The C-4 short-term employment visa

C-4 is a work status for a specific short-term job. Unlike C-3 you may work, but only the approved activity.

Who this covers

• Short contracted lectures, research, technical guidance, performances, advertising shoots
• Some seasonal work categories
• The categories and permitted activities are set by law

Steps

1. Sign a contract with the inviting organisation.
2. The inviting organisation prepares the documents.
3. Apply at a Korean embassy, or obtain a certificate of visa eligibility.
4. Enter Korea and carry out the approved activity.
5. Depart when the period ends.

What you need

• Passport
• Invitation letter and contract
• Documents showing the activity and period
• The inviting organisation's business documents
• The fee — check with the embassy or HiKorea

Where to go

• The Korean embassy or consulate in your country
• HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr · 1345
• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor

Questions people ask

They make me do work different from the contract. Work beyond the approved activity is a status violation. Check with 1345, and for wage issues contact 1350.

Can I stay longer and keep working? Staying without an extension or status change is overstaying. Always get advice before expiry.

I wasn't paid. Short-term workers are protected by the Labor Standards Act. Report it to 1350.

How is it different from E-9? E-9 is long-term employment under the Employment Permit System; C-4 is a defined short-term activity.

Take care

"Come on C-4 and just stay" is dangerous advice. Overstaying brings deportation and entry bans, and the inviting organisation also suffers consequences.

Related

c3-short-term-visit · e8-seasonal-worker · e9-visa-basics · overstay-consequences

Source

Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08