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How To Get a South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

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Korean Visa Application

Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Here’s a guide on how to apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos. Please don’t forget to read the FAQs!

Last updated on October 2017

For Frequently Asked Questions Click Here

How to Apply for South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

  1. Complete the Visa Requirements stated from the embassy website. It is very important to check the South Korea embassy official website, because it is the most updated, especially their Application Form, which became 5-pages from 2-pages before. It is best to check Visa Announcements on their website as well, because they released a new application form just last August 2015.
  2. Submit your completed requirements to the South Korea embassy. If you’re traveling with a group, a representative of your group can submit all your requirements. Make sure that you don’t put them in separate envelopes, just arrange them in the order that the requirements are listed.
  3. Wait for 3-5 days and claim it to the universe that your visa gets approved! I’ve been granted a visa twice, but I still get nervous! I just think positive that when I get my passport, it will have a South Korea visa!
  4. Claim your visa on the date stated on your stub. I think it’s always best to claim it on the date assigned to you. I know that you can claim it within a month, but since there’s a scheduled date per person, the embassy prioritizes those applications per day.
  5. Plan your itinerary once you get your visa. Here’s an itinerary for 5 Days and 4 Nights in South Korea.

Visa Application Requirements for Employees

  1. Application Form
    • Please use the new application form, effective September 1, 2015
    • You may download the form here.
    • You may also download this sample visa application form.
    • Fill out the form in BLOCK LETTERS using a pen with black ink. We typed in our answers from a computer and printed them. It’s much neater and you can avoid erasures. Erasures are a NO-NO!
    • Print the form in A4.
    • Do not leave any blank field. Just write in N/A if it’s not applicable.
    • Some tips on some section on the form :
      • 1.2 on the form is “Chinese Name”, unless you have one, type N/A.
      • No need to fill out Section 2, just put N/A.
      • 1.7 National Identity No. should be N/A
      • 9.1 Purpose of Visit : Tourism/Transit
      • 10.1 Estimated travel costs (in US dollars) : What you type in there should be near the amount of what is in your bank account. Don’t get too overboard or it will look unrealistic.
      • 10.2 Who will pay for your travel? If you type “MYSELF”, the next fields a,b,c,d should be “N/A”.
  2. 1-piece of Passport size colored picture
    • Must be the latest photo of you taken within 6-mos before application date.
    • We chose a white background, but any color background would do.
    • Please look decent on your photo by wearing a collared top.
    • Make sure your eyebrows and ears are showing, and please remove any facial jewelry, like earrings.
    • For the ladies, you can add in a pop of color by putting on a natural-shade lipstick.
  3. Original Passport
    • New or will not expire within 6-months
    • Remove any jacket/case of your passport.
  4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
    • This is where your photo and other details on the passport is shown.
  5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)
    • Only my brother-in-law has an OECD visa. He photocopied it, and after the staff checked it, it was returned to us.
    • For the list of OECD member countries, please check this website.
  6. Original Certificate of Employment
    • The date on the COE must be within the month of your visa application.
    • Let your HR know that this is for your Korean tourist visa application.
    • Inform your HR to include the following information:
      • Your position
      • Date hired
      • Compensation
      • Office Address
      • HR landline number – mobile number is not allowed
      • HR email address – some of us did not have this, but it’s best to have this handy as the embassy just needs a way to communicate with your employer
  7. Original Personal Bank Certificate
    • Must include the following:
      • Account type
      • Current balance
      • Account opening date
      • ADB or Average Daily Balance
    • We had to pay both BDO and BPI PHP100 for a copy.
  8. Bank Statement
    • Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months
    • We paid BDO PHP100 for the first 3-pages, additional will incur beyond that.
  9. ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp / please highlight your name)
    • Please make sure that your TIN (Tax Identification Number) is visible on the form.
    • If it’s the start of the year, you may submit the transmittal receipt of your 2316 form.
    • Starting July 1, 2015, all visa applicants who have travelled as tourist  to Korea at  least once within 5 years will be exempt  from submitting  ITR copy. Processing time will also be reduced  to 3 working days. They are still  required to apply at window 1 or 2.
    • Those  who have traveled to Korea once within 5 years with purpose other than tour such as business, church visit, family visit, are still required to submit ITR copy. They  are required to apply at window 1 or 2. Processing time is 5 working days.
    • Those who have traveled to Korea more than twice within 4 years are exempt  from submitting  ITR copy  and may apply at window 3(frequent travellers).
      (Source)
  10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
    • These are for professionals, like doctors, lawyers, accountants

* If personally invited by Korean : Invitation Letter & Copy of invitor’s Passport
* If invited by Company in Korea : Invitation Letter & Copy of Korean Company Business Permit

The visa is FREE for 59 days or less, and Php1800 for 60-90 days in South Korea.

Since we applied as a family, there are some requirements that we had to get for students and for a housewife. A representative of the family can submit all the application requirements.

How to submit your requirements:

  1. As you arrive at the embassy, please sign your name on the record book. When it is time to enter the embassy, a guard will call out the names in order.
  2. If you’re applying as a family or as group, one representative can submit all the requirements.
  3. Remove any folder, passport holders, paper clips on your documents.
  4. Make sure that the your documents are arranged as it is listed above. Additional documents should be at the back.
  5. The guard inside the embassy will check your documents and you will be given a number.
  6. Wait for your number to be called. Your number will be reflected above the window, so you know where to go once called.
  7. Make sure that you quickly walk to the window. If you’re too slow, the next number will be called.
  8. The lady at the window will give you a stub with the date on when you can claim the passport. Keep it safe.
  9. Done.




Our Visa Application Experience and Some Tips To Get Approved

There’s no need to set an appointment. You can only submit your application requirements on Mondays-Fridays at 8:30-11 am only. During Korean holidays the embassy is closed, so please do a quick Google search to find out if it’s a holiday on the day you’re supposed to go.

  • There’s no parking inside the embassy.
  • Before leaving for the embassy, make sure that your documents are complete.
  • DO NOT submit fake documents. Complete and valid documents should only be submitted. Getting banned for life from getting a visa is something you don’t want to happen.
  • Arrange the documents the way it was listed above (requirements). This makes it easier for the staff by the door to check if your documents are complete and valid.
  • Do not staple your documents. The staff by the door who checked our documents stapled it for us.
  • Please make sure that your photocopies are clear.

We did not glue the photos on the application form when we arrived at the embassy, but we brought our own. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring any, there’s glue at the embassy. It’s best to stick the photos on your application form beforehand, because when we arrived, and got our number from the staff, our number flashed at Window 2 after 5-minutes. My sister and I hurriedly stuck 7 photos on 7 application forms. Talk about adrenaline rush! We were very fortunate that the person before me was still talking to the person in the window.

  • You don’t need to submit additional documents. The person by the door will remove your plane tickets or hotel reservations from the application.
  • Bringing everyone’s birth certificates is a must if you’re traveling as a family.

We did not have our birth certificates, except for my brother’s because he’s a student, and it’s part of the requirements. However, the person in the window told us that we must have birth certificates since we are applying as a family. There’s nothing about this on the embassy website. We followed the requirements for Employee, Housewife, and Student. I seriously got scared. What if we don’t get approved because we did not have our birth certificates? The lady said it was to establish the family relationship.

  • You must have an NSO Marriage Certificate, if you’re traveling with your spouse.

We were also traveling with my sister’s husband, and they looked for the certificate, too. Talk about another thing to worry about! The lady assisting us began speaking in Korean, and based on what I picked up from the conversation, she was a bit annoyed that we lacked a few documents; documents that were not listed as required in their website.

After giving us the claim stub, I politely spoke in Korean, “I apologize, we did not know about it (additional requirement, i.e. birth certificate). We will keep that in mind next time. Thank you.” I think that got me some brownie points. The lady actually smiled a little bit. I guess she didn’t expect that I could speak in Korean (and that I maybe picked up on what she was saying to her colleague). I think talking to the Korean Mart owner near our place helped a bit!

Claiming Our Passport

  • Passports are released in 3 to 5 days.
  • Please come on the date stated on your claim stub. Excluding Korean holidays, you can claim your passports between 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
  • Write down your name and contact number at the back of the claim stub.
  • Fall in line to get your number by the door.

I love the fact that they are always on time. When the clock at the embassy striked 1:30pm, the staff started calling out numbers. My mother and I were both nervous and excited. When our number was called, I fell in line by the window and waited for my turn. I think my birth “day” is lucky. I was #21.

Some said that there’s a paper inserted inside a passport when it has been denied a visa. I don’t know if that is true, but when I saw that ours were just passports, my heart was filled with joy! I somersaulted inside my head!

A Few Itty-Bitty Info

  • There’s no set amount for what’s in your bank account. Ideally, your money should be enough for your length of stay.
  • Do not take selfies inside the embassy. Taking photos  and eating inside the embassy are prohibited.
  • If you get denied, you can reapply after 6 months.

If you’re applying as a family, you are most likely to be approved. I believe that the Korean embassy is encouraging family trips to their country. As first time applicants, we were very lucky to be granted visas . Good luck!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FROM THE EMBASSY:

  • For family applications, documents for proof of relationship is a must. (eg. Marriage Contact, Birth Certificate)
  • A representative of the family may file the visa applications of all family members.
  • Validity of visa is only 59-days from the issue date. Scheduling your application date is crucial.

Korean Embassy Location

122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines

Tel. nos : (63-2) 856-9210  visa local no. 270, 500

If you have any questions, let us know by leaving a comment below! Please note that we will entertain questions that we only know the answers of, as we can only base our answers from our experience.

Check out these FAQs on getting a visa.


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1,775 thoughts on “How To Get a South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

  1. Hi! Thanks for this. Regarding the bank certificate, what is the ideal amount in the ADB? Actually I’ve been to Korea last year but will apply a visa again and the ADB has got me nervous on the application. Any tips on that? Thanks! 🙂

    1. Hi Elaine! My ADB was only Php5000+. Like I mentioned in the post, there’s really no set amount as to how much you should have in your bank account. Since you’ve been to Korea before, I think they will consider that, too. So don’t be nervous! Good luck!

      1. Hi! I am applying for a student visa, and I’m wondering if its possible to use my father’s ITR and business permits then my mother’s bank account? thank you. hoping for you respond about this matter.

          1. even po hindi joint account? 🙂 sorry po kung ang dami kong questions, medyo kinakabahan po kasi ako haha. thank you :))

          2. Hi! im planning to go to korea this coming May. kaka resign ko lang sa work kasi im going to take Civil service exam sa august want ko mag focus mag review kc 2nd try ko na to. wla akong coe na ma iipresent kc unemployed na ko. okey lang ba gumawa akong letter at sbhn na may exam ako this aug. katunayan na may babalikan ako?

          3. Hi Sophie, they are very strict right now with this. No work = no visa. I am unsure if they can consider you a student if you are enrolled in a review center for your civil service exam.

      2. Tanong k lg po. Dati po ak0ng ofw in middle east tapos umuwi at na deport last year dahil sa binigay na re entry visa ng employer ko. Hindi po b ito mkakaapekto sa korean embassy?i have new passport. Tapos my work na ako pero minimum range ang sahod k, ok lg b na tax exemption ang itr ko? Pero my pera po ako xa bank more than 100k. Im planning to go tourist for 1 month in korea. Salamat po. GODBLESS YOU

        1. Hindi ko po sigurado kung makaka-apekto ang nangyari sa inyo sa Middle East sa pagkuha ng Korean visa. Sa pagkakaalam ko, as long as wala kayong issue sa bansang South Korea, wala namang problema. If minimum wager po kayo, sapat na po ang tax exemption ITR. Good luck po!

          1. Hi! I will be applying visa on monday. But yun desired entry ko is april 22 this year. I was applyinh for businessmen tourist visa, my mayor’s permit was just released last wensday. Do u think makakahabol pa?

            To add it up, i dont have ITR yet as i had just registered my business in BIR last march

          2. They will see that your business is new, so having no ITR is understood. Processing is 3-5 days, so I am unsure if makakahabol pa for Friday releasing.

          3. Hi, can you help me to have visa, im currently working here in saudi anf im planning to go to korea on my vacation this coming august 2017, and i only have 35 days vacation, do you think its still possible ? Thankyou

          4. Hi Joann,

            You can apply for a visa at the Korean embassy in Saudi or you can process your application at least two weeks before your flight to Korea. Good luck!

      3. Hi,

        what is the best word that i should put in the hotel? i didnt booked any yet. is it okay to put undecided?

          1. how about the contact number? theyre not calling the hotel to confirm? im planning to stay in one of the guesthouse but i didnt contact them yet.

          2. hi,

            if i put a date on the application example april 21-25 can i still change that after the visa has been approved or i should travel on that date?

          3. i see.. so what should i put on the date intended po? if i put april 21 and my visa was approved i can still change my travel date to april 23?

          4. Aww…that’s rather unfortunate 🙁 I’m so sorry to hear that. Will you still go? Unused visa daw kasi, may penalty if mag-apply ulit ng bago sa susunod.

          5. what should i put po sa intended date if im travelling april 21-25. should i put april 21-25 or just april 21?

          6. i got my visa approved po..thanks po sa help..hehehe sino yung aalis for holyweek pasama mag isa lang po ako.any suggestion po?

      4. hi dre,

        I just want to ask im travelling to korea this april 13-18 from cebu. is there any tips for passing the immigration with no problem?

      5. Hello I have some questions. About po sa bank cert & statement. I will go to Korea on September 2-8, bale 7 days lang ako dun with my cousin. Prblema lang kasi, wala pa po akong personal bank account. Plus may Payroll din ako nag wiwithdraw ako pero may laman naman kahit konti and dun lagi ang pasok ng pera. Parents ko naman, wala pong bank account pero may ITR yung Papa ko. Okay lang ba na Payroll ung ipasa ko sa embassy or any option po, aattend lang kasi sana ako nang Architects Convention dun sa Korea. Please reply. Thank you

        1. Yes, you may use your payroll account. If you’re attending a convention, please secure an invite that you can present to the embassy as an additional document. Good luck!

          1. Pano po ba e prepresent yung Payroll Account ko Maam?? 1st time ko pa po kasi eh. 🙁 takot po ako na baka ma deny ako. 🙁

          2. Ask your HR kung saan ang branch ng payroll mo. Tapos doon ka pumunta to ask for your bank certificate and bank statement.

    2. Hi Dre, me and my wife apre anout to apply for a visa. However iam working online for an american client. No COE, No ITR. My wife is still employed. Can we apply as a family and use her employment and tax details? No problem with our bank accounts naman. Thanks!

        1. Hi Dre, do you know what will i write in the question ‘type of support’ since i stated that my daughter will fund for my travel? Thanks

    3. Hello I have some questions tungkol sa bank cert & statement. I will go to Korea on May 16-20 bale 5 days lang ako dun with my bestfriend. Nagbukas ako ng personal bank account nung December 2016 and balak ko kumuha ng bank cert and statement sa April for the visa. 5 months old lang ung sa personal bank account ko pag ganun. Okay lang po ba na 5 mos lang pero may 50k+ na laman. Plus may Payroll din ako nag wiwithdraw ako pero may laman naman kahit konti and dun lagi ang pasok ng pera. Okay lang ba na Payroll and Personal bank account ko ung ipasa ko sa embassy? Please reply. Thank you

          1. Hello paano po kung ung payroll account sa pnb wala daw pong adb, okay lang po ba un? Or kailangan po talaga meron? Thanks

  2. hello. i have my problem with my business permit. i own a public Utility jeep but i am not allowed to get a mayor’s permit or bussiness permit beacause PUJ is own by LTFRB but the embassy said they need the mayors permit. What will i do? is emdorsement letter came from our mayor is enough evidence to submit? thank you

    1. Hi Rannie! To be honest, I am unsure how to answer this question. Your best option is to call the embassy again and explain your situation, that you can’t secure a business permit because PUJs are owned by LTFRB.

  3. Hi, Im wondering if there will be any problem if the office landline is not available. Im currently working in the provinceeh. Tnx.

    1. Hi Honey! The office landline serves as a way for them to contact your work for verification purposes. It would be better if a landline number is provided, as well as an email address.

    2. hi. we have the same concern. I am working in a rural area as a contractual government employee.
      landline companies have yet to reach our locality. I called the korean embassy and the person whom i spoke to said there are no assurances in writing cellphone number. Im just going to make sure that on my cert of employment, It is justified that our place has no landline numbers 🙂
      will try to apply this May. will try to update this post.

        1. Hi. Updates 🙂
          I GOT APPROVED last May 🙂
          Since there are no landlines on my work area in the province, instead of landline, i placed our HR’s cellphone and email. The embassy even called my employer 🙂
          I submitted no ITR since i was unemployed for 10months after i passed the boards last Feb 2015. I started working January 2016 and i hav 80K plus on my bank acct but my ADB from BPI was calculated since opening date (2011).. turned out my ADB was only around 17K hahaha
          But I got approved na..yehey 🙂

          1. That’s wonderful news! Thank you for updating us. It will help others that have the same situation you did. 🙂

          2. hi, leo, ásk ko lang sana kung d ka na nag submit ng itr sa embassy? kaso unemployed din ako and ang problem ko is itr. wala akong itr. pero regarding bank and savings for the trip meron naman ako. hope u can enlighten me with this. thanks

    3. Hi can i ask! OFW here, i will go to philippines and i want to apply visa going korea.Is it posibble n maapproved kse mg oopen plng ako ng bank account sa pinas …kso sv 3 months bank statement pano kaya un…please reply

      1. Hi Mhy. They really do require a bank account that is at least 6 months old. If you have a bank account that has been setup before, please use that.

