G-1-5 Seasonal Worker Visa for Parents of International Students

The G-1-5 Seasonal Worker Visa allows parents or close family members of international students in Korea to legally enter and stay in Korea for short-term seasonal agricultural or fisheries work. This special visa program is part of Korea’s effort to address rural labor shortages while supporting the financial needs of foreign families.

1. What is the G-1-5 Visa?

The G-1-5 visa permits the family members of legal foreign residents in Korea—such as international students, marriage immigrants, or ethnic Koreans—to enter Korea as seasonal workers. Unlike the E-8-1 visa, which requires agreements between local governments and foreign countries, the G-1-5 visa allows individual sponsorship based on family relationships.

2. Eligibility

• Sponsor must be a legal resident of Korea (e.g., student, F-6, F-4 visa holder)
• The invitee must be a direct family member (parents, siblings, etc.) with no criminal record
• Local government where the sponsor resides must participate in the seasonal labor program

3. Duration of Stay

The G-1-5 visa permits a maximum stay of up to 150 days (approximately 5 months). Extensions are generally not allowed, and invitees must return to their home country upon visa expiration. Re-entry under the same sponsor may also be restricted.

4. Permitted Work Areas

• Harvesting, packaging, and sorting of crops
• Aquaculture, seafood processing, and fishery labor
• Simple labor tasks in rural factories and facilities

5. Application Process

1. Sponsor informs the local government of the intention to invite a family member
2. Local authority connects with an employer and reviews eligibility
3. Invitation letter and labor contract are prepared
4. Invitee applies for a visa at the Korean embassy in their country
5. After visa issuance, invitee enters Korea and begins work

6. Important Notes

• Visa is tied to a specific employer—no change of workplace allowed
• Secondary jobs or unauthorized employment is strictly prohibited
• Sponsor must take full responsibility for the invited person’s conduct and departure
• Violation of terms may lead to deportation or future visa restrictions

7. Purpose and Significance

This visa program provides an opportunity for families of international students to financially support their children by working in Korea legally for a short period. It also contributes to solving labor shortages in rural areas and enhances integration between foreign communities and Korean society.

8. Conclusion

The G-1-5 visa is a meaningful and practical pathway for international students and their families. Using responsibly allows parents to legally work in Korea while maintaining family connections and contributing to local industries. It is a representative example of a mutually beneficial visa policy supporting both communities and migrants.