The History of Korea Immigration Service
For the past half-century, Korea Immigration Service has been providing convenient immigration service, adapting to the fast changes both at home and abroad. Korea Immigration Service will continue its role as a stepping stone in creating a safe, harmonious, and prosperous society for foreigners and nationals alike.
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Official launch of a video interview system for screening refugee applicants
Implementation of a big data analysis and visualization service for immigration administration
Announcement of a new immigration policy
Establishment of a CBT center for the social integration program in Seoul
Introduction of the Start-up Korea Special Visa to attract promising overseas start-ups
Launch of a pilot preliminary announcement for the employment visa quota
Launch of a region-specific visa system
Development of a system for issuing mobile residence cards
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A detention division newly established at Ulsan Immigration Office
Renaming of E-visa Centre at Seoul Immigration Office to Online Residence & Visa Centre
Full implementation of fast-track permanent residence & naturalization for skilled research scientists and technicians
Issuance of residence cards bearing a new design
Offering on-site Social Integration Programs at industrial parks and shipyards
Full implementation of K-Point E74 – a scheme aiming large-scale expansion of the size of skilled workers
Introduction of residence card authentication verification service
Development of an all-inclusive database of foreign residents for administrative use
Inauguration of 46 regional immigration policy research networks in 12 regional governments
Finalization of the Fourth Masterplan for Immigration Policy
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Launched a certification program for refugee-dedicated interpreters
Created the Yeongdeungpo Center of Southern Seoul Immigration Office
Elevated the Ansan Branch Office to an independent immigration office
Deployed two surveillance ships named ‘Hwangokho’ and ‘Chojijinho’
Opened the Andong Branch Office of the Daegu Immigration Office
Established the Immigration Policy Reform Division
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A full implementation of electronic travel authorization (K-ETA)
The creation of the Immigration Big Data Division centred on agile response to data affairs
The launch of “Government Joint Support Group for Afghan Special Contributors” to provide support for new Afghan residents
The launch of “Global Talent Visa Centre” in Daedeok Innopolis, Daejeon
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Electronic visas replaced existing visa stickers
Refugee Appeals Division was newly created along with the existing Refugee Division being renamed to Refugee Policy Division
Visa waiver programme and visa-free entry temporarily suspended to contain the spread of COVID
Border Control & COVID Emergency Response Section was created
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E-gates (Smart Entry Service) offered to expaned groups of foreign tourists
Limited visa extension started to apply to foreign residents with delinquent national health insurance payments
Nationality conferment ceremony held to celebrate the 200,000th naturalized citizen milestone
Implementation of a plan to reduce illegal immigrants and encourage rightful people-to-people exchanges
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- The total number of entries and departures exceeds 80 million.
The Third Basic Plan for Immigration Policy was finalised.
Reviewing all foreign residents’ tax delinquency history prior to his/her visa extension application becomes mandatory.
A points-based system to issue Skilled Worker VISA is introduced.
- The total number of entries and departures exceeds 80 million.
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- Incheon International Airport was ranked number one with an ASQ Award for 12 consecutive years for its best airport service including streamlined immigration clearance.
I-Prechecking is fully implemented.
I-Prechecking and Smart Entry Service were recognised with a WITSA Global ICT Excellence Chairman’s Award.
- Incheon International Airport was ranked number one with an ASQ Award for 12 consecutive years for its best airport service including streamlined immigration clearance.
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- Ranked 1st for eleven consecutive years for the ASQ Award for best airport service
Total number of foreign residents reached 2 million
Initiated mutual use of Korea’s SES and Macao’s APC Program
- Ranked 1st for eleven consecutive years for the ASQ Award for best airport service
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- Ranked 1st for ten consecutive years for the ASQ Award for best airport service
Number of cross-border travelers reaches 60 million
- Ranked 1st for ten consecutive years for the ASQ Award for best airport service
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- Ranked 1st for nine consecutive years for the ASQ Award for best airport service
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- Number of foreigner residents in Korea reaches 1.5 million
The Refugee Act enforced
- Number of foreigner residents in Korea reaches 1.5 million
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- Mutual use of Korea's SES and USA's Global Entry Program initiated
Biometric Identification System Initiated
The Second Basic Plan for Immigration Policy finalized
- Mutual use of Korea's SES and USA's Global Entry Program initiated
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- Ranked 1st for 6 consecutive years in ASQ
Implemented fingerprint registration system for foreign residents
- Ranked 1st for 6 consecutive years in ASQ
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- Revised Nationality Act relating to multiple nationality
Implemented Guidance Program for International Marriage
Established and Implemented 1st stage of fingerprint verification system for foreigners
Supported a successful host of G20 Seoul Summit
- Revised Nationality Act relating to multiple nationality