What work can you do and not do with an H-2 Working Visit visa?

H-2 has been merged into F-4, so first check whether you can change to F-4. With H-2, you can work only in permitted unskilled labor sectors. You must not do any other work.

What you can do

• You can do non-employment activities such as visiting, staying at a relative's home, tourism, medical recuperation, and attending meetings.
• You can work in the permitted sectors set by the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act (based on the Korean Standard Industrial Classification).
• After you enter Korea, register as a foreigner, complete employment training, and apply for a job. Then you can get a job referral or find a workplace yourself.
• An employer can hire you only within the scope of the Special Employment Permit Confirmation (특례고용가능확인서) issued by the Employment Support Center (고용지원센터).

⚠️ What you must not do

• Do not work in a sector that is not permitted.
• If an H-2 holder who is not here for employment works, a fine may be imposed.
• You must not skip the report of starting work or the report of a change of workplace. Report within 15 days from the day you start work or change workplace. If you do not, you may face a fine of up to 1,000,000 KRW.
• If you break the law, you may be refused a stay or ordered to leave Korea because of fines. For a first offense, you are subject to this if the fine is 5,000,000 KRW or more. For a repeat offense, you are subject to this if fines total 7,000,000 KRW or more over the last 3 years. If you receive 3 or more penalties within 3 years, you are subject to this regardless of the amount.

💡 How to report

• You can report online through e-Civil Petition on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).
• You can also report by fax (1577-1346) or through a registration agency.
• The attached documents are a copy of the Special Employment Permit Confirmation, a copy of the Standard Labor Contract, and a copy of the Business Registration Certificate.

The list of permitted sectors changes often. Before you work, check whether your sector is included on HiKorea or at the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터) 1345.