How to get a Korea WHV (Working Holiday Visa) – for all nationalities

Visa applications are never fun, but if you know what steps to anticipate, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this chapter, we will walk through 1) where to fill out the application form, 2) what supporting documents to gather, and 3) how to submit everything.

1. Check the quota

First, you may want to first confirm with the Korean consulate or embassy of your jurisdiction (find it here) that the annual WHV quota for your nationality has not yet been reached. Here are the annual quotas for a few nationalities:

• Americans: unlimited
• Australians: unlimited
• Belgians: 200
• Canadians: 12,000
• Irish: 800
• New Zealanders: 3,000
• For all other nationalities’ quotas, check Korea’s official website.

Annual quotas do not change significantly year to year, if at all.

If there are no more available spots left, unfortunately you will have to wait until the following program year to apply. For the best chances, apply early in the program year, as applications are processed on a first come first serve basis.

2. Fill out the application form

You can start your application online on the Korea Visa Portal. In the Visa Navigator,

• Select “Short Term Visit” for Purpose of Entry,
• Choose your nationality,
• And select “91 days or longer” for Length of Stay.

This will take you to the start of the WHV application. You can do the e-form or paper version.

3. Gather supporting documents

In addition to the visa application form, you will also need to gather some supporting documents. This is the standard list shown on Korea’s general WHV website.

• Visa application form
• Valid passport and one passport photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Return flight ticket or evidence of financial ability to afford one
• Supporting financial documentation (e.g. a certified copy of bank statement)
• Health insurance that will remain valid throughout your stay in Korea (minimum coverage: KRW 40,000,000)
• Travel plans
• Application fee (varies by nationality)
• Criminal record check
• Medical certificate
• Proof of student status or the highest academic qualification

It is possible that the exact list of requirements may look slightly different for your specific nationality. Check chapter 4 for additional resources by nationality.

These samples may be helpful for your gathering of supporting documents.

• Travel plans (view official sample)
• Medical certificate (view sample used by previous WHV holder)

4. Contact your Korean Diplomatic Mission

Once you have completed the application form and gathered your documents (or you have questions about something), contact the Korean Diplomatic Mission that is responsible for your jurisdiction. You can find it by going to this website and then selecting your country.

Ask them for instructions on how to submit your application. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be asked to either submit it in person or mail it to an address. It is also a good idea to ask for confirmation of what supporting documents are required.

If you do need to make an appointment at a Korean consulate or embassy (aka a “diplomatic mission”), you can do so on the 365 Overseas Korean Portal.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve submitted your application! It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks so be patient.

You can check the status of your application on the Korea Visa Portal. On the left, click on “Check Application Status”. It might take a couple of days for your application to be registered in the system so don’t panic if you don’t see it right away.

Upon approval, the Korean Mission will give you instructions on how to pick up your WHV.

Please consider sharing your application experience in the comments below so that other applications from your country can know what to expect!