  4. nagsubmit ako ng visa application through an agency (ADVENTURE INTERNATIONAL TOURS, INC.
    (doing business as AMERICAN EXPRESS TRANSNATIONAL) last friday.

    these are the docs i submitted:

    visa application form (purpose of tour ko is to attend a hallyu concert)
    passport
    photocopy of passport (page 2)
    coe with my hr’s contact number
    itr with tin number photocopy
    prc license photocopy
    bank statement
    bank certificate (adb for the last 3 months is 600k)

    isa palang stamp ng passport ko (singapore) . i traveled 4 days last january. i have purchased an accomodation via sm global package. sa i.e. youth hostel ako magstay , pero i wasn’t able to submit my accommodation receipt. do you think that would cause problems? tumatawag ba sila sa hostel? cuz I’m not sure kung icoconfirm ng hostel my booking with them.although i can provide a legit receipt incase they ask.and chine check ba nila *** annual gross income sa itr ? hindi kasi magkamatch *** salary ko sa coe, sa salary ko sa itr.my annual gross sa itr (i submitted yr 2014 photocopy)is 178k lang then salary ko sa coe is 32k. ano kaya ang chance na migrant ako ng visa kahit single entry lang.and kelan ba sila tumatawag sa hr?business hours? i asked if may tumawag na from the embassy last friday.wala pa daw.

    1. In our experience, they did not call our accommodation. We booked via Airbnb. The receipt is not part of the requirements, so it’s okay not to submit that. As long as you submit what is required, you should be okay. As for the ITR not matching, I am unsure about that. I think what they just want to check is if you can support yourself while staying there for a few days. They did not call my HR. Most likely, they will call during business hours. Good luck!

    2. Ako naman nag apply sa ARC TICKETING CENTER, denied ako last year June 2015 kaya humanap ako mag assist sakin first time ko kasi, visa approved kahit ang laman ng bank account ko is 47,000 lang and average daily balance is around 3,000 lang 🙂 Nakakatuwa pala makita visa sa passport hehe excited nako sa cherry blossom hehe nakakatuwa

      1. Recommend ko ARC TICKETING CENTER pagdating sa pag assist ng visa to Korea mababait staff pero kapag Japan embassy suggest ko sa mga kukuwa na sa Reli Tours.

        Sino po aalis ng April dyan? Pasabay ako, first time nakakakaba.. Pano po pumunta ng Seoul to Busan at magkano ang magagastos? Salamat

        1. 3rd week of march alis ko kung approve . ano ung arc ticketing center? fixer sila or normal na agency lang? nagpaagency rin ako.sana maaprove.ano documents na nasubmit mo sa agency

        2. Ano requirements ng arc ticketing ? 100% guaranteed ba na visa approved pag nag apply thru them? tumatangap ba sila ng unemployed applicants for korean visa?

        3. Hi Ther! Saan location ng Arc Ticketing Center? Dito kasi ako sa province mas praktikal ata idaan na lang sa agency application ko.. Will be travelling in April.. Thanks!

      2. Wah. Nakakainggit. Magapply pa lang kami ng bf ko sa tuesday. Sana maapprove.. nakakakaba. may idea po ba kayo bakit kayo nadeny? 🙁 kinakabahan din ako kasi ung s bf ko ang ADB nya 3k+ lang din. First time din namin magout of the country.

        1. Hello Mimay- just wondering how was your application? First time ko lang dn kc to travel abroad and worried ako bka di ma-approve visa ko. Thanks 🙂

    3. omg! Hi 👋🏻 just read your comment & found out that you’re a kpop fan, anong smtown global package po inavail mo and for what group?

  5. Hi I applied korean visa as a student i feel nervous because I have some unfilled questions there I live it blank so im waiting next week for the result

    1. Hi Niqca! In the application form, it is indicated that “You must fill out this form completely and correctly.” – this means that you cannot leave anything ‘blank’. I am unsure if they will overlook that mistake. Good luck!

  6. Hi! My husband and i applied for korean visa last week. We haven’t attached pur marriage cert but the lady on the counter asked us if we are husband and wife..so i said yes. We have submitted bank cert which includes our joint accts. Do you think it will affect our application? Another thing, the home address we have written in our application form is different from the address reflected in our printed bank statement..will it also be one of the reason we might get denied? I’m so nervous…we’ll get pur passports on feb15, hopefully with a visa :). Thanks!

    1. Hi Jensky! My sister and her husband did not have a marriage certificate when we applied, but they looked for it. I believe they do that for double checking, to establish the relationship. Regarding the bank statement, I am unsure if the address is relevant. Please let me know if you get a visa! Good luck!

    1. Yes, they applied as employees. The marriage certificate, I believe, is just a backup document, if you’re traveling as husband and wife. As long as you followed the requirements and submitted them completely, you should be okay. If there are any issues, sometimes they conduct an interview.

      1. Hi! My husband and I will be travelling to korea this coming december. we will apply for visa on october. We just got married last Dec 2015 and I havent updated any legal IDs and documents yet. Also im still using my Maiden name which is reflected on my passport. But we already have our NSO Marriage Cert. May I ask if what should I declare on my application? SHould it be married? then I will just attached our Marriage Certificate? Or single? Im scared that this may cause our denial of visa. Thank you.

  7. Good Day! Hi Im planning to apply tourist visa this coming 2nd week of March, may i ask if do i need to check others under the purpose of entry if i already checked tourism/Transit, and do i need to be specific on my purpose?

    1. No, you do not need to check Others if your purpose is Tourism/Transit. You only check “Others” if your purpose is not in the choices. Good luck!

      1. Thanks for the fast reply, how about the funding details, how much will i put on the estimated travel cost? since i’ll be staying there for seven days. Im nervous since it my first time to travel abroad and alone. Im just thinking that traveling alone would be the reason for denied visa. All my requirements are already complete. Thanks in advance! Godbless!

        1. If they see that your savings and your salary is enough to sustain your stay for 7 days, I think you have a chance to get approved. You can only cross your fingers and pray. Good luck!

      2. Strict ba sila sa mga solo traveller tapos first time pa mag travel abroad? Although complete po requirements ko kinakabahan pa din ako dahil sa mga nababasa ko na denied visa. Since im a solo traveller kaya medyo kabado tlaga. 7 days po sana stay ko dun.

        1. Hello kiel- how was your visa application? Were you approved? Im wondering lng kse first time ko lng dn to travel abroad. Thanks!

          1. solo ako nagtravel, na approved visa ko. i think no need to worry if traveling solo as long as complete reqs submitted mo. yun kasi ginawa ko.

  8. hi i have a question i saw on your post that your brother in law has been issued a visa from OECD member countries,i have one which is japanese visa which i used last nov 2015 with that be still valid and what other requirement did he submit. Thanks in advance

    1. As stated above, you need the “Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years.” If you’re an employee, just the follow all the requirements as an employee 🙂

      1. Hi Dre,

        I have the same visa, Japan Visa last june 2015. It says in the korean embassy requirements frequent travellers for the past 5years. It did not state a valid visa to oecd members. I want to ask if the processing of my visa will be 3days?

        Thank you

  9. Hi! I have a couple of questions 🙁

    1. Do we need to submit the original copy of our birth certificate/marriage certificates? Or just a photocopy? :s
    2. Also, did you indicate N/A in all blanks even if you answered NO anyway? :S
    3. In the countries i’ve visited… If i dont take up all the spaces should I put N/A?? :s

    Errr…

  10. i have a question re: passport pic. would it matter if i wear an earrings on my pic? the camera man didnt told me to remove it but i mentioned that i will use it to apply for a visa 🙁

    1. I am not 100% sure on this, but the passport photo is just for your application form. I think it’s okay to have earrings as long as the whole photo looks decent. 🙂

  11. Hi wanderjunkies. Ask ko lang. Mama ko kasi housewife. Acc. Sa reqmtns dapat merong husbands coe,itr at bank statement. Pero ni isa wala papa ko nun. 84 years old nadin sia ngaun. Ano kaya magagawa? Thank you

    1. For this, I believe it’s best to contact the embassy. From what I know, the children can ask as their financier for the whole trip, if they are with them. Please let us know if you get any updates from the embassy. Good luck!

  12. Just wanna ask anyone that could read this comment. Im planning to go to korea this april17-24. However my COE is still on process. Mga 3rd week of march ko pa ata makukuha. Do you think that would be too late to apply for the visa? Anyone here who processed their visas just weeks before date of travel? Replies would be highly appreciated! 🙂

    1. You can still apply for Visa after you’ve got your COE. Kaya lng If you didn’t book your fare ticket before your target dates, the ticket will be too expensive. As per my case, I’m a first-time traveler and Korea was my dream country. My travel date was November 11, and I applied for my visa last October. It was definitely suspense for me coz I have to wait for my visa to be approved before I book my fare ticket. And luckily, after 8 days my visa was been approved.

  13. HI DRE,

    ASK KO LANG IS THERE ANY ASSURANCE IF I APPLY USING THE BPI GOLD CREDIT CARD EVEN IF IM A FIRST TIME TRAVELLER?

    THANKS

      1. Hi, Ate Dre! Nag book po kami ng flight ng friend ko to SK (September10-18).

        I’m 21 years old. Self employed. May business po ako, registered sa DTI & BIR. My problem is, since 1 year palang ako, yung Income under ITR ko nag reteflect na wala pong kita ang shop ko since bago palang and talo kami sa expenses. Pero i have my bank statements with me and may pondo naman yung Bank Account ko(XXX,XXX.00) satingin niyo po ba enough na yun para ma approved visa ko kahit na lumalabas sa ITR ko hindi malaki ang kinita ko sa isang taon? Hope you’ll help me with this! Thank you😊

        1. Hi Emerald! If the business is new, they will see that. I believe that they will objectively check your requirements. If they see that you have enough balance on your account, they can view your application as good.

  14. hi dre, i just want to ask affected poh ba kung ang salary is just 25-30k tapos yong bank account nya may lamang 160-150k?

    1. According to some of my friends, as long as you have the means to support your days of stay in Korea, it should be okay. My sister is a nurse when we applied, and her salary is below that. Good luck!

  15. Hi! I read na nurse din ang sister mo, nurse din kasi ako travelling with my mom, can I put my mom as a support sa finances? Thank you!

      1. About the 90 days visa validity in which the last day of entry is on Nov 23, 2016. This does mean that i can still book for Korea on Nov 23? Will they allow me to stay in Korea for a week even my visa will be expired by Nov 24? Pls help. Thanks.

        1. I am not sure about this, but from what I understand, you have to be in Korea within the validity of your visa. I am not sure though, it is best to call the embassy.

      2. Hi. We have plan to visit korea this coming april i think. Maybe mag.apply kami this feb. Sa tourist visa. Sabi po kasi ng tita ko since individual yung pag.apply sa visa di daw ba pwede na yung mom ko yung magfinance? Kahit may work na ako.

        1. You can apply for a visa on March. Is your mother coming with you? Is this a family trip? She can finance your trip, yes. Just submit her documents along with your application.

  16. Hi! I’m currently a post graduate medical intern and will be traveling to Korea on October (after our board exams), for sure, I still won’t have a permanent job until I apply for residency training. Since I’m pretty much unemployed by the time I apply for a visa, can I give my Dad’s bank account to show that he’ll support my trip? :/ I’ve been to Korea in 2011, but I traveled with my family, this time I’ll bet travelling with friends, I’m a little bit nervous I won’t get approved because I’m unemployed. 🙁

    1. Yes, you can use your father’s credentials to show that he will support your trip. I think there’s consideration if you’ve been there before. Good luck on your board exams! I will be back in October, too. 🙂

  17. Hi Dre,

    Me and my boyfriend will submit the application on Monday. We are quite hesitant on Item 7(Employment) because they have a family business and we don’t know what to indicate if self-employed or unemployed or entrepreneur. Do you have any idea?

    Thanks much.

    1. For business owners, it should be self-employed, but I believe it has to be under his name. If he is employed in that business, then he can get a COE from there. It is best to check with the embassy to be sure.

  18. Hi Dre!

    Need your advise please…

    Me, my wife and son booked a promo fare to korea. Planning to apply a visa after holyweek. I think my only problem was ITR, we had a family business (construction) under the name of my dad. Pede ba yun mag pa issue na lang ako ng CoE, pero yung ITR and bank statements (although i can provide my bank statements and Cert.) ng Dad ko ang gagamitin since sya ang mag ilalagay ko financer. And what do you think is my chance?
    Wifey and I traveled 4 countries (non OECD), but we all have an unused OECD visa (japan multiple). Thank you.

    1. If you are employed under your father’s company, then I think you can get COE from him, and your ITR should reflect that. Are you not employed on another company? As for your unused OECD visa, they still need a copy of it, as per the requirements. Your best bet is to submit legal and valid documents, then you should be good. They do encourage family travels, so you have a good chance, as long as your documents are okay.

      1. Im not employed with another company, I don’t have an ITR since wala naman kinakaltas sakin na tax ang dad ko, hindi ako declared kay BIR na employee ako ng dad ko.. But they can provide me CoE.

        May maitutulong kaya kung mag pa assist na lang ako sa travel agents? May advantage kaya?

        Thank you,

    2. hi dre housewife requirement po ang gnmit ko and payroll account ang gnmit nmin we have 400 plus ADB and 250k balance account do u think my pagasa b ako? then anu ung illagay ko sa types of support sa funding part

      1. As long as you follow all the requirements for the housewife application, you have a chance. But I am unsure about using a payroll account, I guess you can use it.

        Under funding, since you’re a housewife, I would assume that you will be your husband, so his details should be used for this part of the application.

  19. Hi Dre!

    My family and I are travelling to Korea on April 15 to 21. We processed it through an agency since we live in the province. We already booked our tickets and accommodation. We passed all the documents already but the agency kept on asking me that my itr daw is kulang since it doesnt have a BIR stamp but my tin number is visible I asked the HR in our company why and she explained that the company directly transacts to BIR and all ITR’s are scanned and sent through like that and that’s the final format of our ITR. I already explained it to the agency. Second, my bank account is newly opened last January 2016 it has sufficient amount for my stay but in my application I indicated that my parents are paying for my trip. Can you pls shed some light? Im a bit worried, I think the agency will pass our documents after Holy Week in Korea’s Cebu Consulate.

    1. Hi Anya! For the bank account, they do ask for the “Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months”, so if your travel agent will pass the documents next week, then the bank statement is not enough for 3 months. If your parents are paying for the trip, please clarify with your agency if your parents’ documents should be submitted instead of yours. As for the ITR, what’s important is your TIN#.

  20. Hi Dre,

    I’m confused in the “Relationship to you” part. I will be travelling with my daughter. In accomplishing the form – should I write daughter or mother.

    Thanks in advance.

  21. Hi!

    I passed my requirements last Monday (thru agency) and they still havent call the HR and I am panicking I provided the business cards of our payroll manager (which is always away), my payroll supervisors number and our header has my direct contact (im an hr) just to be sure but they still havent call. I read that after a day they will call to confirm our employment details? 🙁 thank you!

  22. hi! ask ko lang
    1. pano kung walang adb ang bank cert na binigay sakin ng bank..will that my application?
    2. yung bank statement ko print out lang ng bank sa newsprint paper. tatanggapin kaya
    3. less than 50k lang laman ng bank ko. ang dineclare ko na amount na gagamitin for the trip is just 700usd for 6days. ok na kaya yun?
    4. gov. employee ako,should i also attach a photo copy of my authority to travel to be pass sa embassy?

    i’ll be travelling sa june pa but as much as possible i want to apply for the korean visa as early as now. baka kasi ma deny : (

    1. Hi Camille!
      1) You should mention to your bank that you need an adb printout. It is a requirement for a visa.
      2) As long as the printout came from the bank, that should be fine.
      3) Yes, that’s okay.
      4) My dad included that document as a backup. It is not required, but it is good to have as backup document.

      Also, from what I know, once you apply for the visa, it is already good for use within 59days. Make sure that when you apply for it, your travel dates will be included in that 59 days. You can always apply 1-2 months before your travel dates.

    2. hi camille. would like to ask if you were givena a korean visa. I have the same problem as yours regarding the ADB thing. My sister’s account is currently maintained in PNB and as per request of her bank certificate, they already had a format para sa mga nag aapply ng VISA and mga European COuntries lang daw ang nag rerequest ng ADB. Hindi na daw mababago yung format kahit ipakita namin yung list ng requirements ng Korean Embassy. Will be applying for VISA this coming August 4… sana naman tanggapin nila yung documents and mapprove 🙁

      1. Hi! How’s your application? Wala din kasing ADB and account opening date ung binigay sakin na bank certificate 🙁

        1. Hi, any updates regarding ADB? Apparently wala rin ADB na nilalagay yung bank ko. I just called the branch and kahit daw mag request ako to put ADB, hindi talaga nila nilalagay yun 🙁

  23. hi,nkapag apply nq ng visa but sad to say i got a denied visa but they call my HR at ako tinawgn din so i excited to get my passport kc confident aq approved ang visa q but i got a denied visa they “failed to prove purpose of entry”

  24. hi ofw po ako gusto ko mg vacation sa SK kaso ala ako bank account so means ala ako bank certificates kung mgoopen kya ako now qualified kya un sa SK embassy di ba 6 months old dw dapat😔pls reply po

  25. Hello, Im applying for Student tourist visa. My parents just renewed their business registration from DTI and their mayor’s permit. Would that be a problem from them or it will make them wonder that my parents just renewed days before passing my application? I hope you can help me.Thanks. 🙂

  26. Hi! I will be applying for a student visa for the next few days. However, instead of parenta docs, will it be ok kung own business docs yung ipapass ko sa embassy? And own bank accounts?
    Thanks! Will really appreCiate your reply.

    1. Hi Cezel! If you’re a business owner, I think you should apply for a businessmen visa. But just to be sure, you can always call the embassy to verify. If you are of legal age, you can use your own documents as a business owner.

  27. My friends ang i planning to apply visa this friday . Ask ko lng s 10. Funding details, 10.2 who will pay for your travel-related expenses? MYSELF un nilagay ko, sasagutan ko p po ba un A. name of person. B.relationship to you. C.type of support. D.contact no? Thank u.

