Nonimmigrant Work Visas

Expedited Visa Reissuance Program for H-1B and L-1 Visas

This program provides expedited reissuance procedures for H-1B and L-1 visa applicants and their qualified derivative family members. 

You can use this program when all four of the following qualifications are met:

1. Korean nationality
2. Received previous H-1B or L-1 visa issued in Seoul
3. Have H-1B or L-1 visa extension Approval Notice I-797 from USCIS
4. Previous H-1B or L-1 visa issued in Seoul for the same employer as the current I-797 extension approval notice
   

How to apply

Qualified applicants and their family members may schedule an appointment through the Call Center, if they wish to use the Reissuance Program.  Appointments are available every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE VISA REISSUANCE PROGRAM AND WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS PROGRAM, DO NOT SCHEDULE YOUR VISA APPOINTMENT ONLINE!  PLEASE CALL OUR CALL CENTER TO SCHEDULE YOUR VISA APPOINTMENT:

CALL CENTER TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

1. 003-08-131-420 within Korea
   Operators available Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Korea time
   (closed on U.S. and Korean holidays and weekends)
2. 866-222-1107 within the U.S. 
   Operators available Sunday-Thursday, 3:30 PM – 12:00 midnight PST
   (closed on U.S. and Korean holidays and weekends)

Even if you are qualified for the Visa Reissuance Program, you can elect to schedule an appointment on any available appointment date using the Web Appointment System (www.us-visaservices.com).

What is Needed to Apply?

Please do NOT stand in line outside of the Embassy.  Come directly to the third floor, Petition-based Visa Unit (PVU).

Applicants must submit the following items:

• A signed passport valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the U.S.  Please obtain a new passport prior to your interview if
• your passport will expire within the next six months,
• the biographic page of your passport is separating from the remainder of your passport, or
• your passport is otherwise torn, damaged or mutilated.
  
  U.S. visas cannot be placed in soon-to-expire or damaged passports.
  
  
• A completed and signed Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156) with photo (See "photo requirements" ) for each applicant. 
  All applicants are required to use the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) (link to http://korea.usembassy.gov/ds_156.html).  You must type the information required into the appropriate spaces on the DS-156 and then print the completed DS-156.
• A completed Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157) for each applicant.  DS-157 can be downloaded from this web site.  
• A receipt from Shinhan Bank for the visa processing fee. The NIV processing fee is US$131 and can be paid for at any Shinhan Bank branch within Korea.  There is a branch only a short walk from the Embassy; here is a map.  A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed.
• The old passport holding the previous H-1B or L-1 visa (H-4 or L-2 visa for dependents)
• The original Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Extension Approval Notice of Action (I-797).  Photocopies or notarized copies are unacceptable.
• A copy of I-129 with supporting documents.
• Current employment letter from your U.S. employer confirming your employment.  The letter must be dated within one month of the application.
• A copy of your most recent W-2 form and pay slips.
• A courier service form (DHL Ilyang: 1588-0002; Hanjin:1588-0011).  Courier service receipt should be presented to the U.S. Embassy along with other visa application material.  This receipt will be needed to return your passport to you after the visa issuance.  Each passport must have a separate courier service form attached.  Courier forms are available at the Embassy or at courier service offices.
• Please submit the following documents to prove family relationship. Each certificate must be issued within one month of the application date.
1. The former Family Census Register/Jejeok Deung-Bon (one copy for the entire family)
2. Certificate of Family Relationship (one copy for the entire family)
3. Basic Certificate for each person
4. Marital Status for each person
5. Adoption Certificate for each children
   
• All non-English documents must be translated into English. Does not need to be notarized.

Processing Time

Passports are delivered back to applicants via the selected courier (Ilyang or Hanjin) within three to five business days.   Applicants should also keep in mind the anticipated time of delivery of their passports and visas when making travel plans to the United States.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please go to USA VISA Information Services at http://www.us-visaservices.com. USA VISA Information Services is available 24 hours a day, and can be accessed from both inside and outside of Korea.

For nonimmigrant visa (NIV) inquiries (excluding E, H, L, O, P, Q visa inquiries), please e-mail us at : seoulniv@state.gov. For E, H, L, O, P, Q visa inquiries, please e-mail us at : seoulgoldteam@state.gov.

The applicant, not the U.S. Government, assumes full responsibility for all documents and materials submitted in connection with any consular or visa matter, and for qualifying for the required visa or travel document in time to meet the applicant's needs.

This is an official U.S. Government source of information on the WWW. Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links or information does not imply endorsement of contents.

Updated JuLY 17, 2008