How do I apply for refugee status in Korea?

To apply for refugee status, submit a refugee status application form to the immigration office with jurisdiction (출입국·외국인관서). You can also apply during the entry inspection at an airport or port. If you are already staying in Korea, apply at the immigration office that covers where you live.

Prepare these documents

• Refugee status application form — available at the immigration office
• Passport — if you do not have one, you usually submit a written statement explaining why
• Materials showing you were persecuted — usually statements, photos, articles, documents, etc.
• Documents needed to change your status of stay to G-1 after applying: basic documents (application form, passport, fee), refugee status application receipt, 1 photo, proof of address. Nationals of high tuberculosis-risk countries must also submit a tuberculosis screening certificate

How the application works

1. Submit the application: You receive a receipt right away. If you apply at an airport or port, a decision on whether to refer you to examination is made within 7 days. If no decision is made within that time, you are permitted to enter.
2. Get G-1 status of stay: At the immigration office covering your address, you change to or receive the Other (G-1) status of stay.
3. Interview and fact-finding: You can get interpretation support. If you wish, an officer of the same gender conducts the interview, and an interpreter of the same gender interprets. You can also request audio or video recording.
4. Decision: In principle, a decision is made within 6 months from the date of receipt. You can stay in Korea until the decision becomes final. The same applies while you pursue an administrative appeal or a lawsuit after a denial.

Once 6 months have passed since you applied, you can get permission for activities outside your status of stay (체류자격외활동허가) and work in non-professional occupations. There is no fee for this permission. If the decision is delayed, your period of stay is extended in units of up to 6 months at a time.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you submit false documents or make false statements, parts of the examination process may be skipped. This can also happen if you apply right before your period of stay expires.
• If you miss an interview 3 or more times in a row, the examination may be ended.
• If you move, you must report your change of address within 15 days. Older guidance says 14 days, but the legal standard is 15 days.

Refugee applications depend heavily on personal circumstances. So we recommend a K-VISA AI administrative agent consultation (Visa Service in the app). Before you apply, check once more at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.