          1. Hi dre, sad to say 3 of my friends got denied visa, “YOU FAILED TO QUALIFY TO THE VISA CATEGORY THAT HAVE APPLIED FOR” pwde b kmi umapela? Tagal nmin pinaghandaan to kya nkkalungkot, ska me plane ticket n kmi, thank u…

          2. Hi dre, we dont know, kompleto nman kmi s requirement, employment verification.. me nagsabi nsabay daw kmi s mga workers n kumukuha din ng visa.

          3. Napagkamalan kayo na workers din? Pero magkaiba naman ang application requirements for workers and tourists.

          4. Hi Flor, Dre: we just received our denial slip today, same reason as yours (failure to qualify to the “visa category”). This is a very obscure reason and difficult to research on. Actually it seems like a fairly new addition to the list of “alibis” of the SK Embassy for denying a Filipino. Don’t fret though, Flor, I’ll continue to research on this and update you once I find something.

  28. Hi!! I applied visa earlier i’m still a student and my sister in europe will support me but when I submitted the documents earlier the person returned my sister’s affidavit, coe and bank statement which will be my supporting that dox that will show that she will be financing me. I called thru phone they say maybe the documents are already sufficient but she said i can also comeback and confirm it. Due to my nervousness i forgot to ask why she returned it. What should i do? I’m realy stress pls help. Thanks you 🙂

    1. Sometimes they do return documents. They also returned the documents of my father in my brother’s application. Did you apply on your own?

  29. Hi dre ask ko lang sa case ko.. ex-korean kc ako and kakauwi ko lang last april. So now unemployed ako at wala ako ITR,kagagawa ko lang then ng bank account ko last 1st week ng May. May chance kaya na maapproved visa ko? Gusto ko kc ivisit friend ksi magccelebrate xa ng bday nia

    1. What do you mean you’re an ex-korean? You were Korean before, and now you’re not? I think if you can find someone to sponsor you, then you can use that as a way to get a visa. Usually, for bank accounts, it must be active for 6 months or more.

  30. Nagwork po ako sa korea dati..kung may mag ssponsor saken ano mga docs na need. At pde ba tito ko magsponsor saken. Wala na kc work mga parents ko

    1. Sponsor, as in someone who would fund your travel? Under FUNDING DETAILS, you can state your uncle’s details. If you’re going to use your uncle’s documents, you must prove that he is your uncle by presenting some documents.

  31. Sa details of sponsor…dapat ba mag sponsor saken tga korea.. kc ung ung nasa form info ng sponsor na nasa korea..

  32. Hi! My friends and I are planning to go to Korea on July. We’re applying for student visa. May tanong lang po ako regarding sa documents;
    1. OFW parents namin so no ITR, can I pass OEC and PTR instead?
    2. All documents, including bank statements came from UAE, ok lang ba yun?
    3. Walang ADB and less than 3000 AED sa bank cert kasi payroll account yung kinuhang docs but sufficient naman yung salary. Do you think high yung chance ma-approve?

    Thanks in advance po. I’m really nervous cause we already have our tickets and we’ve planned this trip for 6 months na huhuhu

    1. Hi Joan! Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with student visa application with OFW parents. I believe it is best to contact the embassy for this. As for the bank account, there is no set amount, but it should be sufficient for your days of stay in the country. Good luck!

      1. Thanks! We applied for the visa this morning and thankfully they accepted our documents. Hope we get approved! 🙂

  33. Hi kaylangan ko po bang lagyan ng N / A pati yong section 2 yong may nakasulat na For those who possess confirmation visa issuance kong wala po ako thank you po

  34. I just want to ask if I need to fill up this part (10.2 경비지불자 Who will pay for your travel-related expenses ? (any person including yourself and/or institute) if it will be my own expense?or just put N/A.. 😀

      1. Thanks. I got my visa valid for 3 years.. I was still nervous its my 3rd time getting a Korean Visa.. Excited to go back there again..☺

  35. btw ask ko lang may nakapagtry na to na magapply 5 months or less after being denied with a renewed passport ? i was denied last feb 16. incomplete kasi documents ko. and isa pa lang tatak ng passport ko. now I’m confident i can pass as complete na documents ko, I’ve been to 3 other countries and i have a bdo titanium (according to korean embassy website,possible na 3-5 years makuha visa if elite cc *** submit ko) .problem ko is if i wait na exact na 6 months, 3rd week of august pa ko pwede magapply. gusto ko sana pumunta korea 3rd week or last week of july. may record ba talaga sila or sa passport lang nila tinitingnan kung nakapagapply and nadeny na ng korean visa before?

    1. In my opinion, just follow the rules. Sa tingin ko, they do keep records because we do submit application forms. They keep those.

  36. Hi. ASk ko lng po. pno po if I’m planning to fund my cousin’s travel expenses. Student and minor pa po ung cousin ko. I am employed. Kmi pong dalawa ung may balak magtravel to korea .Need pa po ba na isubmit nya ung documents ng parents nya? at ano pong documents ung ippresent to prove na we’re cousins. Thank you.

    1. Yes, you have to submit what is indicated in the requirements. In the Funding section, she can indicate you as the one who will pay for the expenses. If you have similar surnames, probably present birth certificates. I’m quite unsure what documents to present to prove cousin relations. Good luck!

  37. Hi,what if po i dont have a bank account kasi cash po binibigay samin monthly.. malaki po ba magiging effect nun sa application ko? Thanks

    1. Having a bank account is a requirement. Even if you get your salary in cash monthly, you can always open a savings account for personal use.

  38. Hi. I’m applying for a Korean Visa later this month. I already booked a package thru a travel agency. Question ko is, around 50k lang money ko sa bank account ko, what are my chances of being granted a visa? Also, di masyadong malaki ang ADB ko. Though I opened my account 3 years ago and may money na man always yung account ko, kaya lang na wiwithdraw ko kasi ginagamit ko. Is that okay po? Another thing, my travel dates will be on sept 22-25, when should I apply for a visa? Plan ko is ang agency nalang ipa apply ng visa for me. I have traveled out of the country to HK and Macau last year. Please advise po. Thank you. 😊

    1. Hi Kris! If you’re leaving on September, you can apply 1-2 months before you leave. There’s no set amount requirement for the bank account, I didn’t have 50k on mine when we applied before. I think they do consider if the amount is enough for the costs on the days that you will be staying in the country.

  39. Hello po. I’m worried about getting approved visa. I am an 18 year old female unemployed and not enrolled to any university at all. My mother will be shouldering my finances but is expected to put the money on my personal account. Do I need to have visa assistance? I really wanted to go. How’s that possible? Thank you.

  40. Hi,

    I just want to share our SK Visa application story. Our visa application were denied last Friday because the embassy told me that they can’t reach my current employer. They just want to verify if I am really working in our company and also if the company does really exists. They gave me up until 4PM that day to provide the contact of my HR, but since I am working at a BPO company, our HR work schedule is also nightshift. He always comes in the office at 4pm. So I did all the best possible way to contact my HR just to make him arrive before 4pm. I already told the embassy that our HR will arrive at 4pm so they still gave me a chance, they gave me 15 minutes more to wait for our HR. I also gave his mobile number but still they want a landline number. It’s already 3:55PM but still out HR is still on his way. Our HR arrived in our office at exactly 4:12PM, we told them that they can call now our HR but no call came. Since we applied for a group application, my two other colleagues (fyi, they’re passports we’re already for approval) we’re also denied. The result of that application was so devastating for us especially for me.

    My concern is/are, can I/we still submit for an appeal for this? Is there anyone that can help us out in the embassy to change their decision for us? We have an event in SK and this was already long-planned.

    Thank you and God bless!

    1. Hi Kizack! I’m so sorry that this happened to your group application. Unfortunately, I don’t think I am the right person to help you with this, since I am not affiliated with the embassy. You can re-apply after 6 months, but if you really wish to appeal, the best thing to do is to contact the embassy, and have your HR be on standby before 4pm at work. Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre,

        We have an event on July 25 that will held on Seoul that’s why I’m looking for a best possible way to change the decision of the embassy. Though, I have seen in some blogs that I read that once they already denied it they will not change it anymore… But I’m still positive and hoping that God will still make a way for us to go there next month.

        By the way, thank you for your response. God bless! 🙂

      2. Hi Dre,

        Thank you for your response. I really wanted to appeal because we have an event on July 25, 2016 that will held on Seoul that’s why I cannot re-apply after 6 months. 🙁 I think I will try to call them. Thanks again! God bless! 🙂

  41. Hi Dre, Really informative blog! I just have one question, I get confused with this “Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)” I have a used and expired Japanese visa, does this count? Thanks a lot! 🙂

  42. Hi Dre,

    It is my first time to apply for a Visa D.I.Y. Just some questions for the application 🙂 Hope you can help us.

    1) Section 9.7 – We’ve been to 8 European countries in a span of two weeks, would it be fine if I just write in there “Schengen Countries” instead of listing all 8 countries? or enumerate the last six countries visited since there are only 6 rows available on that section.

    2) Should the Birth Certificate be the original copy?

    3) Section 9.4, 9.5 – We are not yet decided to where to stay. What should we write in there?

    Thank you

    1. Hi Leio!

      1) Yes, list the countries you have been to, instead of typing “Schengen Countries”.
      2) A photocopy of an NSO birth certificate.
      3) My friend suggested to type in where you’re planning to stay, it doesn’t have to be booked. Just type in any hotel name that you’re leaning towards to staying.

      I hope my answers help! I am pretty sure you’ll be approved, since you’ve been to Europe 🙂

      1. Nice! Thanks for the quick reply Dre 🙂

        Just some follow up questions,
        1) Then, I should squeeze in all the 8 countries on that one row? p.s there are only 3 rows available on that section and I’ll fill in the 2 remaining slots with other much recent trips.
        2) Is the 1pc passport size picture on the requirement list the same picture to be pasted on the application form? (’cause we only have 1pc picture here) /palmface
        3) Section 1.7 National Identity No – What is it? Is it the UMID no?
        Sorry, too many questions. we are clueless…. again, hope you can help us 🙂

        1. 1) Maybe put in the last few countries you went to. 🙂
          2) Only 1 passport photo is required, which you have to glue to your application form.
          3) That is for Chinese Nationals.

          Good luck!

  43. Hi
    My sister and I are planning to have a vacation in Korea with our parents and youngest sibling on October. This is our first time to travel outside the country. My parents are both retired, received their lump sum and my youngest sibling just started working 5mos ago. Plan namin ideclare ng sister ko na kami ang magfufund for the expenses pero kylangan pa din ba namin isubmit yung bank statement ng parents and youngest sibling namin?

      1. Thank you for your reply. I’m wondering if we can use the bank accounts of my parents used for their pension. Those accounts were just opened last Feb and June. Can we use that?

  44. Hi Dre!

    My husband and I will be in Korea this Dec 2016. I renewed my passport last Nov 15. We got married last Dec 2015. In short, im still single in status on my passport. My questions are:

    1. Do i need to renew my passport again just to update my status? Im thinking that i will not declare that im not married in my application for korean visa. But this bothers me.

    2. Or should i declare that im married and just present our marriage cert? even my status on my passport is single?

    Please i need your advise. Thank you!

    1. Hi Joanna! I am quite unsure about this, but you CANNOT pretend you’re single. If they find that out, you might be banned for life. I believe that if your passport is valid, you can present your marriage certificate as proof that you are married. If you have other IDs that have updated surname, please have them ready and photocopy them as backup documents. I recommend calling the embassy to confirm this re:passport.

  45. Hi Dre,
    I’m planning to visit Korea next year January with my 2 kids. My question is kelan kaya pwedeng mag-apply na ng visa namin ng mga kids ko since sa January pa naman kami babyahe to Korea? Thanks..

  46. Hi Mam! I have a question will there be a big chance na I will be approved even if my declared salary on my itr was just minimun and my actual salary is 27k?

  47. Hello! Are the chances of getting denied higher when you’re the only one traveling in your family? I’m planning to travel with my friends kasi. And another thing, we plan to go there last wk of Oct so I plan to apply for the visa on Sept. Will the time be enough? Last question: I opened my bank acct last April lang so if I apply on Sept, 5 months palang siya. Will that be fine as well? Hope you can reply asap. Thanks!!

    1. The chances for approval is higher when your documents are valid and complete. If you follow the requirements, you should be okay. You can apply for a visa 1-2 months before your departure date. As for your bank, according to their requirements, it has to be more than 6-months old, so I am unsure if your bank will be honored if it’s less than 6-months.

  48. Hello. Just wanna ask if ever I’ll pass payroll instead of bank account, do I still need to pass Bank Certificate? Thank you

      1. Ahh. Pwede po ba iba ang acconut sa bank cert sa payroll? Like personal bank ko po bank cert tapos yung payroll po sa Mama ko?

  49. Hello po 🙂 ask ko lang po kung pwede po magfinance sa akin ang cousin ko po? Ano po kailangan para ma prove na magpinsan kami? Thanks po.

  50. hello mam, gud day, i will be going to SK with my friends this September, just a few questions lang po, i hope u can help.

    1. Which is more helpful po? to apply as a group or individual application?
    2. The amount in my ITR is different with my COE, does it matter po ba? yung ITR kasi year 2015 pa.
    3. Re Application Form, (a) Yung 1.2 and 1.7? ill just put “NA”? (b) yung area na “For Official Use” lagyan din po ba ng “NA”? (c) yung “if others,please specify” na blank, lagyan din po ng “NA”?
    4. If nilagyan lang po ang bank account ng pera like 50K today tapos pagka nextday pagawa ng Bank Cert, okay lang po ba yun?

    Sorry kadami kung taong, segurista mode lang, kukuha po pala kami ng visa within this month po. September lastweek ang travel namin. Thank u so much! 🙂

    1. 1) Applying as a group would be best, as they encourage family/friends trips.
      2) It doesn’t matter, as they would understand that the ITR you would present is from last year.
      3) 1.2 and 1.7 are both NA, as it does not apply to Filipinos. Anything with FOR OFFICIAL USE should be blank. Everything else that has no answer from you should have NA on them.
      4) As for the bank certificate, it will show the last transactions of your bank, so they will see that 50k was deposited the day before. You may apply for your visa on August, as your departure date is still on September.

      Good luck!

      1. Hi Miss Dre, ask lang po. ang bank cert kukunin ko kasi xa by nextweek,nasa july 25 po-27. and then mag aaply kami ng 1st week of august. okay lang po ba yun?

          1. Hello Miss Dre,

            Nagpass na po kami ng application through agency last week. Im bit worried kasi hindi pa sila tumatawag sa HR ko. I’ve been to different countries in SoutheastAsia and Middle East as a tourist. Should i be w0rried na di pa sila tumatawag sa HR ko? complete naman po documents ko.

          2. Hello Ms. Drei,
            Good morning!
            Good news! Approved na Visa ko. di talaga sila tumawag sa HR ko. Maybe my documents were good enough. haha 🙂 Thank God and thanks to you. 🙂 This September na trip namin.

  51. hi po. planning to on a vacation this September 2016, OFW po ako, i can present my COE, bank statement, but still don’t have an ITR,do i still need to take an ITR and let them stamp as exemption? i am married na rin po pero di pa din updated passport and ID’s sa surname ng husband ko. is it possible na ilagay ko nalang ay single?

    1. Hi Neth, it is best to get all the proper documents, such as your ITR. With regards to your passport having your maiden name, please bring a photocopy of your marriage certificate to prove that you are married, even if your passport has your maiden name. Do not think of giving false information, such as you’re single, if you are not. Good luck!

      1. hi dre! ask ko lang po if kukuha ako ng ITR under na ba xa ng surname ng husband ko? or maiden name ko pa din? cause in my COE, passport and bank account maiden name pa rin po ang gamit ko. Thank you!

        1. In my opinion, your ITR should reflect your current name. Just make sure that your previous surname is visible on the ITR (Middle Initial/Name).

  52. Hello Dre! May question lang ako. do I still have to submit my ITR from my previous employer or okay na yung COE from my new employer? 3 months palang kasi ako sa bago. Thank you so much!:)

  53. Hi Dre,

    I’ve read your comments that mentioned your dad as a government employee. Did he tick the “civil servant” option in the form or the employed one?

    Thank you for your response! 🙂

  54. Hello Dre! may nakalimutan akong nilagay sa application form Re: Sponsoring details (Korean Company business permit-KCBP) pero inattach ko naman doon sa mga sinubmit kung papers yung KCBP. please reply asap on what I should do.Salamat!

    1. Since the application is already at the embassy, we can only hope that they would disregard the blank fields and check your sponsor’s papers. But I think it would be best to contact them and check what course of action you can do.

      1. Hello Dre! Approved yung visa ko kahit na walang nakalagay na ADB at di ako nagpasa ng bank statement. maliit pa laman nang accountko pero inapprovahan pa rin 🙂

  55. hi. i’ve been to SK last year, and this september i’m going back to SK and i have to apply for the visa again. I just have a concern on my bank account. cos recently a lot of those who applied and have 100k in their bank accs have been denied. my bank acc has 100k+ is it going to affect my application? cos i’m scsred it will be denied and i have my plane ticket and hostel paid already. hope you can answer my question. 🙁

    1. I went there last year, too, and I am going again this year. I do not have that much on my account either, but I don’t think the bank account is the main reason for being denied. May I know where you have seen such news?

  56. Hi, i know we should not leave anything blank in the application form. I did that but missed the current address field (i left it blank since it is the same as my home address as noted in the form -write only if it’s different from home address). Should that be a worry?

    1. That is indeed worrisome, but let’s hope for the best. There should always be NA on blanks for fields that you did not fill out.

  57. Question again, nareceive ko na kasi COE from our HR. Told her to indicate email add but she did not put it. And my compensation, annual gross income, not monthly. Would that be fine? T

    1. Like mentioned on my blog, we did not have an email address indicated on our COE, but make sure that there is a landline number, so that should be okay. As per the compensation, it is not indicated if it should be annual or monthly, as long as the information is there. Good luck!

