Don’t Risk Your Visa: The Ultimate Guide to New HiKorea Reporting Rules (2026) (HiKorea Go Kr Visa Check Guide) [LIBRO, English Speaking Lawyer]


1. The 2026 Timeline: Transition to Online-Only

The government is moving away from manual, paper-based reporting to a streamlined online system linked directly to your HiKorea profile. (2026 HiKorea Go Kr Visa Check Guide).

If you want to know about Korean Visa Roadmap 2026, go to this link.

PeriodReporting StatusWhat You Need to Know
Jan 2 – June 30, 2026Pilot Phase Both online and paper reports are accepted.
From July 1, 2026Mandatory Online Reports must be submitted online via HiKorea.

Lawyer’s Tip: During the pilot phase, reporting voluntarily is the best way to ensure your records are clean before the system becomes strictly automated in the second half of the year.

hikorea go kr visa check

2. Who is Required to Report?

According to the MOJ, this applies to any foreigner engaged in profit-making activities under specific visa categories.

  • Professional Visas: E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6, E-7.
  • Labor Visas: E-8, E-9, E-10, H-2.
  • Long-term/Family Visas: F-2 (Resident), F-4 (Overseas Korean), F-6 (Marriage Migrant).
  • Business Visas: D-7, D-8, D-9.
  • Note on F-5: Permanent Residents (F-5) are specifically excluded from this reporting requirement.

3. The “Big Three” Items You Must Report

You are legally obligated to report your “Employment Information” (취업정보), which includes three specific data points:

  1. Occupation (직종): Your specific job role (e.g., Teacher, Engineer, Manager).
  2. Industry (업종): The type of business your employer conducts.
  3. Annual Income (소득금액): Your yearly salary bracket.

4. The 15-Day Deadline & Penalties

Timing is everything. Under the Immigration Act Enforcement Rules (Articles 47 and 49-2), you must report your initial employment or any changes within 15 days of the occurrence.

  • When to report: Within 15 days of starting a job or if your job/industry/income bracket changes.
  • The Penalty: Failure to report within this window can result in fines of up to 1,000,000 KRW. Even if you didn’t know the rule, the penalty applies.
  • Automatic Prompt: From 2026, when you try to make a Visit Reservation on HiKorea, the system will automatically show you a reporting screen to ensure your data is current.

5. Step-by-Step: How to Report Online

You no longer need to visit the immigration office in person for this.

Method A: When Making a Visit Reservation

  1. Log in to HiKorea.go.kr.
  2. Click “Visit Reservation” (방문예약).
  3. The “Employment Information (Change) Report” screen will automatically appear.
  4. Verify your existing data or input new details.
  5. Search for your Job/Industry codes and select your Income Bracket.
  6. Submit and complete your reservation.

Method B: For Initial or Change Reports (No Reservation)

  1. Navigate to “Civil Affairs” (전자민원) on HiKorea.
  2. Select “Employment Information (Change) Report” (취업정보 (변경)신고).
  3. Input your updated occupation, industry, and income.
  4. Print the Confirmation Certificate (신고증) for your records.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I am a freelancer. What do I list as my industry?

A: You should select the industry code that most closely matches your primary source of income.

Q: What if I don’t have a job yet?

A: If you are not engaged in profit-making activities, you can check the box for “No Job or Income” (직업 및 소득금액 없음) in the system.

Q: Is there a fee for this report?

A: No, this specific reporting service is free of charge (수수료 면제).


⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and government policies are subject to change. While we strive to keep this information accurate based on official 2026 MOJ releases, you should always consult with a qualified legal professional regarding your specific visa status and obligations.


Need Assistance with Your Visa?

Navigating Korean immigration law can be stressful, especially with new digital requirements. If you have missed a reporting deadline or are worried about your upcoming visa extension, we are here to help.

Contact LIBRO Global Client Services. [LIBRO] – English Speaking Legal Expert

LIBRO Global Client Services

Attorney Paul

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