Why a Law Firm Rather Than an Agency
For a straightforward extension, an agency may be enough. From the moment a refusal, a remedy application, a deportation order, or a criminal matter is involved, you need a lawyer. At Insight Global, our criminal, employment, and immigration lawyers work as one team, so visa risk is handled as a whole rather than in pieces.
Core Services
Tell us your situation and we will connect you directly to the right one of the four areas below.
Personal Visas at a Glance
If you are not sure which visa applies, asking is faster than reading a table. Below are the statuses of stay under Korean immigration law, grouped by purpose.
| Category | Visas |
|---|---|
| Employment and Skilled Professionals | E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6, E-7, E-8, E-9, E-10, C-4 |
| Corporate Investment, Intra-Company Transfer, and Trade | D-7, D-8, D-9 |
| Study, Training, and Job Seeking | D-2, D-3, D-4, D-10 |
| Residence, Family, and Overseas Koreans | F-1, F-2, F-2-7, F-2-R, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, H-2 |
| Short-Term Visits and Tourism | B-1, B-2, C-1, C-3, H-1 |
| Culture, Religion, and Other | D-1, D-5, D-6, G-1 |
Eligibility, requirements, and documents for each code are in the full list. If your visa was refused or is about to expire, a consultation is faster than a table.
How the Process Works
- Eligibility check: We assess the requirements for your target visa and whether you meet them.
- Document preparation: We prepare the necessary documents and draft the application.
- Filing and follow-up: We file the application and respond to any request for supplementary materials.
Important Note
A criminal case or an employment dispute can directly affect your visa, so if any such issue exists, please tell us at the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents does a company need to prepare when hiring a foreign employee? The required documents differ by job type and visa, and typically include a statement of the reason for employment, an employment contract, and the business registration certificate. Tell us the roles and the number of people you are hiring and we will explain what you need.
How long does it take to post an expatriate employee on a D-7 visa? The timeline depends on whether the head office and the Korean entity meet the requirements. Tell us your corporate structure and we will give you an estimated schedule.
What happens if my visa extension is refused? You can review the reason for refusal, address it, and reapply. Depending on the case, you can also respond through an objection and administrative litigation. It is important to seek advice quickly, before your period of stay expires.
Does a criminal case affect my visa? Yes. A criminal penalty can count against your status of stay. Managing the criminal matter and the immigration matter together is what reduces the risk.
Can I start the visa process from outside Korea? Depending on the type of visa, you can apply through a Korean diplomatic mission abroad. Tell us your target visa and where you are now and we will explain the procedure.
This guide is current as of August 2026. Individual matters should be confirmed through a consultation.
.png&w=3840&q=75)