  58. Hi Dre!

    I applied for a korean visa 3 days ago. Since I’m still a student I submitted my grandma’s bank statement, bank certificate, and affidavit of support as well as my mom’s birthcertificate to prove my relationship with my grandma. The only problem is I did not submit an ITR of both because my mom is unemployed and my grandma is already retired. The staff/consul in window 1 asked me about my mom’s ITR and I just told her that she’s unemployed that’s why my grandma will be the one to support me. Then she just said “Okay, Finish.” I am really worried because I only sat in front of window 1 not more than 10 mins. Do I still have a chance to get approve? 😔

    1. Hey, Monique 🙂 The last time we applied, I also sat in front of window 2 in less than 10 minutes. The staff also asked for some documents that we didn’t have, because they weren’t in the requirements, but we got approved. Hopefully, luck will be on your side, like we had before. Cheer up, and let us know how it goes. 🙂

      1. Hi Dre!

        I just wanted to say thank you, it seems that you’re really a kind of lucky charm. Hehe. I was reading your luck message for a couple of times, pang palakas ng loob. And yes, I got approved!! Yeeey! Thank you sooo much! 💕

  59. anyone here na nag reapply at na approve after madeny on first try?im a solo traveller no travel history regular employee for 5 yrs.nadeny kase ako last march , will try to re apply sana dis sept. any advice po

    1. Hi me and my bf will be going to SK March 29-April 4.kaso ung bf ko employed pero kakaoopen lng nia ng account today December 29.magdeposit kami ng 50k .magaapply kami ng visa by 1st week of March.pede ba ipresent yun as bank statement? Or pede ba ilagay n ako ang magfund sa kanya? O much better na parents n lng nia kahit di kasama sa trip? Pls i need your help..first time kasi ng bf ko magout of the country..ako naman SG and Kota kinabalu pa lng napuntahan..

      1. As a good practice, your bank account should at least be 6 months old, and not look like you just opened an account to apply for a visa. The embassy needs 3 months worth of bank transactions when you apply for a visa. He can still present his bank documents, but have his parents’ documents as backup. Good luck!

        1. So ilalagay nia sa funding details is himself and both parents niya? Pwede kahit isang parent lng? And need din ba maginclude ng affidavit of support from the parent? Ano pang need ipasa na docs ng parent niya?

          1. He can say him and his parents (whoever). Yes to affidavit of support, and his parent’s COE, ITR, bank details, your bf’s birth cert.

          2. Lastly Ms. dre.as for myself..i have a landbank savings account (passbook only , no atm) plan is magwithdraw ako dun for pocket money ko and lalagyan ko ung bpi debit card ko ng pera in case magkulang. Ok lng ba na ang bank cert and bank statement sa landbank lng magagaling o kuha n rin ako bank docs sa bpi (<10k balance)? Thanks ms dre for ur help

          3. Technically, you can get docs from both banks. But my suggestion is to submit the account that has more money and bank activity.

          4. I am now accomplishing my application form.do you think ms dre isusulat ko na 800usd for 5days is enough?

            And dun sa others sa may purpose of visit ok lng na NA? Basta checkan ko lng ung tourism and transit?

            Lastly sa relatives since wala naman akong kasama, lahat ng rows lalagyan din ng NA or kahit ung unang row lng? Thank u so much! 🙂

  60. Gusto ko mgapply for korean visa. Ano b dpt unahin ko. Booked a flight or apply for a visa? What if invited ako ng friend ko n korean mas mdali po maaprove ung visa? Regarding po s bank statement kylangan po b n credit card gamit. Debit lng kc ung akin. First time traveller po aq. I need some advice po

    1. Pwede mauna ang pag-book ng flight. Pwede ring mauna ang visa kaysa sa pag-book ng flight. Hindi ko masasabing mas mapapadali ang pag-approve ng visa kung invited ka ng Korean friend mo, pero sa tingin ko, makakatulong yun. Ang bank statement ay nanggagaling sa bangko mo, kung meron kang savings account. Hindi ito credit card statement. 🙂

  61. Hi Dre,

    I just want to ask regarding the funding support, my father is an OFW and he doesn’t have a bank account because all his salaries is in the bank account of my mother who is a housewife. We already have the salary cert and the certificate of employment of my father. But we will use the bank statement and bank cert of my mother. Can I write the both of them under the funding support? Thank you so much!

  62. Hi, I have been to S.Korea twice as a flight attendant. Now that I am full time mom, the struggle of filling out visa application forms is a pain in the butt. errr!
    Now question:
    1. In #9.8 should I put my son, husband’s name (even if he works overseas?) and my in-laws?
    2. I will get my husband’s bank certificate in his bank here in Pinas which has our savings. It has _ _ _, _ _ _ worth of money and it makes me worried kasi they might think na we will not go back anymore. Do you think they will think twice in approving our visa? 🙁 I do have my own account but sometimes it gets empty!

    Thank you so much!!!

    1. Hi Gee! I know it can be a pain to answer a 5-page application! It’s just too long.

      1) If you are traveling with them, then yes, put their names on the list.
      2) I don’t think they will think you won’t go back anymore. My father’s account had those digits on his bank, too, and we got approved.

      Good luck!

  63. hi,I wanna ask how much yung nilagay mong travel cost sa application form. I am a bit confused about it eh, I don’t know if it’s the total cost of hotel,airfare plus allowance or yung money na dadalhin ko.Thanks!

    1. Hi Lei! Just approximate it to total your allowance + hotel costs. Try to allot $100/day. So if you’ll stay for 5 days, put there $500 + the cost of your hotel and airfare. 🙂

  64. hi! my boyfriend and I are planning to visit SoKor on October.. kaya po kukuha sana kami ng tourist visa..ang problem ko po is Unemployed po ako..stay home mother po ako, may baby na po kasi kami, 2yrs old. My boyfriend will pay naman po for all of our expenses.. he is a seafarer. kaya po hindi ko alam kung anung requirements ipapass ko.. meron naman po akong sariling bank account with 200k+ balance.. source of income po namin yung remittances from him.. may nabasa po ako sa ibang blog na magpass daw po ng Affidavit of Support kung hindi parents or legal guardian ang financier ng trip..worried po ako kasi unemployed ako.. wala po akong coe or itr dahil 2012 pa po ako nagresign sa work ko as an accountant.. pwede po kayang ang ipass ko na lang ay yung coe, bank cert, bank statement ni boyfriend + Affidavit of support as an additional requirements since sya naman po ang financier ng trip namin? vacation lang po talaga ang purpose namin dahil may baby po kaming maiiwan dito sa pinas.. thank you. 🙂

      1. thanks po sa reply.. yung affidavit of support po ba red ribbon pa or kahit notarized na lang po? worried talaga ko na baka madeny ako kasi may policy daw po ang korean embassy na ‘no work, no visa’..

          1. hi dre! just want to ask san pwede mag-park near Korean Embassy? may parking lot ba sila dun or any pay parking area near there? thanks! 🙂

          2. If you go past the embassy, and go uphill, there’s a place where you can park. It’s in front of the condos. It should be on your right.

  65. Hi there, we will be applying for our visa too next week, may i know how long was your intended visit to korea? i am also worried about my bank statement too. We will be staying for 7 days and my bank has almost the same amount as yours. i hope they find it sufficient for my intended length of stay.

  66. Hi Dre,

    Good day! Question po sa pag fillup ng appliction form. We’re traveling kasi as a family(5 kami– nanay, tatay, ako, 2sisters) and ako yung parang head of the family kasi ako yung may mas malaking income. Ang plan ay 2 ang isusupport ko – youngest sister and my tatay. Question: sa funding details section, how much yung ilalagay namin na estimated cost? (Accomodation cost + airfare + allowance) divided by 5 ba? Or it will be different kasi ako yung magfufund for the 2? Thanks in advance!

      1. Thanks for your reply Dre! When you say individual funding costs – how much ilalagay ni youngest sister and tatay? Kung magkano lang nasa bank account? TIA!

          1. Thank you Dre. And 2 more questions, hehe sorry ang dami. Pwede bang magpresent ng more than one bank account? And kung this year nagretire yung parents ko, required din ba sila magsubmit ng ITR? Thank you ulit 🙂

          2. Yes, pwedeng more than one bank account. My dad submitted two. The ITR that was given early this year should reflect last year’s information, so yes, you still need that.

  67. hi i recently just acquired my bank certificate from Bpi. as stated in the requirements it should entail the ADB date the account opened , current bal and acct type.. I said to the teller also that these should be stated too but she says they only issue a system rregulated certification. thus the standard for bpi bank cert states only the acct type and balance.. kindly help me, with this issue will this be accepted and also id like to know about other bpi acct holders bank cert statements too if it is same with mine. thank you all

    1. When you applied for the bank certificate, did you tell them that it is for a visa application? My parent’s bank cert was from BPI, if it’s standardized, then you should be okay.

    2. Hi, tanong ko lang kung inaccept ng embassy yung bank cert mo? Yung bank ko rin kasi may standard format eh, hindi rin sila naglalagay ng ABD sa certificate.

  68. hi gud evening i applied my visa last friday ..knna tumwag yung embassy sakin kso d ko nsagot kase nasa work ako..can i call back po ba sa embassy bukas?..bkit po pala sila tumatawag??

  69. hi gud evening i applied my visa last friday ..knna tumwag yung embassy sakin kso d ko nsagot kase nasa work ako..can i call back po ba sa embassy bukas?..

    1. Hi po i have the same question po and situation.. Pero nung tumawag po ako wala pong sumasagot.
      Ask ko ndin po kung tinawagan ka po ulit nung embassy after the day na hindi mo po nasagot.. Salamat po

  70. Hi! this got me confused any thoughts on this? I am currently employed and have applied for a tourist visa last week. Submitted the required documents as stated. The thing is just today, I received a message from the embassy that I need to submit financial statement and affidavit of support from a family member. Is this really necessary since I will be funding my trip to korea.

    1. It might be that the funds on your bank statement is not enough. Just submit the documents that they require from you, and it should be okay if they approve them.

  71. hello,

    im a first timer applicant for korean visa. im just wondering regarding the visa application for unemployed individual. do i still need a provide a company letter and payslip perhaps since ive been unemployed for three months now and no supporting documents stated herein since i finished my work contract with my previous employer and they failed to provide the said paper.
    i can provide the other requirements though.

    thanks much.

  72. Hello Dre, I requested for certificate of employment and bank certificate in July. But because of delayed passport renewal, I won’t be able to apply for a visa until first week of September. Do you think I could still use the documents? Also my bank says their bank certificate format does not have ADB so they couldn’t put my adb they suggested that I get a bank statement for 6 mos.instead. Do you think that will affect my application? I’m going to seoul for a conference. Thanks!

  73. Hi! Just wanna ask if it is okay to use my 2015 ITR when I apply for tourist visa? And is it okay to have different companies in my ITR and COE, since I resigned from my previous company and is not working in another company? I plan to apply on October 2016. Thanks much 🙂

      1. Dre, one more thing. Do they have a minimum number of mos that you worked for your present company? Cos I will start on my new company this early september. I plan to apply for visa on last week of october.

  74. Hi Dre.
    Is it okay if isa lang magffill-up ng application form for the family of 4? Na bother kasi ako dun sa part na: “Did you receive assistance in completing the form? If yes, provide the details of the person assisted you.” Considered ba na assistance kapag ako yung nag-fill-up ng lahat ng application forms namin? Will there any problem kung same handwriting yung application? Another question, my COE was issued last July 21, okay lang ba gamiting yun if this week magaapply?

    Hope to hear your reply. Thanks in advance~

    1. I suggest that you get a new COE. It should be within the month of application. As for the assistance in filling out the form, what we did before was use a computer to type in our answers. I guess, you can type in the details of the person who filled out the form. For me, it’s best to just type in and print the form. It looks clean.

  75. Hi Dre! Good day! Question po: required ba present sa embassy lahat ng kasama sa trip kapag magpapasa ng application form? Thanks.

  76. Hello! I am planning to apply for visa next week. I just wanna ask if i need to put N/A in all questions where I answered no like the one in passport info and marital status where I checked never married and the section 2

  77. Hi po! Magtravel po kami ng friends ko this November 2016. Balak po namin kumuha ng bank cert by end of september para makapagprocess na kami ng visa ng October. Problem po. Hiniram po ng kapatid ko ung pera ko at mababayaran niya ko by September pa. Payroll acct po gamit ko. Every sahod nauubos ko po yung laman so walang laman yun ngayon. Magstart palang po ako malagyan siya by start ng September bago ako kumuha ng bank certificate. Ok lang kaya yun? Uunti-untiin ko po yung lagay ng pera sa September para hindi magmukang one time nilagyan. Please advise po.

    1. To be honest, I am not an expert when it comes to bank account issues with visa requirements because I don’t use a Payroll account for this. I think what’s important is that there is movement in the bank account, and it is not stagnant.

      1. My co-worker also used our payroll account when he went to SK last year. I also asked the bank if they can issue bank cert/statement for payroll account and they said yes. I was just worried because my account, though frequently used, my money goes on and off and sometimes it really turns zero. Is it okay?

        1. Since it is a payroll account, it is understood that you will have money going in and out. If your co-worker was able to use hers last year, then that should be okay.

          1. That’s very encouraging. I think I just follow the requirements then the rest is on God^^ Thank you for replying.

  78. hi dre is there a possibility for me to be granted a visa if i have been only been working for a company for 5-7 months? its my second time applying for a visa ,previous one was denied. i now have a bdo titanium card so I’m exempted to submit an itr. do you think i will have a chance to be granted a visa? thanks

    1. Hi rm94! I can’t really tell when it comes to the longevity you have at work. Just submit all the requirements, and if they confirm that you have a stable job, then I believe that you have a good chance. Good Luck!

  79. Hello! Your post is really very helpful. I’m traveling to Korea end of October and planning to file my visa application 2nd week of September. But given work schedules, I’ve already secured my bank certificate this August. Would you know if this is okay or would it have to be issued on the same month as my visa application? Looking forward to your feedback, thanks!

    1. Hi Van! I am also going back this coming October and I secured my Bank Cert today. As long as it is within the 1-2 months of your flight to Korea, it should be fine. Good luck!

  80. I’m an undergraduate student currently on Leave of Absence but I will be enrolling again for the next term. With that situation, I am unsure if I can still qualify as a student…how will this impact my application for visa?

    I recently traveled to Europe. I read that my parents (they’ll be funding the trip) need not provide an ITR if there was a recent travel to an OECD country. Is this true?

    1. Hi Sungkyung. Yes, you are still considered as a student. I am unaware of not having to provide an ITR if there was a recent travel to an OECD country. Please check with the embassy.

  81. hi! ask ko lang kc ung bank account ko kakaopen lang nuong June. possible ba na ung payroll account ang gamitin ko instead of ung personal bank account ko? will be getting visa this end of Sept. Oct kc ang scheduled flight.

    1. According to one of the comments, her co-worker used her payroll account to apply last year and it was approved. What the embassy would like to see is you capability to support your travel. Your personal bank account must be 6mos or older. Make sure to apply at least 1 month before your scheduled flight.

      1. Hi, Dre! Thanks sa info. And tumawag na din ako sa embassy para maenlighten yung mga kukuha na same situation ko.

        1. Okay lang daw kahit wala pang 6 months ung bank. Bsta mkkpgbgay ng 3 months latest bank statement.

        2. Pwede rin daw kht walang itr if kakastart lng ng work. Okay lang din kht walang letter. Peri better kung mgsama na rin

        Thanks! Hopefully maapproved. Haha group kc kami.

  82. Hi Dre,
    Do i need to furnish a different original copy of COE and bank certificate for my wife, son and daughter application form? We are travelling as family group.

    Thanks.

      1. Hi Ronald and Dre,

        I’ve same question as Ronalds regarding the original COE and bank cert. I called the embassy and they told me that its ok even its a photocopy of the original for those of your family as long as you apply it as a family in one window. Although I still have to submit mine next week, I’ll update once I get an approved visa.

  83. Hi Dre,

    We are planning to visit Korea this November 27 to December 1, we haven’t applied for visa yet because my sister is still waiting for her passport to be renewed and it will arrive on the 7th of November, is it okay if we apply our visa 2 or 3 weeks before our preferred flight date?

    Thank you in advance! 🙂

  84. Hi Dre!
    My husband and I will be travelling to Korea on Dec 2 – 8, 2016. When is the best date to apply for visa? and when can I request for the bank cert requirements too.

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Joanna! You can apply 1-2 months before your scheduled flight. You can get your bank cert requirements at least a week before your date of application, but not more than a month.

      1. Hi Dre!

        Thank you for the quick revert. May I also ask on how to apply for a group application? Is there a form? Thank you!

        Joanna

  85. Hi. Thank you for a very informative post!

    I don’t know if I made a very big mistake or I’m just too confident. My boyfriend and I have already booked flights to SK and we will be traveling there in February. Since the round trip fare was really cheap, we got tempted to book for a flight even if we don’t have our VISAs yet. My boyfriend won’t have any problem applying for a VISA since he frequently travels out of the country and he has a stable source of income/job, but in my case, I have only traveled abroad twice in the past 5 years and these countries did not even need VISA. I am currently employed (a regular employee) and working for more than a year now.

    My issue now is: I have only one active bank account (BPI). I deposit small amounts (as low as Php 1,000) there once in a while (quarterly) but I usually withdraw what was deposited in there.

    HOWEVER, I have this other account in a financial institution and technically not a bank. I’m regularly maintaining it and making deposits and withdrawals from there. My dad recommended that I maintain my account there because of the interests that members can earn every quarter and what he said was true. (The story of how you can apply for an account there is a long one and not really relevant.) Anyway, I made deposits every now and then and I earned an interest of more than what I could have if I deposited the same to a normal bank. To cut the story short, I would not have earned that much savings if I had not maintained my account there BUT my problem lies in submitting my Bank Certificate and bank statements when applying for the SK Visa. I have yet to clarify with them if they also provide such documents but given that they are technically not a bank, I’m not sure how those from the embassy would view my case if I submit the documents.
    FYI, this financial institution is registered with SEC and supervised by BSP.

