✈️ Can I travel abroad while my visa is under review?

Hello from KOWORK, the leading integrated hiring platform for foreign professionals in Korea 👋

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from job seekers is:

“I submitted my visa application — is it okay if I leave Korea for a short trip while I wait?”

Since visa reviews can take time, it’s understandable that many people consider traveling to visit family or take a break.

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The short answer: No, you absolutely should not leave Korea during the visa review process.

Even if you believe you’ve “just submitted the documents,”
the immigration office processes your application on the assumption that you remain in Korea throughout the review.

If you leave the country, the system may automatically cancel your application.

Let us explain in detail — including a real-life example and essential tips to avoid this mistake.

🚷 Why is international travel not allowed?

When you apply to change or extend your visa, Korean immigration assumes you are physically present in Korea.

If you leave the country, it is considered — from an administrative point of view —
as a sign that you no longer intend to remain in Korea, and your application may be invalidated.

Even if you submitted your application online, it makes no difference.
The immigration system is connected to your entry/exit records, so any departure is automatically tracked.

⚠️ Real-life mistake

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“I applied to switch from a D-10 visa to an E-7 visa and thought I just needed to wait for the result.
But I had to briefly visit my family in Vietnam, and by the time I returned to Korea,
I found out my application had been canceled...”

This person believed it was just a short trip —
but immigration saw it as a loss of eligibility to remain in Korea, and the visa review was terminated.

Canceled review → reapplication required → residency issues → delayed employment...
One small decision caused a chain reaction.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Do I have to stay in Korea during the visa review?
A. Yes. You must remain in Korea throughout the visa processing period.

Q2. What if I submitted everything online? Can I travel then?
A. No. The method of submission does not matter — your physical presence in Korea is essential.
If your departure is recorded, your application may be disqualified.

Q3. What if I must leave due to an emergency?
A. It’s still very risky. If absolutely necessary, you must contact the immigration office first
to explain your situation and request approval.
Unauthorized travel during visa review almost always results in cancellation.