Visa Issuance Confirmation (사증발급인증서) – Application Procedure

1. What is a Visa Issuance Confirmation?

A Visa Issuance Confirmation (also called a Visa Issuance Number) is a document or reference number issued by the Korea Immigration Service after reviewing an application submitted by a Korean inviter (individual, company, school, or organization).The foreign applicant uses this confirmation to apply for a Korean visa at a Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad.

2. Who Applies for the Visa Issuance Confirmation?

The Korean inviter is responsible for submitting the application.The foreign applicant cannot apply for this document directly.

Typical inviters include:

• Individuals (family members, acquaintances)

• Companies or employers

• Educational institutions

• Authorized organizations

3. Required Documents

Required documents vary depending on the visa type and purpose of stay.

Common Documents

• Letter of Invitation

• Copy of the inviter’s ID

• Documents explaining the purpose of invitation

• Letter of Guarantee (if required)

Additional Documents (Examples)

• Work Visa (E-series): Employment contract, business registration documents, job description, proof of qualifications

• Short-term Visit (C-3): Proof of relationship, travel itinerary, accommodation information

• Student Visa (D-2): Certificate of admission, financial proof

• Marriage Visa (F-6): Documents verifying marital relationship, supporting forms, interview materials

4. How to Apply

The inviter submits the application to the Korea Immigration Service through one of the following methods:

Online Application

HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) → e-Services → “Apply for Visa Issuance Confirmation”

In-person Application

Visit the nearest Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청).

Fee

KRW 30,000 (may vary depending on visa type).

5. Review Period

The review process usually takes 1 to 4 weeks. Work visas and marriage visas may take longer depending on the case.

6. Issuance of the Visa Issuance Confirmation

If approved, the Immigration Office provides:

• A Visa Issuance Number (e.g., KOR2025XXXXXX), or

• A PDF version of the Visa Issuance Confirmation.

The inviter must send this information to the foreign applicant.

7. Applying for a Korean Visa at the Embassy/Consulate

The foreign applicant submits the following documents to a Korean Embassy or Consulate:

• Visa Issuance Confirmation (or the confirmation number)

• Passport

• Visa application form

• Photo

• Additional documents required by the Embassy/Consulate

After review, the visa will be issued.