South Korean citizens moving to United States of America
South Korea has E-1/E-2 treaty access and the dedicated E-3 Professional visa (created via the US-Korea FTA framework has not yet been activated — the E-3 visa proper is Australia-only). H-1B and L-1 are the main temporary routes.
Tourist entry
Yes. South Korean nationals can enter United States of America without a visa for tourism, typically up to 90 days. This does not confer the right to work, study long-term, or establish residence.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
- US E-1/E-2 Treaty
Consular processing: Seoul
Treaty and bilateral routes
These routes are available to South Korean applicants under specific bilateral agreements.
Routes with nationality-specific notes
All United States of America routes
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive or Manager)
Intracompany transfer for executives or managers moving to a US office of a related multinational employer.
L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialised Knowledge)
Intracompany transfer for employees with specialised knowledge of the employer’s products, services, or processes.
O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or the arts/film/television (O-1B).
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)
Employment-based first-preference green card for individuals with extraordinary ability — self-petitionable.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Second-preference green card with a waiver of the job offer and PERM labor certification, where the beneficiary’s work is in the US national interest.
EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
Third-preference employment-based green card requiring employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)
Non-immigrant student visa for academic study at a SEVP-certified institution, with post-study OPT employment authorisation.
J-1 Exchange Visitor
Exchange visitor visa covering academic scholars, students, trainees, interns, researchers, au pairs, and other exchange programs.
TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)
Non-immigrant work visa under USMCA for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.
K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen
Non-immigrant visa allowing the fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the US to marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card.
Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A)
Permanent residence for the spouse of a US citizen (IR1/CR1) or lawful permanent resident (F2A preference).
Frequently asked questions
Can South Korean citizens enter United States of America without a visa?
Yes. South Korean nationals can enter United States of America without a visa for tourism, typically up to 90 days. This does not confer the right to work, study long-term, or establish residence.
Which United States of America visa routes are best suited to South Korean applicants?
Treaty routes (E-2 Treaty Investor) apply specifically to South Korean nationals. Common general routes used by South Korean applicants include EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. South Korea has E-1/E-2 treaty access and the dedicated E-3 Professional visa (created via the US-Korea FTA framework has not yet been activated — the E-3 visa proper is Australia-only). H-1B and L-1 are the main temporary routes.
Where do South Korean applicants typically apply for a United States of America visa?
Applications are typically processed at Seoul. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with United States of America's immigration authority without a consular visit.