What is a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance, and who applies for it?

A Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정서) is a document in which Korean immigration reviews a foreigner's case in advance, before a visa is issued to the foreigner who wants to enter Korea. Usually, the inviter in Korea applies for it. The foreigner who wants to enter Korea can also apply directly.

Who applies, and where?

• The inviter in Korea (a company, family member, etc.) applies on behalf of the foreigner.
• The foreigner who wants to enter Korea can also apply.
• Submit it to the immigration office (출입국·외국인사무소) or its branch office (출장소) that has jurisdiction over the inviter's address. For online applications, use visa.go.kr.
• If an agent submits it, a power of attorney, the agent's certificate of employment, and a copy of the agent's ID are required.
• There is no fee.

How does it work?

1. The inviter submits the application form (사증발급인정신청서), a copy of the passport, and the documents required for each status of stay.
2. After review, if it is approved, the visa issuance confirmation number usually arrives by email.
3. The foreigner writes that number on the visa application and applies for a visa at a Korean embassy or consulate abroad.

• Processing time is 10 days in total for ordinary cases, and 60 days in total if an investigation is needed.
• It is valid for 3 months from the issue date. Once a visa is issued with it, it is no longer valid.

⚠️ Things to note

• It is issued for statuses such as Study Abroad (D-2), General Training (D-4), Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Visiting and Staying with Family (F-1), and Accompanying Family (F-3).
• It is not issued for statuses such as Job Seeking (D-10), Residence (F-2), Overseas Korean (F-4), Permanent Residence (F-5), Marriage Immigrant (F-6), and Working Holiday (H-1).
• For Non-professional Employment (E-9), you need an employment permit, a standard labor contract, a letter of identity guarantee, and other documents.
• You must write the email address correctly to receive the number.
• Check the result through the Confirmation of Visa Issuance result inquiry on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or by ARS at 02-2650-6363.

If you tell me which status of stay you are inviting for, I can explain the required documents in more detail. Please check once more on HiKorea or at the Foreigner Support Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345) for accurate information.