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.

The first thing to know is that the authority that is responsible for Korean Working Holiday Visa H-1 applications (among other categories) from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK is called the KVAC, Korea Visa Application Center. They are official partners to, but separate from, Korean consulates and embassies.

Here are the steps that you should follow in the application processes.

1. Check the quota

First, you should confirm that the annual WHV quota for your nationality has not yet been reached.

• British: 5,000 → KVAC London reachable at [email protected]
• Dutch: 200 → KVAC Hague reachable at [email protected]
• French: 2,000 → KVAC Paris reachable at [email protected]
• German: unlimited → KVAC Berlin reachable at [email protected]

Source

Annual quotas do not change significantly year to year, if at all. Germans do not have a quota to worry about.

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 season, as applications are processed on a first come first serve basis.

2. Fill out the application and gather supporting documents

To start your application, first go to the KVAC website. Then,

• Click on General Visa Type Information (for your country) and
• Follow the shortcut to the page for H-1 Working Holiday.

There, you will find the application form and the list of required supporting documents for your nationality.

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

• Work and Travel activity plan (view official sample)
• Medical certificate (view sample used by previous WHV holder)

If you have any questions about the application, you should contact your KVAC (contact information above). We also recommend cc’ing [email protected].

3. Submit your application

British and French nationals must submit their application dossier by mail.

German and Dutch nationals can choose to mail it or submit it in person (no appointment required) at their KVAC.

Carefully follow the instructions provided by your KVAC, and contact them should you have any questions.

4. Wait for visa processing

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 KVAC will give you instructions on how to receive or 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!