International Agreement(A-3)
| Eligible Persons and Scope of Activities | Persons who are exempt from foreigner registration under an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Korea or who are recognized as needing such exemption, and their families.
SOFA: The Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of the United States of America Regarding the Status of United States Forces in the Republic of Korea, Article 4, concerning facilities, areas, and the status of U.S. forces in Korea. (Fulbright Agreement) Memorandum of Understanding on Education between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of the United States of America (commonly called the Fulbright Agreement), effective April 28, 1950. (Scope of Activities) Support for lectures and research in Korea, support for native English assistant teachers (ETA), training of international education administrators, etc. |
| Maximum Stay Period Granted at One Time | The duration of status validity or the stay period under the agreement |
| Activities Outside of Status of Stay | 1. Scope of activities outside the status of stay for holders of Agreement (A-3) status
Even if entering Korea without an A-3 visa and subsequently changing to A-3 status after entry, activities outside the status of stay are permitted (effective February 9, 2007). Eligible activities: Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7) Required documents: ① Application form (Appendix No. 34), passport, fee ② Certificate of service/employment confirmation ③ S.O.F.A ID card ④ Documents related to the relevant status ⑤ If a sponsor, consent form from the head of the affiliated institution (employer) ※ If changing the workplace while engaging in activities outside the status of stay, a new application for activities outside the status of stay must be submitted for the new workplace. |
| Change or Addition of Workplace | No relevant cases |
| Granting of Residence Status | 1. Persons born in Korea
Apply within 90 days from the date of birth * If leaving the country within 90 days, separate permission is not required Required Documents ① Application form (Form No. 34), passport ② Birth certificate or other family relationship proof ③ Identification of the supporting person ④ Certificate of service/employment or invitation contract issued by the inviting party |
| Permission for Change of Status of Residence | 1. SOFA Eligible Applicants - Required Documents
Applicant ① Application form (Form No. 34), passport ② Sponsor’s service confirmation (active duty) or employment certificate (civilian employee) ③ Invitation contract (from the inviting party) Dependent Family Members ① Application form (Form No. 34), passport ② Birth certificate or other family relationship proof ③ Identification of the sponsor ④ Service confirmation/employment certificate or invitation contract issued by the inviting party ⑤ For children under 11 years old: parent(s)’ SOFA ID card (for those 11 and older, their own ID card) *Note: Change of status to A-3 is possible from other residence statuses (including registered foreigners).* 2. Permission for Change of Status of Residence for Fulbright Agreement Holders * Eligible: Persons who entered visa-free without receiving the A-3-99 visa * Required documents: Application form (Form No. 34), passport, Fulbright I/D card, cooperation letter from the Korea-U.S. Education Commission * Duration of stay granted: Duration of scholarship as stated in the cooperation letter 3. If an A-3 holder loses status due to retirement, etc., and wishes to remain in Korea by changing to another eligible status: Apply for status change within 30 days from the date of status loss (no separate permission required if leaving Korea within 30 days) |
| Permission for Extension of Stay | 1. Fulbright Agreement Eligible Persons
◦ Required Documents * Application form (Form No. 34), passport, Fulbright I/D card, cooperation letter from the Korea-U.S. Education Commission ◦ Extension period will be granted based on the period on the I/D card and the requested period in the cooperation letter from the Korea-U.S. Education Commission |
| Re-entry Permit | Exempted if re-entering within one year from the date of departure.
For holders of single-entry visas from diplomatic (A-1) to agreement (A-3) categories who wish to re-enter within their term of assignment (period of official duty, status maintenance period, or agreement stay period), re-entry permits can be granted upon request. ※ Re-entry is not required if a valid multiple-entry visa is held during the term of assignment. Single or multiple re-entry permits can be granted within the domestic assignment period (multiple entries possible even at airport-only points). Required documents: ① Application form (Form No. 34), passport, SOFA ID card (required for both sponsor and dependent) ② Service confirmation letter (certificate of employment showing departure date and accompanying family members) |
| Foreigner Registration | Exempt from foreigner registration but can be issued a foreigner registration card upon request.
Other obligations imposed on registered foreigners (such as reporting changes in registration details, change of residence, etc.) are also exempted. ※ Intended to alleviate inconveniences in daily life such as difficulty in identity verification when using online services like internet shopping. Required documents ① Application form (Form No. 34), original passport, one natural color photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm, passport size) ② Identification documents such as the ID card of a foreign embassy official in Korea |
