E-8 Visa
2025-10-03
About the Seasonal Worker (E8) Visa
A short-term work visa issued to participants in the foreign seasonal worker program, which addresses labor shortages in rural and fishing areas. Korean local governments are given maximum autonomy in issuing the visa so that conditions in farming and fishing communities are well reflected. The type of work is similar to the E9 (non-professional employment) visa, but the issuance conditions and process differ.
1
Eligible Industries
- 1) All crop cultivation businesses
- 2) Agricultural processing, seafood processing, and aquaculture farms may hire only if the workplace is permitted
2
Period of Stay
- 1) Up to 5 months per stay by default
- *An additional extension of up to 3 months is allowed for unavoidable reasons such as delayed harvests or worsening weather conditions
3
Rights and Protection
- Workers receive the same legal protection as Korean nationals under the Korean Labor Standards Act
4
Restrictions
- 1) Economic activities outside the status of stay are restricted
- 2) Additional workplaces are not allowed
- 3) No extension of period of stay without special reasons
- 4) No change of workplace without special reasons (See details)