What is the C4 Visa for South Korea? Conditions and Latest Application Procedures
South Korea, with its developed economy and modern working environment, is an attractive destination for foreign workers, including Vietnamese workers. Among the types of entry visas for South Korea, the C4 visa is a popular choice for those who want to work short-term in the land of kimchi. So what is the C4 visa for South Korea?, who is eligible for it, and how to apply for this type of visa? This article will provide comprehensive and accurate information along with necessary notes to help you prepare for your working journey in South Korea.
What is the C4 visa for South Korea?
What is the C4 visa for South Korea?
The C4 visa for South Korea, also known as a seasonal work visa, is a short-term visa issued by the South Korean government to foreign workers coming to work in seasonal jobs or short-term professional positions. This visa allows a single entry with a maximum stay of 90 days (or 120 days in some special cases before 2023) and cannot be extended. After the visa expires, workers must return to their home country and apply for a new visa if they wish to continue working.
Short-term high technology: Installing, maintaining machinery, or working in the fields of nanotechnology, advanced materials, electronic equipment.
Arts and culture: Participating in performances, giving speeches, teaching at summer camps, or artistic events.
Sports: Participating in sports competitions for remuneration.
The main difference between the C4 visa and the C3 visa (another type of short-term visa) is that the C4 visa allows workers to receive remuneration, while the C3 visa is for non-profit activities, such as attending seminars, market research, or tourism.
Benefits of the C4 visa:
Attractive income: The basic salary is about 1,200-1,400 USD/month (equivalent to 29-34 million VND, excluding overtime).
No high degree requirement: Suitable for unskilled labor, especially in agriculture.
Experience opportunities: Working in South Korea helps learn skills, explore culture, and experience a modern working environment.
Cost support: Some programs provide airfare (at least one way), accommodation, and meal allowances.
Limitations:
Cannot extend the visa, must reapply from the beginning after expiration.
Not entitled to national insurance or counted towards long-term stay time for applying for long-term visas (such as F-2, F-5).
High rate of illegal overstaying, leading to increasingly strict visa approvals.
Eligible applicants for the C4 visa for South Korea
Seasonal labor professions with the C4 visa for South Korea
The C4 visa for South Korea is issued to specific applicants, including:
Seasonal workers:
Citizens of 19 countries, including Vietnam, Nepal, East Timor, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Russia, Bangladesh, India, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Philippines, Pakistan.
Workers from Vietnamese localities that have signed labor cooperation agreements with South Korean localities, including: Da Nang, Dong Thap, Ha Tinh, Hau Giang, Thai Binh, Thua Thien Hue, Ha Nam, Ca Mau, and some provinces that are promoting such as Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, Kon Tum.
Artists and professionals:
Individuals participating in artistic performances, singing, or competing in sports for remuneration.
Individuals invited to give speeches or teach short-term (including teaching foreign languages at summer camps).
Technology experts:
Individuals invited by South Korean companies to work short-term in fields such as nanotechnology, advanced materials, electronic equipment, technology management, or installing/maintaining machinery.
Individuals with family sponsorship:
Having relatives (in the same household registration) working in South Korea with an E7 visa (specialized labor).
Having relatives who are university students or residing in South Korea through marriage or Korean nationality.
Basic conditions:
Age: Usually from 30-55 years old (depending on the cooperation program).
Health: No infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, C, HIV/AIDS. A health check certificate from a hospital designated by the South Korean Embassy is required (e.g., Saigon Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital).
Background: No criminal record.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of application submission.
Documents for applying for the C4 visa for South Korea
The documents for applying for the C4 visa for South Korea depend on the applicant and the purpose of entry. Here are the basic documents that need to be prepared:
General documents
Benefits of the C4 visa for South Korea
Passport: Original and copy, valid for more than 6 months.
Visa application: According to the form of the South Korean Embassy, filled out in English or Korean.
ID photo: Size 3.5x4.5cm, white background, taken within the last 3 months.
Criminal record: Confirmation of no criminal history (type 1, notarized translation).
Health certificate: From a hospital designated by the embassy, confirming no infectious diseases.
Visa fee: Approximately 20 USD (depending on the time), plus service fee at the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) (390,000 VND).
Documents according to the case
Seasonal labor (sponsoring company):
Labor contract with a South Korean company.
Business registration certificate of the South Korean company.
Invitation letter or recommendation letter from the South Korean company, stating the purpose and duration of work.
Work schedule in South Korea (detailed, matching the time in the invitation letter).
Tax payment confirmation from the South Korean company (original, issued within the last 3 months).
Recommendation letter of work experience from the company in Vietnam (if any).
Artists, speakers, experts:
Invitation letter from the South Korean organization/company, stamped with legal entity seal, stating the purpose and duration of the invitation.
Guarantee letter from the South Korean side (maximum duration of 4 years, stamped by the company).
Confirmation of the company or individual seal (if the inviter is not a legal representative).
Proof of professional competence: Diplomas, certificates, or confirmation letters of related experience.
Individuals with family sponsorship:
Documents proving family relationship (household registration book, birth certificate, marriage certificate, notarized translation).
Visa status confirmation of the relative in South Korea (E7, study abroad, marriage).
Invitation letter and guarantee letter from the relative in South Korea, submitted at the ward/district committee in South Korea.
Note:
All documents issued by Vietnamese authorities (such as household registration book, birth certificate) need to be notarized and translated into English or Korean.
The documents must be consistent, accurate, and match the purpose of entry.
Process of applying for the C4 visa for South Korea
Prepare documents: Collect all necessary documents according to the list, ensuring accuracy and validity.
Make an appointment: Visit the website of the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) to schedule an appointment:
Hanoi: https://www.visaforkorea-hc.com
Ho Chi Minh City: https://www.visaforkorea-vt.com
Submit documents: Go to KVAC as scheduled, submit documents and pay the fee (20 USD + 390,000 VND service fee).
Wait for approval: Processing time usually takes 8-10 working days (excluding weekends and holidays). Some cases may require a phone or in-person interview to verify information.
Receive results: Check visa results on the KVAC website or go directly to receive the visa.
Notes when applying for the C4 visa for South Korea
Who is eligible for the C4 visa for South Korea?
Submit documents early: Make an appointment and submit documents at least 15-20 days in advance to avoid delays.
Check documents carefully: Minor errors in documents can lead to visa denial.
Choose a reputable hospital: Only submit health certificates from hospitals designated by the South Korean Embassy, such as Saigon Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital.
Comply with entry regulations: Prepare round-trip tickets, work schedule, and documents proving the purpose to present upon entry.
Avoid legal violations: The high rate of illegal overstays makes the approval process for the C4 visa increasingly strict. Please comply with the duration of stay to avoid affecting future applications.
Why choose NVK Travel to assist with the C4 visa application for South Korea?
Validity of the C4 work visa for South Korea
NVK Travel, under Eagle Asia Co., Ltd., established in 2013, is a leading unit in the field of domestic and international travel, hotel booking, car rental, and visa support. We provide C4 visa application support services with outstanding benefits:
In-depth consultation: Detailed guidance from preparing documents, making appointments to submitting documents, ensuring a high visa approval rate.
Comprehensive service: Assistance with translation, notarization, health check, and booking flights and hotels, helping you save time.
Professional team: With over 12 years of experience, we are committed to processing documents quickly and accurately.
Transparent costs: Providing clear quotes, no hidden fees.
Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to work in South Korea! Visit now https://nvktravel.com or contact the hotline for free consultation and quick assistance in applying for a C4 visa. Start your opportunity to explore and work in the land of kimchi today!
