South Korea at a glance
| Visit with an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Yes |
| E-1 treaty trader visa | Available |
| E-2 treaty investor visa | Available |
| Own line in the Visa Bulletin | No: worldwide line |
| Green card lottery (last published list, DV-2026) | Not eligible |
| Entry restrictions | None |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | Not designated |
| Where visas are processed | The U.S. Embassy in Seoul processes both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. |
Green card lottery: registration for DV-2027 had not opened as of mid-October 2026. A federal court ordered the State Department to open it, and that order may be appealed.
What is specific to South Korea right now
- South Korea is in the Visa Waiver Program and is an E-1/E-2 treaty country. Natives of South Korea were not eligible for the DV-2026 diversity visa lottery. No country-specific U.S. entry restrictions, immigrant-visa pause or visa-bond requirement applied as of October 2026.
Common U.S. immigration paths for people from South Korea
ESTA / Visa WaiverVisit the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days with ESTAE-2 investor visaTreaty investor visa to run a business you invest inH-1B visaWork visa for specialty jobs, sponsored by a U.S. employerL-1 visaTransfer to a U.S. office of your multinational employerF-1 student visaStudy at a U.S. college, university or language schoolEB-2 NIWSelf-petition green card if your work benefits the U.S.Marriage green cardGreen card through your U.S. citizen or resident spouse
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Can people from South Korea visit the U.S. with an ESTA?
Yes. South Korea is in the Visa Waiver Program, so its citizens can usually visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business with an approved ESTA instead of a visa.
Can people from South Korea get an E-2 investor visa?
Yes. South Korea has an E-2 treaty with the United States, so its nationals can qualify for the E-2 treaty investor visa by making a substantial investment in a U.S. business they will run.
Can people from South Korea enter the green card lottery?
South Korea was not eligible in the last published program (DV-2026). Eligibility is set again every year, and someone born in South Korea may still qualify through a spouse born in an eligible country.
Where do people from South Korea have their visa interview?
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul processes both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.
Can I work with a U.S. attorney while I am still in South Korea?
Yes. MyUSVisa works online: you tell your story from anywhere, licensed U.S. immigration attorneys review it and send proposals, and you choose. This works before you travel or once you are already in the United States.
More countries in Asia
Last checked by the MyUSVisa team and counsel in October 2026. Country rules change often, especially entry restrictions, TPS and parole programs. Always verify on travel.state.gov and uscis.gov, or ask your attorney.
MyUSVisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.