    So do you think that this would be a major problem in my VISA approval?

    Second is, I am just curious if they would allow others to finance my travel. As I have mentioned, I am employed but given my situation above, it might be challenging for me to prove my financial capacity if ever they would not allow documents that are NOT from a bank so I was thinking if I could ask for assistance from my parents on this even if I’m already employed.

    I am hoping for your response on this. Thank you so much!!

    1. Since your flight is on February, then what you can do is transfer money to your BPI account, and make sure there is activity on it until you leave. The embassy only requires 3-months bank statement. I am not familiar with that institution, where you save your money with, so I am not sure if providing documents from them would help. If you will be sponsored by your parents, they would also need to provide their Bank Cert and Statement. You have a long ways away from February. Good luck!

      1. I will be traveling with my officemates too in February 2017. We will be using Bank Cert and Bank Statement to be issued by a “savings and loan company” under our agency… in particular, PSSLAI in Camp Crame. As far as i know, this is accepted by the embassy, based on experience (some of my colleagues used it, and got approved).

  86. Alright. Thank you so much!

    Also, what does the bank statement for the “last three months” mean? For example, if I’m going to submit my application in mid-January, can I submit a bank statement up to mid-January (Oct 15-Nov 15, Nov 15- Dec 15, Dec 15- January 15)? Or it should be a statement of 1 whole month, meaning, my bank statements should be October, November, and December?

    1. It means that there should be bank movement in the last 3-mos until mid-January. The bank will depend on the date of when you get your bank statement.

  87. Hi Dre,

    I will be travelling to SK on October 24. Would it be okay if I apply for a visa on October 3 or 4 or anytime during the first week? Thanks.

  88. Hi Dre, would it also decrease my chance of getting an approved visa if our company HR does not have a landline number? I already asked our HR Department and they do not really have a landline number. They use only mobile numbers. The requirement clearly states “cell-phone number is not allowed” and this is worrying me a lot right now. 🙁

  89. hi there, question lang, recently nag end contract ko sa company so technically now unemployed ako and im trying to apply for visa, I do have here my ITR and also gold card BPI supplementary by my sister and prob ko is COE. okay lang ba na hindi ako magpasa ng COE? pwede ako magpasa but nkaindicate dun na nag end ang contract ko sa company, thanks,

  90. Hi Dre! We have booked our flight to SK sa February, together with my family and boyfriend. Ang concern ko lang is my bf since student pa rin sya, nag buy and sell sya to finance his studies. Since walang work yung parents nya, he cant provide the bank statement of his parents. Although he does have a bank account and savings. Pero wala syang ITR of course. Possible kaya na madeny sya? Thanks.

  91. Hi Dre!

    Simple question. What paper should I use in printing the application form? Short or Long? And should it be filled up thru computer (para iwas erasures) or hand written is a must?

    Thank you!

    1. As mentioned in the post under “Visa Application Requirements”, it should be printed in A4; and yes, you can type in your answers using a computer.

  92. Hi, thanks for this informative blog!

    Just one question, if both my parents will apply for a visa and my dad will apply as “househusband” with my mom’s papers, should my mom submit 2 original sets COE, ITR and bank requirements for the two of them? Thank you 🙂

  93. Hi Dre! We just submitted our application form for korean visa this morning as a family. But just now, we remembered that we haven’t signed the Section 12 yet because we read it should be signed upon confirmation of visa issuance. What should we do? We directly went at Window 3 (because my mom and dad had traveled to OECD country) and the consul didn’t say anything about our unsigned Section 12. We are not sure if she just missed checking the Page 5.

    1. We submitted our visa applications today, too. 🙂 I am unsure if that’s a big issue, but they might overlook that part. All we can do now is play the waiting game. Good luck to us!

    1. If you come by 7:30am, you should be able to log your name and be the first few in line. I submitted my requirements this week, and was done in 30mins.

  94. Hi Dre.

    I’ve been reading this entry about korean visa since I plan to apply this month. My girlfriend and I have a trip scheduled for November since we got the tickets on sale. The problem is I am unemployed so I cannot submit an ITR and CoE. I read somewhere that I can use my parent’s ITR and a letter of sponsorship as requirements. Is that correct? Do you have a complete list of requirements for unemployed graduates since the korean embassy website does not have a section for unemployed single people. :(. Hope you reply. I’m really worried that I would get denied.

  95. Hello Dre. We are applying for visas as a family. For the “funding” part, are we required to put an amount that will cover the projected expenses of the “whole family” (group) for the whole stay or should the amount be based on the each applicant’s (individual) projected expenses? Thank you very much and hope to hear from you. 🙂

  96. Hi,
    I ended my job last April 22, 2016. I don’t have work for 3 months and I got my new job this July 21, 2016 with my new employer. My question is, do I need to submit my ITR for last year (2015) from my former employer for the requirement of visa? I also have ITR from my former employer for the period from January to April 22,2016. Do I still include this one also?

  97. I have another question and I need your thoughts on this. My husband and I have only 1 account wherein if we got our salary we see to it to deposit for our savings. This account were namely the two of us. My question is, is this okay to be used in personal account as well as the bank statement? Though, we will request pa din sa bank to have copy individually since ang details ay same lang?

    1. In my opinion, it would be better if it’s a joint account, where both your names are there. But it would be best to call the embassy for further details.

  98. i only got 11k on my bdo account..but i have 440k last april.. what arr the chances that i will be denied for korean visa application..

    1. The embassy does not require any amount in your bank account. As long as your other documents, like COE, can show that you’re capable of funding your trip, then you have a chance.

  99. Hi would it be possible to use my husbands documents like bank cert,coe and itr?I am a regular employee but we just started this year filing our taxes since our company had a transition. I could ask a COE from our HR but my main problem is the ITR.My plan is #1.My husband will support my trip with his documents and declare that I am unemployed.Or declare that I just started working this Year 2016 in my company therefore there is no need to provide for an ITR.Also worries me more is that I am travelling with my friend/officemate with the same problem as my situation doesn’t have an ITR.Btw our travel date will be 3rd week of October.Thanks

  100. Hi Dre,

    Medjo na confused ako sa Funding details.

    10.2 Who will pay your travel-related expenses? my answer is MYSELF but how about na with counter part of my husband? since mas malaki ang sahod niya kaysa akin?

    Ano din ilagay ko sa Tye of Support? since kasama ko naman siya sa biyahe? then ang account namin ay joint account naman.

    Please need your thoughts on this…

    Salamat

    1. On my application, I answered MYSELF, and put N/A on the rest of the fields. If it’s your husband, the put HUSBAND. For Type of Support, you can type in “Financial Support”. Good luck!

  101. Good Evening Ms. Dre
    I am a student po, nalilito lng po me, sa number “5” (Marital Status Details) Never Married po ba ang checheckan?
    and put na lng ng N/A sa corresponding letters. Same with number “7” (Employment) Student po ang chineckan ko and put na lng po ng N/A sa 7.2’s corresponding letters.

    Thank You po.

    1. If you are single, then you should choose “Never Married”, then N/A for the rest of the fields. Same with Section 7. Anything that does not apply to you should be N/A.

  102. I’m kind of confused in the section 2 (DETAILS OF VISA ISSUANCE CONFIRMATION) of the visa application form because it says “(Section 2 is only for those who possess confirmation of visa issuance issued by the Immigration Office of the Republic of Korea)”. So do we fill that up or is it the embassy who will answer the fields from section 2? thanks!

  103. Hi Dre!

    What should I put in 10.2 item. I will be funding myself by the way.
    a. Name of person/company
    b. Relationship to you
    c. Type of support
    d. Contact number

    If i will be funding myself, where should I write it?

    Thank you so much!

    We will submit our application on the 27th. Wish us luck!!

  104. Hi Dre!

    Another question, I will be travelling with my husband, my brother and his wife.

    Shall i put the name of my sister in law? Or just my husband and brother?

    Thank you!

      1. Hello Ms. Dre! Im planning to apply a tourist visa March next year and ang purpose ko is to watch a Coldplay concert doon ng april 15 balak ko is mga 3 days ako dun tuloy mamasyal ng konti at si bf na nasa Sokor ang mag finance kakaendo ko lang sa work ngayon and if ever na wala pa kong work nun at di ako makapag bigay ng ITR at COE ano po dapat kong isubmit na docs?although meron akong bank account na sarili and i can provide bank acct statements. thank you

        1. If you can’t provide 2016 ITR, get a copy of your 2015. Inform the embassy, that you just got a new job, and a new ITR has not been provided yet. Is your boyfriend an OFW or a Korean national? If he’s a Korean national, get an invite letter. Please check the full list of requirements from their website.

          1. Ofw po si bf dahil sya po ung mag fifinance ng trip ko okey lang po ba if di ganun kalaki laman ng bank account ko?saka need ko pa po ba mag submit ng coe ni bf o letter na katunayan na sya mag shoulder sakin pagdating dun. ngayon palang worried na ko kasi baka madenied pero wag naman sana.kasi pinabili ko na sya ng concert ticket kasi magkakaubusan sayang naman kung di ako matuloy.saka pwede ko po bang ireason for visit ko is pagpunta ko dun sa concert at hindi for tourism?thank you so much po sana magresponse po kayo ulit.

          2. Yes, you need to submit your boyfriend’s documents to prove that he can fund your travel. You may also check “Tourism/Transit” and “Other” then type in “Watch a concert”.

  105. Hi Dren,
    Good day! I will be claiming our passports tomorrow sa embassy, claim stub lang ba ang kylangan ipresent? Nothing else? Hahaha, sana approved kamiiiii. 😀

  106. Hi Dre,

    My family will be traveling to south korea this november to visit my sister who is an expat in busan; some friends will be joining us too. Can we submit the application together with our friends application or we should submit the family application separately? Also, My sister stated in her invitation letter that she will cover the entire family’s expense in our visit, since I am an employee do I still need to submit the ff. docs:

    a. certificate of employment
    b. itr
    c. personal bank certificate and statement

    or I can just submit my sister’s papers?

    Thank you so much!

    1. Yes, you can submit everyone’s applications, since you’re going as a group. From what I know, your sister will just stand as your financial sponsor, but you still need to pass those, however, it would be best to contact the embassy to confirm. Please let us know if you called them and update us 🙂

  107. Hi po. I know it’s been a while since you have posted this blog. In my case, I’ve been employed for a certain company for 7 months already. I’m employed as a team leader for a BPO company. However, they made some changes. They’ve changed the employer itself. We signed new contract but still im a regular employee. Should I indicate that on coe and make another certificate to certify that they have made some changes? The hr also suggested me to put the month that I got employed for the previous employer.

    1. This is what happened to us. My current company was bought by another one, so we had to change company names, but on my COE, they still indicated my years of stay there.

      1. Yes po. Sinuggest din po ng HR. But since bago po yung company baka icheck din po nila kung ilang years na yung company na nageexist? Sa tingin niyo po? Last question po. If 7mos palang po sa work may chance pa dn po ba maapprove? Thank you very muchhhhh

        1. As long as the company is legit, it should be no problem. As for the length of your stay, as long as they see that you can finance your travel, that should not be a problem.

      2. hi po,

        i have the same issue po. Ive been hired 2012 in our company and last july 2016 they transferred us in a new company name but the same owner. Im confused what to put in the COE and also i have my 2316 for 2016 already it indicates their my previous company tax payment and my new employer payment. anu po ba ung dapat kong gawin sa COE?anu yung ilalagay ko na date hired? if lalagay ko po 2012 makikita po nila na may previous company ako. if july 2016 po ilalagay ko hindi po ba issue yung na new hire lang po ako sa company? hindi ba sila strict sa tenure ship mo sa company?

          1. na transfer po kami at hindi po na acquired kasi po yung old company namin ay active pa po. yung itr ko po yung problem ko kasi kung ilalagay sa coe yung 2012 ko na hire date.baka ma confused po ung embassy kasi sa 2016 itr ko meron akon previous employer. para po kasi ang nangyari january to june nasa isang company kami then july to december nalipat na po kami sa isang company.

          2. Ganito nalang gawin mo, ask your HR to include an explanation that your date of hire is 2012, but you were transferred to another company, hence the new employer on your ITR.

          3. ako rin po kasi ang gumagawa nang COE sa office namin. at pinapapirmahan lang sa president namin. so im confused din po. hindi po ba problema if bago ka lang po sa company? kasi ilalagay ko na lang po sana yung july 2016 para hindi na ma confused sa ITR ko.

          4. I see po.. sige po.. ill just put na lang po na new hire ako para wala nang confusion. diba bago rin po kayo sa work nyo? what did you do po?

  108. Hi Dre,
    I’m done with my application what I did was applied as housewife and used my husbands coe,itr,bank cert and bank statements.I also submitted a copy of my coe,bank statemenr and bank cert as supporting docs.Will just get the result on thursday.Hope tthat will get an APPROVAL.
    I just want to ask for help my sister in law who will also be traveling with me is an insurance agent.Her problem is that her COE does not include compensation since her work is per commission basis only.Any remedy on what to present aside from COE.Thanks

    1. Hi! I am not familiar with this, but I think what your sister-in-law can do is to ask her insurance company to provide a breakdown of her commission to date. You can also call the embassy for further questions.

      1. Hi Dre,
        FINALLY got my VISA APPROVED yesterday.Thank you so much for creating this blog.This really a BIG HELP for those who will be applyig visa for the first time.Godbless you.

  109. Hi Dre!
    We got our passports already and we’re all approved! Haha! Thank you for answering all my inquiries. In return, I’ll share few tips I’ve learned when applying for visa as a family.

    1. For senior citizen parents, it’s necessary to provide photocopy of their senior citizen IDs.
    2. To support their bank accounts that they just got recently, we provided additional document from SSS as proof that they are pensioners.
    3. It’s also necessary to provide 2 marriage contracts for both of the parents. I had to go back and request for a new one because of that.

    That’s it! Thank you again Dre. 🙂

  110. Hi dre! I’m a post-graduate student. And will be traveling on Nov 10-14 under student category. Now i have a problem Re: bank cert and bank statement which i miss to check. I applied Thru a travel agent last Sept 13 or 19 duuno which date really beacuse of the holidays on 14-16, and my fathers’s bdo bank cert was dated August 23, 2016 same as the bank statements 6months before August it started Feb-July. Will it matter coz i applied sept. But i have a almost 1 month gap to the date i applied? It means walang august na statement. But i attached other bank cert and statement under ONB (one network bank) bdo’s rural bank but i doesnt have any adb and date of opening kasi new accounts na lahat coz bdo bought it. So paano to? Pls enlighten me. Until now, haven’t receive any info from my travel agent, hindi rin tinawagan parents ko and my land lady, ewan ko lang ang school.

    1. I guess that should be okay, regarding the 1-month gap. The ONB documents can be used as supporting documents. If you have not heard from your travel agent, please try contacting them.

  111. Hi,

    I’ll be flying to Korea this coming October 12, 2016 for the purpose of vacation. I’m just gonna apply for a visa by tomorrow. Will i encounter any problem? it’s just that I have a busy schedule that makes me to apply this late.

    Thanks!

  112. Hi Dre! My sister and I are planning to go to Korea this October. We already submitted our application form and documents last Friday, Sept 23 sa Korean Embassy. Walang questions sa min yung consul and wala rin hininging additional documents, small paper lang with date ng release ng passport ang binigay sa min. Pero nung nasa taxi na kami, narealize ng sister ko (who is already married) na hindi namin naisama sa documents nya yung marriage certificate nya. Sa application namin, nakalagay don na mag travel kami together at magkapatid nga kami. Kaya lang, since married na siya, iba na yung surname nya dun sa application form and passport nya. Pero birth certificate lang namin dalawa ang nasubmit namin at walang marriage cert nya. Would you know kung tinatawagan pa ng embassy ang applicant kung kulang ng document or possible na madeny pa yung sister ko dahil hindi nasubmit yung marriage cert nya? Or based sa birth certificates and passports namin, maconvince na rin kaya sila na magkapatid kami? Dun din kasi sa funding part ng application, sinulat nya don na ako magfufund ng travel nya. Kaya I think it matters na maprove na magkapatid kami. This Friday pa namin makukuha yung passport namin kaya medyo kinakabahan ako ngayon. Pero hoping pa rin ako na maapprove kami pareho.

    1. Yes, the embassy will inform you if you need to submit additional documents. But to prove you are siblings, the birth certificate should be fine, since you both have the same surname on your birth certificates.

      1. Thank you for your reply. I’d like to give you an update on our Visa application status. Unfortunately, my sister’s application got denied. Ako lang na-approve. My sister is earning 12k per month as indicated sa COE. 1 year na sya sa work nya pero under sya ng agency. I don’t really think na it’s the reason bakit sya na-deny. I think dapat talaga naging enough ang preparation nya. mga 3 months ago lang kasi namin naplano yung trip. She just opened a bank account nung July, which means mga 2 months pa lang bank account. Balance is about 22k. I think kung more than 6 months yung bank account and kahit 30k lang ang balance, may possibility pa rin na ma-approve. Also, sa application nya, ang nilagay din kasi nya na magfufund sa kanya ay yung name ko. Since ako naman talaga ang magfifinance ng trip namin and malaki rin yung balance ko sa bank account ko. We thought na iyon yung best way na maapprovan sya. Pero mali pala.
        Since under pa rin sya sa employed category, best pa rin siguro kung ‘Myself’ ang nakalagay sa who will finance the expenses. Lesson learned sa experience na ito is to have enough preparation sa application ng visa. 6 months from now ulit sya pwede mag-apply ng Visa. I guess kung iaapply namin what we learned, possible na ma-approved na rin sya. I just want to share this experience para malaman din nung iba at baka makatulong. Medyo sad, pero ganon talaga. 🙂

        1. Hi Aiza! I’m so sorry that your sister got denied. But I don’t think it’s because of putting your name under the funding question, kasi my sister, who is a nurse, was earning about the same as your sister before. She put my other sister’s name on who will fund her trip, but she didn’t get denied. I think the main reason is that her bank account is not 6-months old, and that is a requirement. I hope sa susunod na pag-aapply niyo ay makakuha na kayo ng visa. Good luck!

