Live News Article*

This is a live news article which will be continually updated as new information becomes available regarding recent updates made to the South Korea Working Holiday Visa by IEC and South Korea / Canada Immigration.

South Korea Working Holiday Visa Updated: What We Know So Far

On August 28th, the South Korean working holiday visa was updated, announcing some significant changes to the visa scheme and its eligibility criteria. The South Korean working holiday visa has been a popular choice for young Canadians looking to live, work, and explore in South Korea. Effective from January 2024, the current program will be renewed and expanded into the Youth Mobility Program to allow more youth to participate in more categories and for longer periods. These updates provide amazing new opportunities for certain Canadians previously ineligible for the scheme!

KEY South Korea WORKING HOLIDAY VISA CHANGES ANNOUNCED:

 

1. CANADIANS EXEMPT FROM THE 25-HOUR WORKING-HOUR RESTRICTION

One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the working hours limit. Currently, Canadians are able to work up to 25 hours a week, or 1,300 hours per year. However, the new expansion now allows individuals to work full-time, up to 40 hours a week and 2,080 hours a year. This expansion opens doors for young Canadians to pursue various work opportunities and fully experience the work culture in South Korea!

 

2. PARTICIPANTS WILL NOW BE ABLE TO STAY IN SOUTH KOREA FOR UP TO TWO YEARS

The South Korea working holiday visa’s duration has been extended. Previously set at a maximum of one year or 12 months, the new program will allow eligible applicants to live and work in South Korea for up to two years, or 24 months. This extended timeframe gives young Canadians the chance to immerse themselves more deeply in the Korean way of life, explore diverse cities, and build meaningful connections in both personal and professional spheres.

The eligibility requirements are not announced yet, so please sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop for more exciting announcements!

3. AGE ELIGIBILITY EXPANDED FROM 18-30 TO 18-35

Another key change to the eligibility criteria for this program is the expansion of the age limit. Previously, the Working Holiday Visa was available to Canadian applicants between the ages of 18 and 30. However, the new policy now allows individuals up to the age of 35 to apply. This extension opens doors for a broader range of young Canadians who might have put their dreams of living in South Korea on hold due to the previous age restrictions!

Want to Stepabroad to South Korea?

Interested in learning more about applying for a working holiday in South Korea? Get in touch to speak with one of our expert travel coordinators today to start planning your adventure!

WHEN WILL THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA CHANGES HAPPEN?

These changes will not come into effect until January 2024 so Canadians looking to enter into the new agreement will have to wait until early next year. 

I’M ALREADY IN SOUTH KOREA ON THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA, AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2ND YEAR?

Details for an extension have not been released yet, so sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about exciting announcements!

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