Termination of H-2 Visit Employment Visa and Guide to Switching to F-4 (2026 Latest Policy)
As of February 2026, the issuance of new H-2 visas has been suspended and unified under the F-4 visa. Check the conversion methods for existing H-2 holders, fee exemption benefits, expanded sectors for manual labor employment, and criteria for calculating length of stay.
A Major Shift in Overseas Korean Visas: From H-2 to F-4
As of February 12, 2026, the South Korean government has drastically reformed its immigration policy for overseas Koreans. The previously fragmented H-2 (Visit Employment) visa and F-4 (Overseas Korean) visa have effectively been consolidated into a single F-4 visa.
Now, all overseas Koreans, regardless of nationality or previous visa status, are guaranteed greater freedom in employment and stable residency through the F-4 visa. We have summarized the key points, including mandatory actions for existing H-2 holders and the newly updated list of permitted employment sectors.
What you will gain from this article:
News of the suspension of new H-2 visa issuance and the mandatory F-4 conversion for current holders
Information on the 'residency change fee exemption' benefit, temporarily applicable until the end of 2027
A list of 10 manual labor sectors (construction, gas station attendant, etc.) now open to F-4 visa holders
Criteria for tiered length of stay (1-3 years) based on Korean language proficiency (TOPIK/KIIP)
Total Suspension of New H-2 Visa Issuance as of February 2026
H-2 visas are no longer being issued.
Policy Change: New applications for the H-2 visa have been suspended since February 12, 2026.
Unification: All overseas Koreans must now apply for an F-4 (Overseas Korean) visa to enter the country.
Purpose: To eliminate visa-based discrimination among overseas Koreans and promote integrated management based on professionalism and Korean language proficiency.
Roadmap for "Changing Status to F-4" for Current H-2 Holders
If you are currently residing on an H-2 visa, pay attention.
No Automatic Conversion: Your existing H-2 visa does not automatically convert to an F-4. You must personally submit a change of status application.
Fee Exemption: If you apply by December 31, 2027, the visa conversion fee (equivalent to 100,000 KRW) is fully waived.
Mandatory Education: Completing a 5-hour Early Adaptation Program is mandatory when switching to an F-4.
Significant Expansion of Employment Scope for F-4 Visas (Manual Labor Permitted)
The biggest drawback of the F-4 visa—the prohibition of 'simple manual labor'—has been greatly relaxed.
Permitted Sectors: 10 sectors, including simple construction workers, loading and unloading workers, gas station attendants, store assistants, and parking attendants, have been added to the permitted employment list.
Effect: You can now legally and confidently work at construction sites, restaurants, and more with an F-4 visa.
Exclusion: However, industries that disrupt public morals, such as the entertainment industry, remain strictly prohibited.
The Core of Residency Duration: "Korean Language Proficiency"
Not everyone receives the same residency duration just by obtaining an F-4 visa.
Up to 3 Years: A maximum of 3 years is granted if you hold TOPIK level 3 or higher or have completed the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP).
1-Year Intervals: If Korean language proficiency cannot be proven, the visa must be renewed in 1-year increments.
Senior Consideration: Special preferential clauses, such as exemptions from Korean language tests, may apply to overseas Koreans aged 60 and older.
What Employers Need to Know: "Abolition of Special Employment Reporting"
The complex procedures for hiring H-2 visa holders are disappearing.
Simplified Procedure: The complicated Ministry of Labor reporting requirements, such as the 'Special Employment Permit' previously required for H-2 hiring, have been drastically reduced or unified under F-4 standards.
Free Employment: F-4 visa holders can enter into employment contracts freely, similar to Korean nationals, reducing the burden on companies during the hiring process.
Health Insurance and National Pension (Equal Benefits)
These are the rights to social safety nets for overseas Koreans.
Health Insurance: As workplace subscribers, they are entitled to the same medical benefits as Korean citizens.
National Pension: Participation depends on the principle of reciprocity with your home country, but most overseas Koreans are subject to enrollment once they start earning income.
Checklist for Visa Change Application Documents
Don't forget to make an appointment on HiKorea before applying.
Passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Proof of overseas Korean status (e.g., family relationship certificate)
Proof of Korean language proficiency (TOPIK or KIIP score)
Early Adaptation Program completion certificate (at the time of application or immediately after)
Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)
The Fastest Path to Permanent Residency (F-5)
The F-4 visa is a stepping stone to acquiring permanent residency.
F-5-7 (Overseas Korean Permanent Residency): After residing in Korea for 2 years or more with F-4 status and meeting specific income criteria (at least 1x GNI), you are in the best position to apply for permanent residency.