          1. Hi dre waiting for approval yung visa ko, ganun din nilagay ko s who will finance ang nilagay ko name ng mother ko and yung name ng business nmin since employed ako s business namin.. Do think magkaka prob ako dun? Frequent traveller ako kaya lng s no visa country p lng napupuntahan ko.

          2. As long as your requirements are complete and valid, you have a good chance of getting a visa. Korea was my first country that required a visa, so it doesn’t matter if you’ve only been to visa-free countries. I think they take that into consideration, that you can travel frequently.

          3. I see. Bank account nga siguro ang dahilan. Let’s just say for example mag-apply ulit sister ko next year, more than 6 months na bank account nya non. Then let’s say may balance na 30k, possible ba na ma-approve if “Myself” yung gagamitin nya sa funding details? Pero same pa rin yung salary and company she’s working in. Or better na may mag-fund sa kanya na may mas malaking sweldo? By the way, itutuloy ko na rin yung trip to Korea kahit mag-isa ako. Sayang din kasi yung nabook na ticket. And isa rin sa bucketlist ko ang solo travel, so I guess eto na yung opportunity. 🙂

          4. Yes, it is possible to be approved with that amount of money. As for solo traveling, South Korea is one of the perfect places to go for solo travel. There are so many places to see and it’s relatively safe. Enjoy!

          5. Hi Dre! Question ulit. Meron bang money changers sa Seoul na tumatanggap ng Philippine Peso. Plan ko kasi, half lang muna ng budget ko ang korean won na bibilhin ko dito. Then, sa Korea na ko papapalit ng kalahit.Kaya lang wala akong USD.

  113. Hello Dre!

    Just a question about the ADB, should it be from the opening date or 6 months? Kasi I have read somewhere 6 months ADB lang daw.
    Appreciate your response! 😊

      1. Hi Dre! I will be applying for Korean Visa on monday and ung ADB ko is YTD (year to date) is it okay or it should be strictly 6 months?

          1. Hi Ms. Dre! It’s me again, Ive been staying in your blog day and night trying to get all the tips I can get haha. Btw, my most recent deposits are from 3 consecutive days. nakakaapekto po ba yung pagaadd ng funds and besides nakalagay ung name kung kaninong account galing yung funds. Monday na po ung application ko and iniisip ko if tutuloy na ba ako or should I delay it. May po travel ko. Please advise. Thank you 🙂

          2. It doesn’t matter where your funds are from. It is best to delay your application. I saw that the date of your flight is on the 24th of May.

  114. Hello! Dun po sa countries visited, I visited Hong Kong last July 14-19, 2016 and also had a short visit to Macau on July 16, 2016. Ilalagay ko po ba ang Macau kahit one day lang ang visit? Thanks po in advance. 🙂

    1. Regarding Section 11, ano po ang ilalagay? Bale group of 4 po kami mag-a-apply ng visa pero pinsan po ng friend namin na hindi po namin kasama magtatravel ang magpoprocess ng visa. Name po ba nya ilalagay namin dun o N/A lang since kami kami lang naman po ang magfifill-up ng form? Please reply po. Thanks! 🙂

  115. Hi dre! Last question nalang po talaga. Nakapunta na ko sa oecd member country which is yung sa japan. Pero single pa kasi ako dun kaya may bago na ko passport. Excempted pa din ba ako sa itr? Or do i need to bring certificate of marriage? And counted pa din po ba yung bansa na napuntahan ko? Thank you po.

    1. Yes, it is counted if it happened in the last 5 years. Just bring your marriage certificate (copy only) as well your Japan visa. Just bring a copy of your ITR for backup.

  116. Hi, may question lang po ako regarding sa funding details sa application form. Part of our employment benefit is to travel abroad once a year. This year we are planning to go to korea. My question is, since the expenses will be shouldered by our boss, what should we indicate as “estimated travel cost”? Should our airfare and hotel exp be included in our estimated travel cost even though we did not pay for it? or is it just our individual budget for shopping that should be stated there? Thanks!

  117. Hi ms.dre. ask ko lang. Ako employed. Pde ko bang i finance yung husband ko sa trip? Meron naman syang business. Problema lang kaka open lang at wala pang itr. Pero may business permit at mayors permit. Anu kaya pdeng gawin declare ko na lang sya unemployed. O mag self employed sya kaso walang itr. Thank you

    1. Yes, you can finance your husband and still declare that he has a business. Just bring the business permit and mayor’s permit. They will understand that it is a new business, and usually, they don’t get ITRs to newly employed or new businesses.

          1. I have a same situation. I just opened a business this year January2016, I have my DTI and Mayors permit but i dont have itr yet.. Can I pass my Quarterly Income tax Return? please help. 🙁

  118. Ask ko lng kc yung friend ko kasama ko pupunta korea my work sya s iba bansa dun n din sya aaply ng visa, uuwi muna sya dito for 2days saka sya pupunta korea. Ok lng b yun n s iba country sya nag apply ng visa pero dito sya s pinas mag pa flyt going to korea?

  119. Hi Dre,
    Here are my questions!
    1. Ang ITR ba kailangan may tatak/stamp from BIR?
    2. Ang ITR ko.for 2015 ay medjo malaki dahil mas malaki ang sahod ko sa last company ko compared sa new company ko, may epekto po ba ito?nag end ako ng work april 22,2016 tapos may new work ako sa new company started on july.21 this year.
    3. Ang address ko sa ITR ay hindi pareha sa current address ko ngayon dahil nagrent lang kami before at hindi na edit ng former company ko ang address, maka apekto ba ito?

    Your thoughts please

  120. Question po. magaapply na po kami this Wednesday. How do we have to submit our requirements? Kailangan po ba na i-folder at saka in what order po? Pwede po ba na ako na rin magsubmit para sa mga kasama ko? If that’s the case, so 1 queue number lang po ang kukunin ko? Thanks po 🙂

      1. Thanks po… Last na po. Hindi na ba namin need i-fill up ung section 2: Details of Visa Issuance. Kailangan pa po ba lagyan ng N/A?

          1. we already received our passports. we’re all approved. thank God. thanks for your help 🙂 we’re on the planning stage now.hahaha

          2. Yay! Congratulations! Please check out our latest post, it has our itinerary and a downloadable PDF that could help you plan your trip.

          3. Hi! we already booked at IB Ville Guesthouse. 30% lang ang deposit then the rest will be paid once we arrived. Reasonable naman ang price at maganda ung rooms. Can you give me estimated amount of cost per day? Mga magkano kaya ang kailangan naming for 1 week stay? Thanks again.

    1. Hi Joanne, first time traveller po ba kayo? Is there any interview made by the consul? Kelangn bang personal na ikaw ang kukuha ng passport mo pag naissue nila ang visa? Thanks

      1. Hi Queenie. Ako po hindi first time traveler pero first time ko po pumunta sa Korea. Yung mga kasama ko po first time travelers. Ang interview lang saken nung consul eh bakit daw ako marunong magkorean. haha Ako po kumuha ng passport naming lahat ng mga kasama ko.

  121. Hi! My boyfriend and I are planning to visit Korea next year. My boyfriend, along with a couple of friends, built a start up company this year. It’s registered and they pay taxes for that company. However, my boyfriend doesn’t have an individual ITR. I’d like to ask if it’s okay to submit the company ITR, and if that may lower his chances of being approved. Thanks!

      1. Hi po! I have previously left a comment already pero I have another concern. Yung bank statement ko po kase naka appear na through fund transfer ung mga recent transaction ko to add on the funds sa account. Do you think it will affect my application. Btw payroll account ko ung ginamit ko. Looking forward to your response! Thanks!

  122. Hi! You mentioned that you just have 40k in your account when you traveled. May I know how many days you stayed in Korea? My fiancé and I have joint account and we’re wondering if 100k for 2 pax for a 4 or 5 day trip is okay. Or should it be higher? Thanks!

  123. Follow up question Miss Dre! As mentioned in your blog, we can indicate “Undecided” for the hotel. Can it also be used in the date of arrival? Parang I just want to secure a visa first before I book everything. Did you book your flight before applying? Sabagay if may piso fare sa airlines baka i-grab ko na din hehehe

  124. Hello po.. ask ko lng po..
    May naginvite sken na Korean frend na pumunta ng Korea and she owns a small company in Korea..
    Gusto ko po kumuha ng tourist visa.. pero kinakabahn po na ma deny..
    Ang tanong ko po..
    1. Ok lng po ba na less than 15k ung pera mo sa bank?
    2. Ung ITR ko po.. d ko po xa nahuhulugan since last 3years.. ok ln po ba un?
    3. Nakuha ko na po ung invitation letter.. and I told her na gusto ko pumunta dun january next yir.. kelan po aq pede mag apply ng visa? And ok lng po ba aq magapply ng visa by october or november dis yir? Anu po maisusugest nyo n date for applying visa?

    Ang sabi po ng frend ko na Korean that she will provide anything including food and a house.

    4. Malaki po ba ang chance n ma deny ung visa ko?
    Really thank you po!

    1. Since you’re planning to go on January 2017, you can still add more money to your bank account. You can apply 1-month before your flight date. As for an ITR, are you unemployed? Why don’t you have an ITR? If you are unemployed, you don’t need an ITR. I can’t really tell how big is your chance in getting a visa, but my only advise is to pass all the necessary requirements.

      1. Hello po. Ask ko lang po if there’s a chance to get approved. I was invited by a US army stationed in Korea he is my uncle and he will be the one providing all the expenses.Thank you po.

  125. Thanks for your reply! I really appreciate that.

    Meron po aqng ITR. Nakagawa po aq nun 3 years ago.. And employed po aq.. pero ung current job ko po ngaun eh d nila aq kinakaltasan for tax.. ok lng po ba un.. pero meron na po aqng ITR..

    Another question po ulit..
    Gusto po ng Korean frend ko n mag stay aq dun ng 1 month or more.. anu pong ideal money para sa bank statement? Eh ang money ko ay less than 15k… kelangan ko pa po bang magsinungaling if ever.. like I will stay there for 1 week pero magstay k tlga for 1 month… ok lng po b un?

    Thank you po tlga! And xenxa na kung madameng tanong.. first time po kc eh.. i don’t want to lose the opportunity n makapunta sa ibang bansa..

    1. Hindi ko masasabing okay lang na gamitin ang ITR from 3 years ago, dahil nasa batas na dapat kang kaltasan ng tax ng trabaho mo. Kung mananatili ka dun ng isang buwan, hindi sapat ang 15k, at huwag kang magsinungaling sa embassy kung gaano katagal ka mamamalagi doon dahil may records sila ng mga pumapasok at lumalabas ng bansa nila, baka ma-ban ka pa.

      1. Thank you po sa information.. malaking tulong po tlga un..

        Last na po about sa money ko sa bank.. 15k is not enough? Even po na may sponsor po aq na Korean na sasagutin ung lahat ng gastos ko dun?
        And
        Ilang araw po ang ideal na stay ng 15k? 1 week ok n po un?

        Sorry kung madame aqng tanong.. thanks po ulit..

        1. Wala kasi talagang set na pera na dapat meron ka sa bangko. Hindi ko masagot ng sigurado ang tanong mo regarding sa pagkakaroon ng sponsor dahil hindi ko pa yun naranasan. Siguro mas mabuting tumawag ka sa embassy para malinawan ka nang mabuti.

  126. hi inquire lang kasi magaaply po kasi ako ng korean tourist visa on friday but my worry is yung bank statement ko kaoopen ko lang noong May 3. Five months palang ang Bank ko but the requirements is 6 months ADB. Our tour is on Nov 20-24. Is it possible kaya. Tapos ok lang bang magapply with cousin yung group application.Apat kasi kami me my daughter and my two cousins. 75k na ending balance is it enough for 4 days sa 2 tao for me and my kid.

    1. If you’re worried about the ADB, why not apply on November 7th? You can always call the embassy to check if 5 months is enough. You can still apply 2 weeks before your flight date. Yes, you can submit all your applications together, and 75k is more than enough for two persons. Good luck!

  127. hi dre ano po isasagot ko dito?im currently filling up my application form .

    1.2 한자성명 漢字姓名

    and dun sa question na, do you have any valid type of passport? meaning po ba nun old passport?

    and sa mga follow up questions po na may sagot ako na NO checkmark , kelangan ko pa po ba lagyan ng N/A ung following questions?

    and capitalize letter po ba dapat lahat ng answer sa form?

    and pano po pagsagot sa expiry date ng passport same format po ba ng nasa passport for example 29 Mar 21? and pwede po ba computerized lahat except for the signature?
    thanks po.your response would be much appreciated

    1. Hi rm94. Please refer to my blog post, as all these have been answered. With regards to the format, please type in as it is displayed on your passport.

  128. How to apply visa for unemployed? Planning to travel solo, is there any chance na maapproved ang visa? my mom will support my expenses for my travel. Thanks in advance.

  129. Hi Dre!

    Thanks for this very informative blog.
    I will be travelling with my sister who is now an Australian passport holder. Do I still need to present our birth certificates although I am the only one applying for visa? I was under the impression that you must present birth certificates only if it is a family/group application to prove the relationship. But in my case, do you think that requirement is applicable?

    Also, she will help me with my travel expenses so i will put her name and mine on the field asking who will finance the trip. She sent me a copy of her ITR. Will it be enough to prove her capacity to support our trip?

    Your thoughts please? Thanks in advance.

    1. Hi Ann! If you will be traveling with your sister and will be presenting her ITR, you will need your birth certificates, a copy of hers would be helpful as a backup document, too. Are you currently employed? Just make sure you have submit all the requirements plus the backup documents. Good luck!

      1. Alright! Thanks Dre. I also have a copy of her birth cert so I hope it’ll be enough. Anyway yes, I am currently employed. Is it not acceptable if I put someone else that would finance the trip given my employment status? Well actually, she would really shoulder most of our expenses. As to my capacity to finance the trip, I have bank balance that is more than thrice the amount of my estimated travel costs for 5 days. The reason I am also putting her as support is because I have a low ADB- less than 10k. What would you suggest? Will I still declare her as someone who’ll help me financially or will I put there that I am the only one to finance my travel expenses?

        1. My ADB on first try was only 5k and I got approved. If you have a bank balance that has more than enough money, then you should be okay. Good luck!

          1. Hello. Your blog really helped me a lot. Just to share the good news, I got approved. 🙂 thanks for your help!

  130. Hi. Will be travelling with my family and since i was the one who applied for it (mother) can i sign for all the applicants?

  131. may nadeny na po ba ng visa sa window 3?

    these are the documents that i submitted today.lahat naman tinaggap with no questions.only my old passport were returned and the original bdo credit card(i thought they ask to see it for proof so i showed her plus another passport pic(i brought 2 pieces). october 12 daw release.

    bank certificate and bank statement (7xx,xxx with 6 months ADB of 2xx,xxx)
    coe
    birth certificate
    application form (computerized with handwritten signature)
    photo (recopy of the same photo i used when applying last february)
    photocopy of bdo titanium
    photocopy of new passport page 2
    and photocopy of thailand stamp from the new passport

    photocopy of old passport page 2 and photocopy of stamps (singapore,malaysia,indonesia)
    soa of bdo titanium for july, august and sept (php) and (usd)

    1. My sister and her husband also submitted their applications at Window 3 and got approved. As long as all the requirements are valid and complete, then you have a chance to get approved. Old passports are really returned.

    2. hi i would like to ask if sa bdo hinanap din original credit card and kamusta application? sa asian countries na napuntahan kailangan talaga xerox copy ng may stamp?

  132. Hi dre! We’re planning to apply korean visa on Friday, our problem is twice kami mag visit ng korea, december 8, 2016 and january 4, 2016 san kaya namin pwede include na twice kami mag visit? thank you!

    1. If you apply for a multi-entry visa, you can visit twice in a short span of time. You can always apply again after your first trip if granted only a single entry visa.

  133. hi is it ok po to use payroll bank account since i don’t have a personal one yet
    i’ve been with my current company for 3 1/2 years now
    thanks in advance

  134. hi dre, just wanna ask if makaka affect sa approval ung hindi paglagay ng n/a dun sa issuance visa na part since wala pa din ako travel history. and also i got denied last march also, solo traveller though complete yung requirements ko.

    1. I can’t be too sure, but one of the things that they value is if you follow the requirements and instructions on how to apply for a visa.

      1. thank you dre,im still hoping for positive result , though sobrang malabo na. im afraid kse since nadeny na ako last march. nagtry lang uli ako now just in case lang.

        1. Hi kiel,

          I missed the part na may issuance ng visa. Nung nasa embassy ako, may nag tanong sa akin kung dapat ba ilagay dun ay N/A. Typewritten yung sa kin kaya ni-leave as blank ko na lang. Na-approve naman yung Visa ko, so I guess, walang problem sa ganon. May friend din ako, sabi nya, di naman need lagyan ng N/A yung ibang fields. For example, dun sa status nya, never married yung pinili nya, then the rest blank lang daw. Approved din naman sya.

  135. Hi! Regarding the COE, yung sa mother ko po kasi, hindi nalagyan ng telephone number ng DepEd. Usually daw kasi sa DepEd di sila naglalagay. Paano po kaya yun?

    1. According to one of the comments before, if they can contact the employer in any way, it should be okay. Maybe have the HR’s mobile number handy.

          1. No email address as well. They did not put any contact number. I am planning to go and apply for my visa tomorrow already.

