Reasons for obtaining a Certificate for Visa Issuance

✅  What is a Certificate for Visa Issuance?

A Certificate for Visa Issuance is an official document required for foreigners living abroad (who do not hold a Korean visa) who plan to apply for a long-term Korean visa. It certifies the necessity of issuing a visa prior to the actual visa application.

✅ Purpose

This certificate is primarily needed for long-term visas such as D-type student visas, E-type employment visas, and F-type residence visas. Unlike short-term visas for tourism, long-term visas require clear purposes and qualifications. The Certificate for Visa Issuance allows pre-assessment of these purposes and qualifications, facilitating faster visa issuance.

Simply put, when a foreigner residing overseas gets accepted to a Korean university or signs an employment contract with a Korean company, the Certificate for Visa Issuance serves as an official request to permit the issuance of the required visa for entry to Korea.

※ Depending on the visa type and specific conditions, this certificate might not be necessary in some cases (e.g., D-2 visas from universities recognized as excellent institutions).

✅ How to Apply

The Certificate can be requested by either the visa applicant or the inviting party. However, since applications must be submitted directly at Korean immigration offices or online, it is typically challenging for overseas applicants to apply themselves. Usually, the inviting party (university, education agency, or company) submits the application. Both parties must meet specific eligibility criteria for successful issuance.

In other words, the visa applicant and the inviter must fulfill the required conditions according to the visa type.

For detailed application procedures and required documents, please refer to the links below. 

🔗 Student Visa Issuance Procedure (D-2, D-4)

🔗 Visa Issuance Procedure for Employment (E-7)

(Responsibilities of Inviter)

1. Submit the Certificate for Visa Issuance application to the Immigration Office.
2. Prepare necessary documents based on invitation purpose (invitation letter, guarantee letter, employment certificate, business registration, etc.).
3. Once approved, deliver a copy or issuance number of the certificate to the visa applicant

(Responsibilities of Applicant)

1. Prepare required documents and send them to the inviter.
2. Apply for a visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad with the Certificate for Visa Issuance provided by the inviter.

※ The Certificate for Visa Issuance is valid for 3 months, and the visa must be applied within this period.

[Related Information]

🔗 D-2 Student Visa Procedures
🔗 D-4 Student Visa Procedures
🔗 E-7 Job-Seeking Procedures
🔗 E-7 Employment Procedures