Why It Is Advantageous to Switch to F-4 Early, Even with Remaining H-2 Validity
Early Access to Benefits: The moment you convert to an F-4, your employment scope expands (10 manual labor sectors permitted), allowing you to move to better job opportunities.
Cost Savings: Since fees are waived until the end of 2027, it is more economical to change early rather than rushing later.
Preparation for Permanent Residency: The 2-year residency requirement for permanent residency (F-5) application starts from the date of obtaining the F-4, so it is advantageous to switch as soon as possible if you plan to settle long-term.
Changes in Entry for Overseas Koreans without Relatives: F-4 Application Instead of H-2 Lottery
Past: Koreans without relatives had to win the H-2 visa lottery to enter the country.
Present: Under the 2026 unification policy, those without relatives can also apply for an F-4 visa directly if they meet the requirements (education, certifications, Korean language, etc.). This removes the uncertainty of entry and allows for planned life in Korea.
How H-2 Visa Holders Can Claim Severance Pay (Departure Maturity Insurance)
This is money you must claim when switching to an F-4 or returning to your home country after working on an H-2 visa.
Departure Maturity Insurance: If an H-2 worker has been employed for over a year, they can receive severance pay through the Departure Maturity Insurance the employer has paid into.
Claim Timing: While the insurance can be claimed upon changing visas (to F-4, etc.), in principle, it is meant to be claimed upon 'departure.' If you continue working after the change, check with the insurance company on how to combine your benefits later.
Changes to Invitation Requirements for Family (Spouse, Minor Children) After Switching to F-4
Family Visa (F-1): Inviting family members was very limited under the H-2 status, but after switching to an F-4, paths open up to invite a spouse and minor children under the Visiting/Joining Family (F-1) visa.
Residency Status: While invited family members are generally prohibited from working, the major benefit is the ability to live together in Korea.
Exemption from Submitting Criminal Record Certificates When Switching from H-2 to F-4
Exemption Conditions: Exemption may apply if you have continuously resided in Korea for 10 years or more, are over 60 years old, or have previously submitted a criminal record certificate and have resided in Korea continuously since then.
Confirmation: Check your residency record beforehand, as it may significantly reduce the burden of document preparation.
Dedicated Financial Products and Loan Privileges for Overseas Koreans
Privileges: Some domestic banks (Woori, Hana, etc.) operate dedicated windows for overseas Koreans and offer remittance fee waivers or preferential interest rates for those with residence cards.
Credit Loans: Once you switch to an F-4 and can provide proof of stable income, you may become eligible for higher limits on credit loans or installment financing compared to the H-2 visa period.
Information on Local Government Settlement Grants and Housing Support
Local Government Benefits: Local governments in areas with high populations of overseas Koreans, such as Ansan and Siheung in Gyeonggi-do, operate various settlement support projects, including educational subsidies for children, rent assistance, and free legal consultations.
Information Centers: Regularly check the websites of your local city hall or foreigner support centers to ensure you don't miss out on benefits.
Compensation Procedures for Industrial Accidents While Working on an H-2 Visa
Industrial Accident Insurance: Regardless of visa status, all workers in Korea are entitled to industrial accident insurance benefits in the event of an accident.
Scope of Coverage: You are entitled to claim medical expenses (nursing benefits), wages for the period you could not work (temporary disability benefits), and compensation for disabilities. This does not negatively affect your visa renewal or status change.
Tips for Using Professional Consultation Centers and Administrative Agents
Free Consultation: You can receive free policy consultation from the Immigration Contact Center (1345) or local ethnic organizations.
Hiring an Administrative Agent: If document preparation is complex or communication in Korean is difficult, it is a good idea to safely process it through a Ministry of Justice-designated agency (administrative agent) for a fee. (Be cautious of excessive fee demands.)
📈 Final Checklist for H-2 to F-4 Conversion (2026)
As an existing H-2 holder, have I secured the fee exemption benefit available until the end of 2027?
Is my current job among the 10 manual labor sectors newly permitted under the F-4 visa?
Have I planned to complete the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) to receive a longer residency period (3 years)?
Have I completed the application for the Early Adaptation Program?
🔗 See More Related Information
Guide to Issuing an Alien Registration Card (ARC): How to Apply and Required Documents
[Guide to Opening a Korean Bank Account: Essential Checklist for Foreigners](https://www.haniseoul.com/blogs/korea-bank-account-guide-for-foreigners)
Korea National Health Insurance (NHIS) Guide: Mandatory Enrollment and Benefits for Foreigners
2026 K-ETA Visa-Free Entry Policy and Summary of Exempt Countries
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