When can I apply to extend my H-1 working holiday stay period, and with which documents?

You can apply to extend your H-1 stay period from 4 months before expiry until the day of expiry. The extension can be up to 1 year from the date you entered Korea.

Prepare only these documents (Type B)

The document list specific to H-1 could not be confirmed. Below are the documents usually needed for an extension.

• Basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee)
• A document showing your address in Korea - usually a lease contract, etc.
• A document showing your living expenses - usually a bank balance certificate, etc.
• Some partner countries may require extra documents. Check the H-1 section of the guidance manual by visa type on HiKorea.

Steps to apply

1. Check the H-1 required documents on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).
2. Between 4 months before expiry and the expiry date, visit the immigration office with jurisdiction over your address or apply online on HiKorea. You must be in Korea on the day you apply. You cannot apply from abroad, and no one can apply for you from abroad.
3. The standard fee is 60,000 KRW. Online, you pay by card, bank transfer, or mobile phone payment. If you visit, you usually pay with revenue stamps.
4. Processing takes 15 days in total for general cases. It takes 60 days in total if an investigation is needed.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you apply after the expiry date, a fine will be imposed. If you apply before expiry, you can stay while you wait for the result.
• An extension is allowed only within 1 year from your entry date. Under the agreements, the US allows up to 1 year 6 months, and the UK allows up to 2 years. Some partner countries, such as France, do not allow extensions.
• If you need to stay a little longer, for example for domestic travel, or you have no ticket to leave, you can get a departure extension of up to 30 days.
• When you apply for an extension, it matters whether you worked in a restricted job (jobs that fall under E-1 to E-7, entertainment venues, etc.).

The extension period you can get depends on your nationality. For exact information, check HiKorea or call 1345.