A-3 (Agreement)
Applicants: USFK members, civilian employees, invited contractors, and families under SOFA
Stay period: Period of valid status
A-3 Agreement - Exemption under Agreement
Quick Overview
- Best for: USFK members, civilian employees, invited contractors, and families under SOFA
- Typical stay: Period of valid status
- What to prepare: Passport, application form, and photo are basic. Check additional documents by visa type.
Detailed Description
Persons exempted from alien registration by agreement with the Government of the Republic of Korea, or deemed necessary to do so, and their families.
SOFA: Agreement between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America on the Status of Facilities and Areas and the Status of Armed Forces of the United States of America in the Republic of Korea pursuant to Article IV of the Treaty of Mutual Reciprocity.
Fulbright Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding on Education between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of the United States of America
Limits on the length of stay that can be granted at any one time: status or contractual period of stay
Who can apply?
Persons who are exempted from alien registration by agreement with the government of the Republic of Korea, or who are deemed necessary to be exempted, and their families..
Required Documents
Documents required for visa issuance
Application form, passport, one standardized photograph, and fee.
Documents certifying dispatch, employment, or authorization from the foreign minister or minister of the relevant country
Documents required for activities outside the status of residence
Application form (Attachment 34), passport, fee
Certificate of service, S.O.F.A ID card
Documents related to eligibility: If you are a sponsor, a letter of consent from your organization's head (employer).
What to watch out for
- Even with the same visa code, outcomes can differ by nationality, education, career, and stay history.
- Please re-check document issue dates, translation, and notarization requirements right before submission.
- Stay period and work scope are finalized by the actual permit details.