How to Apply for Refugee Recognition

Procedure

Procedure

1. 01

   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. 02

   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. 03

   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. 04

   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. 05

   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.

Filing route

Filing route

Deadlines & processing notes

Deadlines & processing notes

Fees & official charges

Fees & official charges

Included in the basic fee — Initial document review, required-document guidance, basic form preparation, one filing support and one ordinary supplement.

Conditional success fee — For this service, any conditional success fee may be separately agreed within the lawful service scope and stated in a written engagement agreement. No outcome is guaranteed.

Displayed amounts are starting estimates, not statutory or standard rates. The final fee is confirmed after consultation and document review in the engagement agreement. Government fees and actual expenses may change.

Basic documents

Basic documents

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.