The Ministry of Justice on June 25, 2025, held a meeting at Government Complex-Gwacheon in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do Province, on the consolidation of visit and work (H-2) and overseas Korean (F-4) visas to alleviate discrimination against ethnic Korean expats from abroad. Shown is a group photo of the participants at the event. 

By Lee Dasom
Photos = Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice on Feb. 12 effectuated the integration of a visa for ethnic Korean expats from abroad (F-4) to welcome such people and promote social integration.

Regardless of country of origin, all ethnic Koreans from abroad are eligible for the visa. This also means the de facto end of the H-2 visa, which allows ethnic Koreans from China and Central Asia age 25 or over to visit and work in the country.

Holders of the H-2 can change to the F-4 at any time even before the expiration of their stay.

Limits on employment will be also relaxed for F-4 holders. Such people will get priority in hiring for 10 of 47 occupations previously restricted to them including simple labor, manual packing, and loading and unloading.

In addition, varying lengths of stay ranging from one to three years will be granted based on a person's fluency in Korean and completion of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program. Incentives such as eased income requirements in applying for the F-5 (permanent resident) visa will go to those with high proficiency in Korean and community service volunteers.

The ministry said, "We expect this measure to serve as a historic milestone in resolving the controversy over discrimination based on country of origin to enable the stable settlement of 860,000 ethnic Koreans from abroad residing in the country."

Official poster on revisions to F-4 visa.