In this case, you apply for the extension and permission for activities outside your status of sojourn together, before your contract end date or stay expiry date.

Each local government may accept applications a little differently. First ask the seasonal worker officer at your city or county office. Then check finally at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.