How to Apply for Refugee Recognition — Application, Interview Procedure and a 30-Day Objection after Non-Recognition

Procedure

1. 1. Prepare the application and attachments

   Attach a passport or alien registration card, 1 photo taken within the last 6 months, and materials for reference in the review to the refugee recognition application. If you cannot submit a passport or alien registration card, submit a statement of reasons. Applications are made in writing in principle.

2. 2. Receipt and stay

   The immigration office issues an acknowledgment of receipt immediately upon receiving the application. A refugee applicant may stay in Korea until the decision becomes final, and if an administrative appeal or lawsuit against a non-recognition decision is pending, until that procedure ends.

3. 3. Interview and fact-finding

   A refugee examiner conducts an interview and fact-finding. At the applicant's request, an official of the same sex conducts the interview, and a request to record audio or video cannot be refused. If the applicant fails to appear 3 or more consecutive times despite a summons, the review may be terminated.

4. 4. Decision on recognition

   The decision is made within 6 months from the date of receipt, and if unavoidable it may be extended by up to 6 months, with notice given at least 7 days before the original period ends. If recognized, you receive a refugee recognition certificate; if not, you receive a notice of non-recognition stating the reasons and how to file an objection.

5. 5. Objection within 30 days

   Within 30 days from the date of receiving notice of non-recognition or of cancellation or withdrawal of recognition, submit an objection and materials explaining the grounds to the immigration office. After review by the Refugee Committee, a decision is made within 6 months, extendable by up to 6 months. If you file an objection, you cannot file an administrative appeal.

Required documents

• Refugee recognition application (re-applicant form for a repeat application)
• Passport or alien registration card (statement of reasons if it cannot be submitted)
• 1 photo taken within the last 6 months (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
• Materials showing the grounds and circumstances of persecution
• For an objection: objection form, notice of non-recognition, materials explaining the grounds for objection

Fees

Typically several hundred thousand won in the industry · We will advise after consultation depending on the scope of organizing the statement, the volume of materials and whether an objection is filed.

See fees and official charges for this service →

Legal basis and review date

• Refugee Act, Article 2
• Refugee Act, Article 5
• Refugee Act, Article 8
• Refugee Act, Article 18
• Refugee Act, Article 21
• Refugee Act, Article 40
• Enforcement Rule of the Refugee Act, Article 2
• Enforcement Rule of the Refugee Act, Article 10

Checked against the statutes on 2026-10-05

Statutes and public notices change, so each case needs to be checked individually. Statute titles are given in English for reference. The Korean statutes are the authoritative text.

Check these first

• Submitting false documents or concealing facts can lead to part of the review being omitted and an unfavorable decision.
• If a foreigner who has stayed 1 year or more applies just before the period of stay expires, part of the review may be omitted, so apply as soon as the grounds arise.

Frequently asked questions