          1. Ganyan din po sa nakuha namin na COE, hindi po daw talaga sila naglalagay ng contact number and email. Although me officemate ako, same format din ng COE, approved sya when she applied for visa last July.

            Let’s see this December.

          2. I think as long as they have a way to verify your documents and employment, that should be good enough. They want to avoid mobile numbers to make sure there aren’t fraudulent details.

    2. Hi! I’m also a teacher from DepEd. Can I ask where did your mother request for COE? Did she request it in her principal, division office or regional office? Also, did she request leave of absence and/or travel authority for your trip? Thank you

  136. Hi Dre, thanks for all the tips!

    My family and I are currently completing our requirements for Visa Application to Korea. Would just like to ask po if the embassy requires the original copy of our Birth Certificate and Marriage Contract? Or photocopies will do? Also, my mother’s passbook/bank statement is stagnant (no additional deposit and withdrawal since she opened the account)? Will there be an effect (Anyway my sister and I will support her travel)?

    Thank you very much for your reply! Kind regards.

    1. Just provide a copy, since they do not return anything you submit except for your passport. As for your mother’s bank account, if there’s money in there, and you and your sister will support her travel, I don’t see any problems. Good luck!

  137. Hello po! Kailangan po ba sa releasing date mismo kukunin ang passport? Baka kasi di makapunta ang representative namin kasi di sya maka-leave. Ano po ang gagawin pag lampas sa releasing date babalik ng embassy? Thanks po. 🙂

      1. Hello! We just got our visa approved. Thanks for the informative blog, Ms. Dre and for the very quick responses to my queries. 🙂

  138. Hi ms.dre
    Would like to ask if its ok that my friend in manila will claim my passport/visa during release date? I live in iloilo, i go home after i filed my application. Do i need to provide authorization letter & ID? Thank you po!

      1. As ko lng miss dre kc tga province ako bicol s travel agency dito samin ako nag submit ng requirements nung sept.29 p, sabi nila padala daw nila s mla dat same day pero bakit ngayon wala p visa ko pina follow up ko naman agency bka daw madami applicants. Possible b tlga n ganun yun? Kc ang pag kakaalam ko 5working days lng yun..

  139. Hi dre! Pwede magtanong magkano budget niyo sa food per day? Saka kung may breakdown ka ng expenses pwede rin ako humingi ng copy? Thank you.

  140. Hi Dre!

    I’m planning to apply for a visa next week. I have a few questions so sana you can help me answer them:

    1. I am a government employee. Sa company address ba sa application, ginamit ng dad mo yung main office address or nilagay nya address ng office of assignment nya? Since we have this “centralized” system, yung company address would always be the address of the main office but my place of assignment/actual office address is sa province. Also, yung magbibigay ng COE ko is our HR designate sa regional office namin. Would this be a problem? May email address and contact number naman sa format ng COE.

    2. I am also planning to type-in sa forms para neat. Did you bold your answers/change font to emphasize them?

    3. I have 100k+ sa account ko but the same account is also used to pay for my credit card/fund transfer. Would this be a problem?

    4. My friend will submit my documents for me but she couldn’t claim it on the release date since she will be out of the country na. There is another friend who will claim my passport, do I need to provide an authorization letter? When you say na write the name at the back of the claim stub, name ko ba ilalagay or name ng representative?

    1. Hi Ice 🙂

      1. Yes, the main office address was used. My dad’s assignment is also in the province.
      2. No, I did not make them bold, just used all caps to type my answers.
      3. No, it’s not a problem. 😉
      4. Yes, someone else can claim it as long as she has the stub. The name at the back would be your name and contact number.

      Good luck!

  141. hi dre! im a housewife travelling with my husband. he’s going to fund our trip. we already have his bank certificate, bank statements and ITR. just waiting for his coe. since the requirements are just the same and we’ll be applying together, would you know if we’re still required to submit 2 original copies of the documents or ok na ung isa? thanks!

  142. Hi,

    I just want to know kasi ang work ko ay homebased job. Wala akong ITR. Paano yun kapag mag-aaply ng Visa kung wala ako ITR? Please help!

    Thanks,

  143. Hi, Dre!

    I’ve been following this post for quite some time now since I’m going to SK this December with friends. I’m a fresh graduate and unemployed. Do I still qualify for student application?

    Also, my stepfather (we have different last names) will be the one sponsoring my trip. He and my mom are not married (so I have no marriage cert to present) but I do have two stepbrothers with his last names. What documents do I have to present in order to prove our relationship and that he’s been the one supporting me since 10 years ago? I’m really nervous about my application 🙁 This is their grad gift to me and I’ve been looking forward for this trip since forever. Hope to hear from you soon! 🙂

  144. Hello po Ms. Dre .. tanong ko lang po sayo .pwde ba akong e sponsor ng bf ko nasa south korea kasi xa ngayun .so matatagalan pa syang umuwi ksi 5yrs contract sya . Gusto nya sanang bumisita ako dun s kanya. My bank account naman po ako pero laging walang laman 😀 salamat po .

  145. Hello po maam dre ..ask ko lng po kung pwde ang bf ko mag spinsor skin ..andun xa sa korea ngayun … mtgal p kc bgo umuwi … salamat po.

  146. Hi! We went to world travel expo at SMX with my father. We were planning a family trip in Korea so we asked about visa and such. And when we said that my mother has only the mayor’s permit and other requirements for business since all of our business was named after my mother, she said that my father should be the one to have all of those documents if none we will be having a hard time to be approved. Is it true? Actually they both owned it but all the papers were named after my mother.

    1. I am unsure as to how true that is, but as long as you have the proper documents, even if it is under your mother’s name, that should be okay.

  147. Hi ma Dre I’m an OFW her in Taiwan by nxt month uuwi po Ako nang Pinas for 1 ‘month vacation leave ask ko lng wala po kasi akong itr because I know na excempted kmi na mga OFW instead itr pwede ba na oec nlng Yong e present ko thank you and about sa bank account it is ok for 40k for 3days trip hope you reply thank you

    1. Hi just a suggestion lng po .. Mas madali po ata kumuha ng tourist visa kung dysn k s taiwan kukuha since my sorking permit k nman dyan.. Just a suggestion lng pi

  148. Hello!

    I would like to ask if the ITR is really needed? I am working in Qatar and we are not paying tax here.

    Hope to hear from you soon.

  149. Hi miss Dre ask ko lng po OFW po kasi Ako plan ko po mag tour nang Korea for 4 days lng uwi po kasi Ako nang Pinas nxt month for 1 month vacation concern ko po wala po akong I.t.r kasi Ang alam ko po excempted po Kami na mga OFW.can I present my OEC nlng and about sa certificate of employment kailangan po ba tlga ilagay Yong compensation? Thank you I hope mag reply po Kay god bless

    1. I am not familiar with how OFWs get their visa, it would be best to contact the embassy. As for the COE, they need to see the compensation because they need to know if you can fund your trip.

  150. Hello, tanong ko lang po, mag bearing ba ung ADB ng bank account sa approval ng visa? o yung balance na reflected sa bank statement ang importante? Kasi yung bank account namin is dun pumapasok yung sahod, tapos most of the time, kunti lang yung natitira upon withdrawing our sahod. so kunti lang talaga yung ADB namin.

    1. Some of the people that left comments mentioned that they also use their payroll accounts, so I do think that it’s okay if you withdraw all your money per pay day from the account.

  151. Hi dre,I wili use my payroll account pero 20k lng siya at ung joint account namin ng mama ko around 70k lng..pde bng dalawang certification ang ipasa ko?.. at sa funding details,ilalagay ko na MYSELF.. ano ang pdeng ilagay sa Type of Support?

  152. Hello,

    I am a student planning to go to Korea this December and I’ve read the requirements. However, I am having a hard time providing my parent’s documents. My mom and father are already retired. Our source of income comes from the farm that my grandfather runs. My grandfather and my mother has a joint account. When I asked the embassy about this, they told me it is alright and just use my mom’s details but they were asking me to also provide business permits. (However, its not a big business where we need to get permits. We just earn either semi-annually or annually, so they do not really require us to have business permits just to run a farm) I asked them if I can submit an alternative documents but they did not respond any further. Because of this, I was thinking of using my aunt (my mom’s sister) but I am not sure if it is allowed since it says “Parent’s Documents” – Am I allowed to use my aunt’s documents? I hope you can help me address this problem. Thank you very much!

  153. Hi dre, can i submit two bank certificates?.. my payroll account has 20k in it and a joint account with my mom has 70k. is it ok that my payroll only has 20k?

  154. I read sa isang forum, sa Purpose of Entry, aside sa pag-check sa Tourism, lagyan din daw ng check
    ang Others, then specify san mo gusto mo pumunta sa Korea… How true? Usually daw kasi pag Tourism lang nakalagay, denied ang visa for… “failed to prove purpose of entry”….

  155. Hi Dre,

    Im confused with section 10.2 Who will pay for your travel-related expenses? (any person including yourself and/or institute.

    Should i write my name in this section?

  156. Hi miss dre ..
    i would like to ask lang po im currently a student and walang trabaho both parents ko
    Complete requirements naman ako including maganda naman po ung bank statements ko every months except sa parents EOC or ITR or bank accounts
    Pno po kaya un? Ano po mas mainam na gawin???? Please kindly reply po heres also my email kate13.kh@gmail.com thank u po

  157. Hi Dre! I came across your blog because Ive been searching on applications and tips for Korean Visa. Ive read every single comment however I felt a strong need to ask you personally on what your thoughts are regarding my situation. So my mom and I are planning on visiting Korea on June next year and we’re ready to book plane tickets (we luckily found a promo) but the problem is we’re torn if we should book first or apply for a visa. The problem is, it takes 6 months before you could reapply and its so hard to book a flight without reassurance of getting approved. Also, it’s gonna be my first time to travel out of the country if ever but based on what I’ve read it doesnt seem to matter a lot to them whether youve travelled a lot or not but it would still be a plus, i guess? So Im thinking if we should actually apply for a visa now to see if we’re qualified. Since its only valid for 90 days, we will just apply for another one when June is near. Do you think that sounds good? Also, do you know if they will grant another visa to those who were granted before but wasnt able to use their visas? Or were there like instances that they were granted before and then denied the second time they applied? Hope you could reply to this asap. Thanks!

    1. If a seat sale comes, grab it. Worry about the visa later. To be honest, it’s easy to get a visa. Just make sure to present complete and valid documents.

  158. Hi Dre thanks for the helpful tips. May question is it’s okay na bestfriend ko magssponsor sa akin? Since unemployed now, but I have bank statement naman. Okay lang isama pa or hindi na? May chance kaya na maapprove? Thanks ^^

          1. You still need to submit your bank statement, as it is part of the requirements. This is what my sister did. Just make sure that your friend’s bank account has enough funds to support you as well.

          2. Okay po. So, bale passport,appication form and bank statement ko lang po isubmit then sa friend ko po Coe,bankstatement niya and ung itr? Same po kasi magaapply ng visa isahan na lang po ba? For example
            Po ung itr niya, pag pasa isahan lang? Pasensya na po madaming tanong. Thanks

          3. Just submit the complete requirements + your friend’s COE, bank cert, and bank statement, and ITR. You can use the photocopy of her documents. Submit your applications together.

    1. 100k po nasa account niya okay na po ba yun? Saka kapag magpapasa po, kailangan may copy din ako itr & bank statement ng friend ko? Sabay po kasi magaaply ng visa. Besides, pangalawang beses niya na pagvisit po sa Korea.

        1. Thanks Dre 🙂 So, bale lahat naman po ipapasa na requirements except wala ako itr and coe. Thanks po magcocomment na lang ako if approved na ako and makapunta kami ng friend ko. Thank you po ulit.

  159. Hi Dre,

    Question lang, will it hurt my chances of getting approved if bago lang ako sa company?

    I’ve been working for 6 years, pero this December kase lilipat ako then we will apply for VIsa around January. Travel dates are Feb 2017.

    Also 3 months pa rin ba ang validity? A friend got approved pero 2 months lang from date of issue.

      1. Thanks for the reply, Dre.

        Will it help if I’ll submit 3 COEs? (2 past 1 present)

        And malas kaka renew ko lang ng passport ko, wala pang stamp. Been to HK kaso hindi na pala sila nagstamp..

        We thought 3 months kase validity, based na din sa website mismo.

        Another concern, kase yung lilipatan ko US based, and yung HR is also US based, so they’re working in US hours.

        Can the HR’s email be sufficient? Where can I indicate na ganun ang setup? Ipalagyan ko kaya ng note sa COE mismo?

        Kase baka di nila matawagan 🙁

        1. Just submit 1 COE, because you only have 1 job. HK does not stamp anymore? That’s news to me. As for your new job, there is no PH-based HR counterpart? I think just put HR’s email and their US phone number.

          1. Yes, HK doesn’t stamp anymore. They just give out a piece of paper in lieu of the stamps.

            AFAIK wala atang PH based counterpart yung HR.

            I guess didiskartehan ko na lang yung COE ko to give multiple options for contacts. I’ll just put a note or something.

            Anyway, thanks Dre. Great help!

          2. As long as they have a way to contact your HR in the US, that should be okay. I think it is best to include the hours of operation of your HR in the US. Good luck!

      2. Hi Miss Dre. regarding the validity of visa. Im planning to apply on monday pero May 24 pa yung flight ko. Will that be okay?

  160. Hi Dre!

    Can I put the contact number of our hotel dun sa Phone No. in Korea? Or dapat personal number mo to in Korea? appreciate your response! 😊

  161. Hello, is it fine kung la na masyadong movement ung account ko for the last 3 months sa bank statement? Altho enough naman na ung money. naging stagnant nga lang dun sa account ko ng mej matagal. Thank you! 🙂

  162. Hi Dre,

    Don sa 5 days and 4 nights mo sa SK magkano ang total amount iun USD ang nilagay mo sa estimated cost of travel don sa Visa Application?

    Thanks

  163. Hi, Dre! I’m travelling to Korea with my mom and sister this December. Already booked the flight. I have a few questions to ask and I really hope you could get to answer them.

    1. I’m applying as a student and my mom as a housewife. The requirement says we need to pass my dad’s ITR. But the thing is, my dad doesn’t have one since he’s OFW. What should we do?
    2. My sister just started her residency at the hospital last 2 days ago, does she need to pass an ITR as well?
    3. Also, my sister couldn’t make it to the embassy for the application of visa since she has work. We’re from Bacolod and we need to travel to Cebu. Is it okay if my mom sends in her application instead of her?

    I pray and hope everything will go well. Will be patiently waiting for your answers! Thank you!

    1. Hi Malory!

      1) Please confirm with the embassy. Someone mentioned that OFWs need not provide ITRs, but I am unsure of this since I have no experience with this.
      2) If your sister did not have a previous job, I believe she doesn’t need to pass an ITR. But if she had a previous job, just submit a copy of what was provided to her from her previous job.
      3) As mentioned in my post, a representative can submit all your applications.

      Good luck!

  164. Hi Dre
    May tanong lng po ako.
    If im unemployed din yong korean bf ko ang mg sponsor pwede ba yon? Nasa korea cya ngayun
    Anong requirements ang kailangan ?
    Tnx

    1. For this, it would be the same as an employee’s requirements without the COE and ITR, but you need the following from your Korean boyfriend:
      . Invitation Letter
      . Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)

  165. Hi Dre, thanks for this! This is very helpful. Just a question, for the bank cert, it doesn’t state 6 months ADB anymore. Does this mean that ADB should be the from the account opening date?

  166. Hi Dre,
    Okay na ba yung 60-70k na amount for 7days? Mag.a apply sana ako this dec. Ilagay ko din ba yung round trip ko to SK? Pra proof din na makakabalik talaga.

      1. Yes, 60-70k is more than enough for 7 days. You don’t need to bring your round trip ticket to SK. As long as they can see that you can fund your travel, it should be okay, even if you’re a first time traveler.

  167. Hi! I’m a video editor for a youtuber pero I’m home based. It has only been around 5 months since I started working. My problem is, wala pa akong ITR kasi hindi ko pa siya inaasikaso and my employers are based abroad so I didn’t need to give them any document like TIN or SSS. Will I be most likely get denied because of this? Kinakabahan ako kasi naka-book na ako ng flight to Korea this december.

    1. Hi Jin. Is this your first job? Did you have a job before this? If yes, then you should have an ITR from 2015, you can submit that. If this is your first job, I believe you can forego submitting an ITR.

      1. Hi Dre,

        Yes, this is my first job. Recently I went to the nearest RDO to register and get a TIN number and I asked them about my ITR. They told me I can’t file yet because wala pa akong one year na nag-wwork. So do I just give the embassy an explanation letter? Thanks 🙂

        1. If you’re new, then it is understandable that you don’t have an ITR yet. It will be shown in your COE your employment duration, so they will know that you’re new. You may get an explanation letter to indicate why you don’t have an ITR yet.

  168. Hi!

    Thank you for the informative blog 🙂
    I am a post grad student who wishes to apply for visa under the “student” category. Do you think I can submit my personal bank records instead of my parents? I think I have around 200k in d bank and I’ve also been to 3 other visa free countries.
    I am actually employed, and can produce coe and stuffs. It’s just that I’m on study leave and I’d like to keep my travel as discreet as possible.
    May I solicit your opinion if it’ll be better to apply as an employee, or I can proceed as a student? I already have my flight booked so I’d like to have the highest possible chance for approval.
    Thank you in advance!

    1. You can apply as an employee. As an employee, that means you can fund your own travel, so in my opinion it has a higher chance of getting approved.

  169. Hi Dre, according sa FAQ above

    1. Question: Can I apply for a visa if my bank account is less than 6-months old?
    Answer: Yes, as long as you can provide 3-months bank statement.

