Immigration Office

C3 visa

Short-term invitation

1. What is a short-term invitation visa (C3)?

The short-term C3 visa is for tourism, transit, medical treatment, visiting relatives, meetings, conferences, participation in events, cultural and artistic pursuits, general training, lectures, attending religious ceremonies, collecting academic materials, etc.
This visa is for a short-term stay of less than 90 days and is not for commercial purposes.

2. Practical overview and requirements

For short-term invitation visas, the purpose of the visit must be clear, and it is essential to demonstrate financial ability to cover expenses during the stay.

1. Legal basis

Article 10 (Qualifications for Residence) of the Immigration Control Act and Appendix 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the same Act

2. Key Requirements

Authenticity of the purpose of the visit (validity of the reason for invitation)
Confirmation of intent to return home (excluding the possibility of illegal stay)
Proof of relationship between inviter and invitee
Ability to finance domestic stay expenses

3. Type

Depending on the specific purpose, it is subdivided as follows:.

Visa code	Main target and purpose
C-3-1 (General Short-term)	Participation in various events, visiting relatives, short-term training, etc.
C-3-3 (Medical Tourism)	In case of treatment or rehabilitation at a domestic medical institution
C-3-4 (general commercial use)	For commercial purposes such as market research, business contacts, consultations, and contracts.
C-3-9 (General Tourism)	Purely for tourism purposes (individual or group)
C-3-10 (direct transfer)	When transiting through Korea to go to a third country

4. Issuance period and required documents

Duration: Approximately 5 to 14 business days from the date of application (may vary depending on the country and embassy circumstances)
Key submission documents:

Visa application form, passport, ID photo
Invitation (specifying the purpose and duration of the visit)
Identity verification (if required)
Documents proving relationship (family relationship certificate, business registration certificate, etc.)
Certificate of employment or certificate of enrollment
Documents proving financial ability (bank balance certificate, etc.)

3. Visa issuance procedures

1

Consultation and document preparation
Prepare the necessary documents according to the reason for invitation
2

Document submission
Apply to the Korean diplomatic mission (consulate/embassy) with jurisdiction over the invitee's place of residence
3

audit
Review submitted documents and conduct interviews if necessary
4

Notification of results
Visa issuance or denial decision
5

Entry
Entering the Republic of Korea within the visa validity period

Why You Need a Visa Administrator

Because visa review is largely at the discretion of the consul,
If you are rejected once, re-applying is difficult and takes twice as much time and money.

1. Write an invitation and a letter of explanation

Increase your chances of approval by clearly and logically stating your purpose of entry.
2. Complex document processing

We provide accurate guidance and review of required documents that vary by country.
3. Non-permission prevention strategy

We proactively prepare supplementary documents that can dispel consular concerns, such as concerns about illegal stay.
4. Responding to the latest laws and regulations

Respond quickly to frequently changing immigration guidelines.

When working on visa affairs,
It's easy to get buried in piles of paperwork and miss what's really important.
But each and every piece of paper we handle
A heart that is desperately waiting for someone
I know full well that there is excitement for a new beginning.

The laws and principles are cold and the procedures are complicated,
I believe that the person who helps in that process should be warm.
Our company is not a place that simply performs tasks mechanically.,
I will listen to your frustrations silently.
I want to be a strong supporter who helps you find your way together.

If you are stuck due to complicated regulations, please knock on Seum's door at any time.
Be honest rather than make grand promises, and be precise rather than rushed.
We will help you continue your precious relationship.

Today, I sincerely support your precious encounter and new steps.

January 4, 2026
Seum Administrative Attorney Firm
Written by: Sangyoon Kim, Administrative Scrivener

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I enter the country with a C-3 visa and engage in employment activities?

A: No. Short-term visitor visas strictly prohibit commercial activities.
If you wish to work, you must obtain a separate employment visa (E series, etc.) that is appropriate for your purpose.