Seasonal Work(E-8)
| Eligible Persons and Scope of Activities | Persons who intend to engage in employment activities in the cultivation and harvesting of agricultural crops (including primary processing fields linked to cultivation and harvesting) and in the primary processing of marine products, as determined by the Minister of Justice in consultation with the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, and who are recognized by the Minister of Justice. |
| Maximum Period of Stay Grantable at One Time | 5 months (the total period of stay may not exceed 8 months) |
| Foreigner Registration | Required Documents
① Integrated application form, passport, one photo (35mm × 45mm), fee ② Confirmation of residence/accommodation provision ※ Additional documents such as employer’s certified copy of register or lease contract are not required ③ Certificate of enrollment in industrial accident compensation insurance or certificate of agricultural/fisheries workers’ safety insurance (Applicant may submit supporting documents) ④ Certificate of enrollment in traveler’s insurance ⑤ Drug test certificate ※ Must be conducted at a medical institution designated by the Minister of Justice (check at www.hikorea.go.kr), or at a public health center/medical center established under the Regional Public Health Act ⑥ (Local government) Accommodation inspection confirmation ※ Temporarily implemented in 2024, submitted collectively by local governments through official documents |
| Workplace Change (Employer Reassignment) | Adding an additional workplace is not permitted.
Grounds for Workplace Change ① If the employment contract is terminated mid-term due to reasons attributable to the employer: – When the contract is terminated without fault on the part of the seasonal worker. ② Before foreigner registration, a workplace change may be allowed if agreed upon between the employer and the seasonal worker. Required Documents ① Integrated application form, passport, foreigner registration card ※ Fee for workplace change is exempt ② Copy of the standard labor contract ③ Certificate of enrollment in industrial accident compensation insurance or certificate of agricultural/fisheries workers’ safety insurance ※ Must be updated to the new employer; applicant may submit supporting documents ④ Certificate of enrollment in health insurance or supporting documents (only for applicable persons) ⑤ Employer confirmation for seasonal worker assignment (issued by local government) ※ The original employer must submit an employer change notification to the immigration office and local government ⑥ Confirmation of residence/accommodation provision ⑦ If change is made by agreement before foreigner registration: Documents ①–⑥ + Drug test certificate |
| Permission for Activities Beyond the Authorized Status | Applicant Eligibility
* Registered foreigners eligible to participate in the “Domestic Seasonal Worker Program for Foreign Residents.” Period of Permission for Activities Beyond Status * From a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 5 months, within the applicant’s authorized period of stay. Required Documents ※ Fee Exempt ① Integrated application form, foreigner registration card, passport ② Copy of the standard labor contract ③ Application form for seasonal work participation ④ Recommendation letter for seasonal work participation by international students (only if applicable) ⑤ Certificate of enrollment in industrial accident compensation insurance or agricultural/fisheries workers’ safety insurance ※ Must be updated to the new employer; applicant may submit supporting documents ⑥ Certificate of enrollment in health insurance or supporting documents for enrollment application (only if applicable) ⑦ Employer confirmation for seasonal worker assignment ⑧ Confirmation of residence/accommodation provision (only if applicable) |
| Permission for Extension of Period of Stay | Procedure
① 60 to 30 days before the expiration date of the seasonal worker’s stay period: Apply to the competent local government → The local government submits a collective application to the competent immigration/foreigner office ② Within 30 days before the expiration date of the seasonal worker’s stay period: Apply to the competent local government, then receive a “Recommendation Letter for Extension of Stay for Seasonal Workers with Expired Stay Period,” and visit the competent immigration/foreigner office to apply in person Required Documents (Fee Exempt) ① Application for Recommendation for Extension of Stay for Foreign Seasonal Worker (E-8) ② Passport and Foreigner Registration Card ③ Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation Provision ※ Additional documents such as employer’s certified copy of register, lease agreement, etc. are not required ④ Employment Contract ⑤ Employer’s ID Card ⑥ Recommendation Letter for Extension of Stay for Seasonal Workers with Expired Stay Period ⑦ Integrated Application Form ※ When visiting the local government: ① ~ ⑤ When visiting the immigration/foreigner office: ② ~ ⑦ |
