Last updated 2024.03.22
Visa
The Fulbright Program in Korea operates under the authority of a bi-national agreement between the governments of the Republic of Korea and the United States. This agreement entitles Fulbright Korea grantees to an A-3 "agreement" visa status.
The A-3 is a special visa, which permits a stay in Korea for the full period of a Fulbright award without requiring visa extension requests or other administrative procedures. The A-3 visa status also reflects the "official" nature of a Fulbright grantee's sojourn in Korea. Thus, Fulbright grantees must operate on an A-3 Visa, and more specifically, an A-3-99 Fulbright Agreement Visa, while in Korea.
The A-3-99 exempts grantees from the provisions of Korea's residence control law, meaning a grantee is not required to apply for or obtain a Residence Card, report any changes of address to the local authorities, or request routine extensions of stay every six months. The status also prohibits grantees from engaging in unauthorized activities while in Korea. Therefore, please consult with KAEC prior to engaging in any new ventures.
A-3-99 visas must be applied for within 90 days of the expected date of entry. Earlier applications will not be accepted.
Since July 1, 2021, the Korean Government no longer issues visas with expiration dates past the expiration date of an applicant's passport. As such, please ensure that your passport will not expire until after the end of your award period or your visa will not be of the appropriate length.
Irrespective of the expiration date/period of stay printed on your visa, your visa officially ends on the last day of your award period, as set in conjunction with KAEC. There is a 30-day grace period built in at the end of the grant, after which one must either leave the country or secure a new visa. One should not plan to reenter Korea on the A-3 visa within that 30-day period. Fulbright grantees who plan to stay in Korea after the termination of their grant for more than 30 days should contact the Immigration Office for information on changing visa statuses.
The A-3 is a special visa, which permits a stay in Korea for the full period of a Fulbright award without requiring visa extension requests or other administrative procedures. The A-3 visa status also reflects the "official" nature of a Fulbright grantee's sojourn in Korea. Thus, Fulbright grantees must operate on an A-3 Visa, and more specifically, an A-3-99 Fulbright Agreement Visa, while in Korea.
The A-3-99 exempts grantees from the provisions of Korea's residence control law, meaning a grantee is not required to apply for or obtain a Residence Card, report any changes of address to the local authorities, or request routine extensions of stay every six months. The status also prohibits grantees from engaging in unauthorized activities while in Korea. Therefore, please consult with KAEC prior to engaging in any new ventures.
A-3-99 visas must be applied for within 90 days of the expected date of entry. Earlier applications will not be accepted.
Since July 1, 2021, the Korean Government no longer issues visas with expiration dates past the expiration date of an applicant's passport. As such, please ensure that your passport will not expire until after the end of your award period or your visa will not be of the appropriate length.
Irrespective of the expiration date/period of stay printed on your visa, your visa officially ends on the last day of your award period, as set in conjunction with KAEC. There is a 30-day grace period built in at the end of the grant, after which one must either leave the country or secure a new visa. One should not plan to reenter Korea on the A-3 visa within that 30-day period. Fulbright grantees who plan to stay in Korea after the termination of their grant for more than 30 days should contact the Immigration Office for information on changing visa statuses.
An overview of the visa application process is provided below. DO NOT attempt to apply for an A-3-99 visa before being instructed to do so by KAEC via email. Because the A-3-99 visa is a special agreement visa, KAEC must submit grantee information to the consulates in order for you to be eligible to apply.
Application Overview:
1. Locate the Korean consulate for your region (list linked here).
2. Visit the website of your regional consulate and carefully read the visa application submission instructions for your consulate. It is highly recommended that you call your regional consulate in advance to confirm application documentation requirements.
3. Fill out a visa application (there is no fee to apply).
4. Submit your completed application materials to your regional consulate. Reference the checklist for a list of commonly required documents that you may need to submit in order for your application to be considered complete.
5. Wait for your visa to be processed (processing times vary).
6. Depending on the consulate, your issued visa may either be represented by a sticker inside your passport or a separate e-visa which can be printed. Inform your KAEC program officer that you have received your visa once it is issued.
Application Overview:
1. Locate the Korean consulate for your region (list linked here).
2. Visit the website of your regional consulate and carefully read the visa application submission instructions for your consulate. It is highly recommended that you call your regional consulate in advance to confirm application documentation requirements.
3. Fill out a visa application (there is no fee to apply).
4. Submit your completed application materials to your regional consulate. Reference the checklist for a list of commonly required documents that you may need to submit in order for your application to be considered complete.
5. Wait for your visa to be processed (processing times vary).
6. Depending on the consulate, your issued visa may either be represented by a sticker inside your passport or a separate e-visa which can be printed. Inform your KAEC program officer that you have received your visa once it is issued.