Korea H-2 Working Visit Visa Guide (2026)
The H-2 "working visit" visa was the route many ethnic Koreans used to live and work in Korea when they didn't qualify for the heritage-based F-4. The most important thing to know in 2026 is that this is a moving target: a major reform is widely reported to be merging overseas-Korean statuses, with H-2 being folded toward the F-4 framework and new H-2 issuance suspended. This page explains what the H-2 was, what the 2026 change means, and — most of all — why you must confirm your own situation on the official sources, because the rules are actively changing.
The big 2026 change first
Before the details: reporting in 2026 describes an overseas-Korean status integration that merges the H-2 toward the F-4 framework — with new H-2 issuance suspended from around February 2026 and existing H-2 holders expected to move to F-4 before their status expires. The dates and steps below are widely reported, but this is exactly the kind of fast-changing policy where you must confirm officially.
If you are a current H-2 holder
If you were hoping to apply for a new H-2
What the H-2 was for
For background, the H-2 (working visit) was a long-stay status for ethnic Koreans from designated countries who did not meet the heritage criteria for the F-4. It allowed residence in Korea and work within a defined range of permitted industries, rather than unrestricted employment. It was created under Korea's overseas-Koreans legal framework as a practical route for compatriots — the eligibility and permitted-work lists were always set officially.
How H-2 and F-4 relate (2026)
The 2026 integration brings overseas-Korean statuses together. The table below compares the historical picture with the direction of travel — all of it set officially and subject to change.
| Aspect | What to know (verify officially) |
|---|---|
| Who it covered | H-2: ethnic Koreans from designated countries not meeting F-4 heritage rules. F-4: overseas Koreans meeting heritage criteria. |
| 2026 direction | Integration of overseas-Korean statuses; H-2 merged toward F-4; new H-2 issuance reported suspended from around Feb 2026. |
| Work rules | H-2: limited to permitted industries. F-4: its own (generally broader but still limited) rules, being updated as statuses integrate. |
| Required step | An early-settlement / orientation program is reported as part of the new overseas-Korean process. Confirm whether it applies to you. |
The integration dates, eligibility, permitted work, and transition steps are set officially and are changing in 2026. Confirm everything on HiKorea, via 1345, and with your Korean embassy or an immigration office before acting.
After you have a status: registration & staying legal
Whatever status you end up holding, if you stay over 90 days you generally must register and obtain a Residence Card (ARC) through HiKorea, and you may later need a change of visa status or to follow F-4-specific rules. See our F-4 overseas Korean visa guide for the heritage-based route many people are now directed toward. Confirm the current steps officially.
Frequently asked questions
What was the H-2 working visit visa?
A long-stay status for ethnic Koreans from designated countries who didn't qualify for F-4, allowing residence and work in permitted industries. Verify its current status officially, as policy is changing.
Is the H-2 still issued in 2026?
Reporting describes the H-2 being merged toward F-4 from around February 2026, with new issuance suspended. Existing holders are reported to move to F-4 before expiry. Confirm on HiKorea.
What should current H-2 holders do?
Plan to transition to F-4, generally before your status expires, possibly after an early-settlement program. Confirm your specific deadline and steps officially — do not assume your case.
Who counts as an overseas Korean?
Broadly, people who held Korean nationality (or descend from those who did) and hold foreign nationality, subject to legal definitions and proof. The exact rules are set officially — verify your eligibility.
Can I work freely under H-2 or F-4?
H-2 allowed only permitted industries; F-4 has its own limited rules with some exclusions, now being updated. Confirm exactly what work is permitted under your status on HiKorea before taking a job.