Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago

Workation/Digital Nomad(F-1-D)

For those who are to work remotely in Korea while employed to overseas company

※ The F-1-D visa will be operated as a pilot program from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.

Eligibility

1. Must be 18 years-old or older

2. Must have worked in the same industry for at least one year

3. Must earn more than double of the previous year’s Korean gross national income(GNI)

How to Apply

- In-person application: Reservation required → Make a reservation

- Eligible for mail-in application:
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota,
Illinois (excluding Chicago suburbs and downtown)
- Not eligible for mail-in application:
Chicago suburbs and downtown → In-person application only

How to Receive Your Documents

- Eligible for mail return: Same as the mail-in application areas above → Must provide a prepaid, trackable return envelope

- Not eligible for mail return: Chicago suburbs and downtown → Pick-up in person only

Required Documents

1. Visa Application Form

2. General Required Documents

-Actual passport and a copy of passport

Must be valid for more than 6 months

Notarized copy is not accepted as an alternative for the actual passport

-One passport-sized photo

2in X 2in or 35mm X 45mm, color, printed on the regular paper is not accepted

-(For non-U.S. citizens only)

Visa Holders: Visa copy

F visa holders must submit visa and I-20 copy, J visa holders must submit visa and DS-2019 copy, H visa holders must submit visa and I-797 copy

**Those who are currently on OPT must submit original EAD card and a copy

Permanent Resident Card Holders: 

(In-person submission) Bring both the physical green card and a copy (physical card is required; physical green card will be returned after verification) 

(By mail submission) Notarized copy

For mail submissions, please do not send the physical green card, only the notarized copy.

** For those whose U.S. stamp visa has been expired, you must submit a visa appointment confirmation at the U.S. Embassy

** For those whose U.S. Permanent Resident Card has been expired, you must submit an original I-797 and expired permanent resident card(In person: Bring physical green card and copy, or notarized copy by mail) to prove that your permanent resident card has been extended.

If you have I-797, you can apply for Korea Visa by submitting the original I-797 along with a copy of your expired stamp visa, however, single-entry is the only option.

It might differ by cases so we highly recommend you to contact us if you currently do not have a valid U.S. Stamp Visa.

-Proof of residency

Copy of driver’s license or most recent utility bill/bank statement

Applicants must be a current resident of one of the following states to submit their application to the Korean Consulate General in Chicago:

Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota

-Visa Fee

Cash or money order only, personal check is not accepted

For money order, please pay to "Korean Consulate General"

Visa fee differs depending on applicant's nationality:

https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-chicago-en/brd/m_26753/view.do?seq=15&page=1

-Prepaid return envelop

Must be trackable and have a stamp on it

Please note that the Consulate is not responsible for any mailing issues

3.Certificate of Employment (Apostille/Notary required)

- Must by employed by overseas company and have worked in the same industry more than a year

- Must be issued within 3 months

4.Proof of income (for the past 6 months)

- Bank statements, certificate of salary, paystubs, and etc.

Must earn more than double of the previous year's KOrean gross national income(GNI)

GNI for 2022: 42,480,000 KRW, GNI doubled: 84,960,000 KRW

5.FBI Criminal Background check (Apostille Required)

- Must be issued within 3 months

6.Health Insurance

- Must hold a health insurance of at least 100 million won to cover medical treatment and transportation to applicant’s home country

7.Documents verifying family relationship (for dependents)

- Marriage Certificate (for spouse)

- Birth Certificate (for children)

Status of stay/ Period of stay: F-1-D, 1 year

* You may change status of stay to Digital Nomad visa(F-1-D) from short-term visa(B-1, B-2, C-3) if you meet the criteria. Please contact Korea Immigration Office(+82-1345) for the details regarding the change of status of stay.

* The Consulate cannot answer the questions such as tax payment while staying in Korea.

Please contact Korea Immigration Office(+82-1345) for such questions.

* If needed, additional documents may be requested during the review process

* Submitted documents will not be returned except for original passport and permanent resident card(In person: Bring physical green card and copy, or notarized copy by mail)