What work can I do and not do with an H-2 (Working Visit) status?

Currently, people staying under H-2 (Working Visit) status can do simple labor work. However, you can only work in permitted industries, and only after completing the required procedures. Also, from 2026년 2월 12일, new H-2 visas are no longer issued and have been merged into F-4. This guide applies to Korean-heritage compatriots who already have an H-2 visa¹.

Work you can do

• Simple labor in permitted industries: After alien registration, once you finish employment training and job-seeking registration, you can work in the simple labor industries set by law¹.
• Manufacturing, construction, agriculture/livestock, and fishing: You can work in manufacturing, construction, agriculture/livestock, and fishing (the previously permitted industries remain). For manufacturing, there are standards such as having fewer than 300 regular employees².
• Service industry and mining: Since 2023, all of them are permitted unless they are on the excluded list². For example, you can work in accommodation, restaurants and bars, and household service organizations⁴.
• Finding or changing jobs: You can get job referrals from the Employment Center (고용센터) or look for work yourself. When you change workplaces, you only need to report it¹.

Work you cannot do

• Excluded industries: You cannot work in 22 industries, such as information services, education services, and finance⁴. Transportation, real estate, and employment placement and labor supply businesses are also excluded².
• Working without following procedures: You cannot work before completing employment training and job-seeking registration¹.
• Work beyond the scope of H-2: In general, work that needs a different status, such as professional jobs or teaching, requires a change of status or permission.

⚠️ Points to watch

• If you start work or change workplaces, you must report within 14 days³.
• Permitted industries may change depending on policy. Before you work, be sure to check at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터) (1345).
• If you have already worked outside the permitted scope, it may become a stay violation issue. In this case, please get a consultation with the K-VISA AI administrative agent (비자서비스).