Refugee Recognition Application: Preparation and Filing

Procedure

Procedure

1. 01

   1. Application and attachments: Attach to the refugee recognition application a passport or alien registration card, one photo taken within the last 6 months, and any materials relevant to the review. If the passport or card cannot be presented, submit a written explanation. The application must in principle be made in writing, in Korean or English.

2. 02

   2. Receipt and stay: The immigration office issues a receipt immediately upon accepting the application. An applicant may stay in Korea until the decision is final, and until any administrative appeal or lawsuit against a denial is concluded.

3. 03

   3. Interview and fact-finding: A refugee officer conducts the interview and fact-finding. At the applicant's request, an official of the same sex conducts the interview, and a request for audio or video recording cannot be refused. The review may be terminated if the applicant fails to appear after three or more consecutive summonses.

4. 04

   4. Decision: A decision is made within 6 months of the application date; if unavoidable, it may be extended by up to 6 months, with notice given at least 7 days before the original period expires. If recognized, a certificate of refugee recognition is issued; if not, a notice of denial stating the reasons and how to object is issued.

5. 05

   5. Objection within 30 days: Within 30 days of receiving notice of denial, or of revocation or withdrawal of recognition, submit an objection and materials supporting the grounds to the immigration office. The decision follows deliberation by the Refugee Committee within 6 months, extendable by up to 6 months. Once an objection is filed, an administrative appeal cannot be filed.

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 responses to up to two supplement requests.

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 may lead to some review steps being skipped and to an unfavorable decision. A foreign national who has stayed for one year or more and applies just before the stay period expires may have some review steps skipped, so apply without delay once grounds arise.