    My BPI account opening Aug. 8, 2016 and I’m planning my trip on Feb. 7-11, 2017 with my friend therefore I assume that I can apply for my visa as my bank account is 5 months old in Jan. 2017 the date that we’ll apply a visa. Also, I have another bank account (BDO) more than a year but my ADB might be below 3-4 K but it savings w/ passbook so I wonder If I have to submit this too or just the BPI account which is 5 months old only.

    2.Question: I just started my employment on my new job, do I have to submit an ITR?
    Answer: No.
    I’m almost 1 year in our company and I dont have ITR from my previous job so I’m quite worried about ITR thing pls help me. Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi Haneul!
      1) You can submit both bank accounts.
      2) If you’re less than a year from your job, your COE will show that. Maybe ask your HR to provide a letter that your ITR from them won’t be provided until early next year.

    1. Hi Joanne 🙂 Make sure you have really really warm clothes. It’s really cold now, I hear. For pasalubong, it really depends on what you’re buying. For beauty stuff, like makeup, it’s a bit expensive, maybe 3-5k. For just souvenirs, head to Insadong. The prices range from 1000KRW and up.

  170. Hi! Good Day! I would just like to ask if you can see this as a problem or possible factor for being denied.

    Yesterday kasi nagapply na kami for a korean visa. Me, my partner and our 3 yr old daughter. Kaso hindi kami kasal.

    Also, the Bank Statement i submitted was just a print out from my online bank account (BDO). I was told ng BDO staff na pwede daw iprint nalang. 🙁 so ngayon ko lang narealize na baka di un iconsider as original or certified true copy. 🙁 huhu

    What do you think? 🙁

    1. Hi Leslie. I am unsure about the printing your bank statement online. I usually request this from the bank. Hopefully, they overlook that and still grant you visa.

  171. Hello Ms. Dre I find your blog very informative that I have thoroughly followed your instructions. But sadly I’ve a denied visa😢 My profile:
    Salary 16k
    Bank Acct 100k it’s my savings acct since 2012
    ADB 68k
    ITR 178k income gross
    Employed for 12 in the company im working at.
    To be honest the disaster which I just realized is that our HR mistakenly typed 2014 on the date hired instead and 2004. and when the embassy called her last week she said 2014. TO OUR STUPIDITY nobody noticed of this mistake until yesterday. I LEARNED THAT i was denied today. Hay. I was supposed to travel dec.
    Next year na lng try ulit.

    Employed

    1. I am so sorry to hear that. 🙁
      Lesson learned: make sure to validate your documents and check that the information are correct. I hope you get approved next time!

      1. It was really an honest mistake. Imagine my papers were already at the embassy and I just realize the mistake the other day when the agent was aboit to get the result? My fear is that next time I’ll apply and I have the correct data already, they would still think my papers are void😢.

  172. Even 2 of my friends were denied too and the reason is failure to prove our purpose of entry to korea. We all tick the tourist/transit part. I have a previous travel to singapore, malaysia and indonesia. My 2 friends are first time traveller abroad. I just thought do they have a quota for their tourist? Just so i wouldnt feel so bad ha ha😄

    1. i was wondering what are their basis of the embassy for “failure to prove purpose of entry”. that’s why i read that some applicants, aside from ticking the tourism/transit part, they also tick “Others” then specify the planned activities.

      1. I can only speak about my experience. With my application, I did not tick “Others”, but if some applicants mentioned that it helps to mention their planned activities, I think that is also helpful.

    2. Cheer up! The embassy evaluates all the documents as a whole, so we can’t really pinpoint which part you did wrong. There are some first time travelers that get approved. Why not choose a non-visa country with your friends? Good luck!

  173. 7 kami mag-a-apply ng visa, 6 regular processing, 1 mag-a-avail ng BDO promo. Ano po suggestion nyo, since yung isa hiwalay ng window, kaming 6 isa na lang magpapasa ng application, by twos or better kung individual na lang?

        1. Yes, you can all enter the embassy, but only one person will fall in line sa door para makita ang documents before passing the applications sa window.

  174. Hi po Ms Dre.
    Actually po aug 2017 pa flight nmn just grab the promo today 🙂 . Ngbasa ako ng comments dito just making sure mgttnong ndn ako. Ang meron lng po ako is payroll account wc is in out pera. Pero my plan aq mg open ng savings account sa december but minsan mawiwithdraw ko dn un tska d dn kalakihan mgiging laman nun . My chance po ba aq ma approve, july po aq mg apply ng visa . Other info to help my ofw po ako na kapatid. slmt

    1. Just make sure your new bank account will have enough money, kahit in and out ang pera. You can submit both your personal and payroll account when you apply.

          1. ahhh… clarification lang po, so ok lang naka-staple ang application form, ang hindi po dapat naka-clip or staple yung ibang required documents?

  175. Hello my friends and i are planning to visit sk in feb to experience the winter weather.. we booked our flight already.. i have few questions lang in regarding our visa application..
    1. I have 100k amount on my bank account provided by my parents for the trip.. Would it be better to declare my parents will be the sponsor of my trip even if i have money in my account or just put “my self” nalang who will finance for the trip since i have enough savings for the trip?
    2. What documents should i include if i will declare my parents will finance my trip?
    3. I have travelled 3 countries already (sg,malaysia and hk) stamps are placed in my old passor. Do i need to bring my old passport to show my old stamps? Or include it nalang as a supporting document?
    4. I am a govt employee for 2 yrs but my position is just (job order) which my contract expires every 3 mos (luckily im continuous j.o for 2 yrs) my salary is below minimum and exempted to tax what should i present in (ITR)? In order to complete my requirements..

    Sorry i have lots of question.. i’m just really hoping me and my friends will get visa.. sana maka kuha ng answers from you thank you..

  176. Hi Dre,

    I help out at our family business, I act as the cashier, sometimes sales clerk depende sa situation. My parents wil be paying for our trip. I’ll be with my sister. I don’t have an ITR since parents ko lang rin ang nagssweldo sakin. Ok lang kaya walang isubmit na ITR? I’m kinda worried baka madeny ako.

  177. Hi Dre, ang case ko kasi, wala akong ITR dahil Part time job/freelancer lang ang ginagawa ko even sa previous jobs ko wala din at matagal na ung nagkaroon akong ITR 2010 or 2012 pa ata yun. I have enough savings at I can fund myself for this trip.

    possible kaya na ang i declare kong mag fund sakin yung kuya ko pero nasa Canada kasi siya ?
    I can provide bank cert, bank statement, COE, except sa ITR talaga. Wala ba talagang alternative sa mga walang ma poprovide na ITR or form 2316?
    nag try ako mag apply ng BPI gold card to avail yung promo sana kung ma approve ako kaya lang matatapos na siya sana ma extend din huhu.
    thank you.
    pls help.
    Thanks

  178. Hello my few questions lang po ako.. i am really confused and hoping na maka kuha ng help from you..
    1. I am a government employee nurse ako sa isang hosp. employer ko po au provincial governent handle lahat ng branches ng hospitals and mga munisipyo..
    Ano po yung contact number na dapat kong indicate sa coe?. yun number po ba ng h.r mismo or pwedeng yung number ng hospital ko. Which is number ng chief of hospital office? For verification purposes lang ng consul..

    2. Employed po ako.. pero sweldo ko around 11k per month lang.. may savings po ako 130k sa bank account ko(provided ng parents ko) okay ba if “myself” nalang ilagay ko sa mag finance ng trip or mas okay kung ilagay ko parents as financer since maliit lang sweldo ko per month and hindi pa ako regular sa job 🙁

    3. Kung ilalagay ko parents ko para mag fund ng trip ano po mga requirements na kailangan kong ipasa?

    4. Exempted ako sa tax so wala akong itr 2 yrs na akong nag wwork.. okay lang po ba na humingi akong letter sa hr or sa bir ng exemption sa tax?

    5. Nakapg travel na ako sa ibang country.. hk, malaysia, singapore pero since nag renew na ako ng passport nasa old passport ko po nakalagay yung stamps.. dadalhin ko pa po ba yung old passport ko?

    I’m really hoping i’ll get reply from you.. sobrang kabado lang talaga and need ko din po ng opinion.. please po.. thank you po ms dre

    1. Hi Lauren!
      1) Provide the main HR’s contact information.
      2 & 3) You can just say your parents. You still need to pass your own documents, but add your parent’s bank documents (certificate, ADB), your birth certificate and their marriage certificate (photocopies) – to prove that they are your parents, if they are working – their COE (please check student’s requirements for other parent’s documents needed). Note: You still need to follow employee requirements.
      4) Ask for a letter of your tax exemption.
      5) No need to bring your old passport.

      1. Hello po thank you po sa reply.. last questions na po.. yun documents po ba na ippasa ko sa parents as they will be sponsoring my trip (coe, bank cert, birth cert etc) need po ba may affivit of support yun? Or birth cert itself is ikay to prove na parents ko sila..
        Lastly yun stamps na nasa old passport ko pwedeng xerox nalang po ba? As Supporting docs lang na nakapg travel ako sa non visa country.

        Maraming salamat po sa pag reply.. will update you once may visa na kami 😘

        1. If you can provide the affidavit of support, that would be very helpful. The last time I submitted a photocopy of my old passport, the one by the door just removed them. Good luck!

  179. Hi, this is actually my second time traveling to SK and I am a student. (last time was (oct 2014) I know I should just call the embassy regarding this but the line was always busy.
    Anyway, my problem is about the NSO marriage certificate (last time kasi di pa siya part ng requirements) my parents are not married so I don’t know what could be the alternative to submit. (Some of my friends suggests CENOMAR tho but I wanted to be sure)

    another is about the ITR, i saw in your post that “effective July 2015 all visa applicants who traveled to SK at least once within 5 years will be exempt in passing the ITR” I was delighted when I saw this because my parent’s ITR was year 2013 issued April 2014. Im afraid it might be a problem.

    I hope you’ll reply. Thank You 🙂

    1. Regarding the ITR, this applies to Employees and not for students. As for your inquiry regarding your parents’ documents, I am really unsure of this. It is really best to call the embassy.

  180. Hi Ms Dre,

    Ask ko lang, my Mom and I are planning for Korea on Jan 17-20 2017. I’m actually working in UAE. She’s a housewife/widowed and she will be funding our trip. She can provide everything like Bank Cert/Bank Statements, etc. the only thing she doesnt have is the ITR. And for myself, I don’t have ITR, Bank Cert/Bank Statements, but i will be submitting CoE, Salary Certificate and Guarantee Letter/NOC because my Mom will be the financer. Do you think we have a chance?

    Thank You.

    1. Hi Kristine 🙂 I think OFWs need not submit ITRs, but have your mother confirm with the embassy. I do think you have a chance to be approved as long as your documents are complete and valid. Good luck!

  181. Hi po! Baka po pwedeng makahingi ng advice 🙂 Ano po bang pwede kong iapply, as student or unemployed? Grumaduate po ako nung May 2015 and this Oct 2016 lang po kasi ako nagtake ng CPA licensure exam so nitong 2016 may review school ako. Iniisip ko po kung as student thena ng documents ko is id, regform and receipt nung review school ko and also cert of graduation ko from UST. Or kung as unemployed na lang po talaga. Either way naman po is supporting documents ng parents ko ang ipapasa ko which is coe, itr, bank cert and bank statement nila. Pano po kaya?

  182. Hello pwede mag ask po ulit?
    Bale meron po akongn dalawang bank account.. isang bpi and bdo..
    yun bpi ko mga 9 mos older na pero ang problem hindi ko po sha masyado nahuhulugan..
    I also have bdo which will be 5 mos old na sa january.. (mag apply kaming visa on january) and maganda yun pag pasok ko ng money dito sa bdo..
    My question is..
    What should i do?
    1. Transfer ko nalang po ba yun money ko from bdo to bpi? Okay lang po ba un kahit medyo matagal ng wlaang laman yun bpi ko? (Mahalata kaya if bigla ako mag lagay ng malakig amount sa bpi account? 2 months nalang po kasi)
    Or
    2. I will keep my money nalang sa bdo account then hulugan ko nalang unti2 yun sa bpi account ko till january and then ipresent nalang pareho yun bank cert and bank docs both bpi and bdo?

    Goal ko po sana tig 50k sa 2 bank accounts ko..
    Ano po sa tingin nyo ms. dre yun magandang idea? Please? i badly need your opinion here thank you so much.. any feedback from you will be appreciated very much.. i’ll wait ❤️😘

  183. Hi! Thank you for this very informative blog. Is government service record same with COE? I am a teacher and I am working in DEPED.

      1. Hi Ms. Jasz!

        Service record is different from Certificate of Employment (with compensations).

        I’m also a government employee, i requested for COE from our HR. 🙂

    1. Hi Dre and Jhen! thank you for your response!, do we still need to file a leave of absence even we are on christmas break/summer break? Do we still need a travel authority even we are on vacation? Afraid of offloading kasi, I’ve heard kasi dapat may travel authority ang isang gov’t employee kung wala baka maoofload sa immigration. Thank you

        1. hi jasz! kung naka-break christmas or new-year’s break ka sis, actually pwede kahit wala
          na. dalhin mo lang ang memo or order reflecting na kasama ka sa break.

          kasi ang weirdo kumuha ng travel authority eh naka break ka naman. tsaka hindi ba bawal sa inyo mag-file ng leave during holiday season? samen kasi not allowed. 🙂

          1. Hi Jen! I don’t really know. I new to DepEd kasi kaya nangangapa pa ako anong ggawin. Really? Its okay kahit walang Travel Authority during breaks? What kind of memo/order is that btw? San yan narerequest?

            Hello again, Dre! May I ask, when you and your dad travelled to Sokor, was that holiday season? Did IO asked for Travel Authority?

          2. Ms Jasz!

            Basta make sure na yung trip nyo eh within the holiday season na walang pasok. Wala kasing problema pag ganun. Pero kung me dates na me pasok or hindi kasama sa holiday sa duration nang travel nyo, secure a travel authority para safe. 🙂

  184. Hi Dre, just wanna ask if ano dapat ko iready for immigration interview to avoid offloading, 10 days kase stay ko, and i only book 5 days sa hotel, and solo traveller ako and first time sa abroad.

    1. You can tell them that after 5 days sa hotel, you plan on booking on hostels on the other destinations that you will visit. Make sure you at least have a copy of your planned itinerary, with locations. Try to strategically find hostels in those areas. Good luck!

      1. thanks for the help dre, my trip in SOKOR is very successful and memorable one, sa IMMIGRATION sa pnas inask lang nla work ko and san company and licensed ko then okay na.

  185. Hi po! So nagbook po kami ng friends ko ng maaga since may promo tickets, and ang pinili po naming date is January 2018 pa since hihintayin muna naming maka-graduate(hopefully this june 2017) and after mag-boards (November 2017). Ang problema po, hindi na kami students and unemployed pa kami sa time na kukuha kami ng visa(mga December 2017 siguro). Do you have any tips on how we can prove our “strong economic and family ties to the home country” (eto po kasi mostly nababasa kong problems). By the way, this is going to be my first international flight, would it also be helpful if I would travel first to other countries like Singapore, Thailand or HongKong?

    1. It would help if you can travel to a non-visa country first, in my opinion. I think you are not considered as students anymore, since you have graduated already. But I think it would help if you can provide school certificate that you just graduated. I assume your parents will be funding your trip? If so, submit their documents from the bank, COE, and ITR to prove that they can fund your trip. Good luck!

  186. Hello! 🙂 balak ko po sana na mag apply ng tourist visa sa SK for my trip next year, I am currently working at a National Gov’t Office as CONTRACTUAL/JOB ORDER, Is it true na exempted daw po kami sa ITR? Pero kumuha naman po kami dati ng TIN. Ano po kaya ang magandang gawin namin para maapproved po ung VISA? Thank you po

  187. Hi ms. Dre ask ko lang

    1.) Anu po isasagot sa Q 1.7 national identity no.
    2.) Q 3.7 do u have any other valid passport? Un po ba yung old passport nten na ni-renew?
    3.) Emergency contact info. Panu po kung ung contact person ko kasama ko din mag travel. Sya prin po ba ilalagay ko?
    4.)Q 9.4 address in korea & contact no. In korea. Wala pa po kasi kmi booking sa hotel. Plane ticket plang. Anu po ilalagay na sagot?
    5.) Q10.2c funding details po. Ako po mag provide. Anu po ilalagay sa type of support?

    Sorry po dameng tanung. Plan po namin mag file 1st week of december. Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi Ailene!
      1) Already answered this on my post.
      2) You should only have one valid “active” Philippine passport. This refers to another passport, like maybe a US passport, if you’re a dual citizen. “No” should be your answer, unless you have another valid passport.
      3) Yes, you may do so.
      4) Just type in the hotel that you plan on booking. Contact # can be N/A.
      5) In 10.2 type in “MYSELF”, the next fields abcd should be N/A.

      Good luck!

  188. Hi dre, i would like to ask nung typewritten yung application form mo binago mo ba ang format since na may nabago sa original format nia and yung sa may mga countries na napuntahan mo na need pa ng photocopy ng stamped?

    1. Hi Charm! I made sure that I did not change the formatting of the document, but don’t be scared of the initial popup that MSWOrd might change the format, it doesn’t really do much changes. Just “Save As” the document and start typing. Make sure that your answers won’t move the pages to another. As for the countries visited, you don’t need to submit the stamped photocopy of your passport.

  189. ask ko lang maam regarding sa current address at permanent address do i need to fill it up kahit same lang naman ? nakalagay kasi write if it is different po

  190. Hi! Ask ko lng doon sa part na husband kung ilalagay ko ba address & no ng Mr ko sa korea ,he work as an OFW sa korea? Im planning to get a visa this coming Dec. para ma visit Mr ko sa chinese new year. At doon sa funding details kung ilalagay ko ba name nya? Thanks!

  191. Hi! I have a question po regarding sa korean visa application? I don’t have work but i have bank accout and creditcards. Is it possible na maapprove ako for visa? Thanks!

    1. To be honest, the people with higher chance to get approved are the ones who are employed. Are you a housewife? A student? If yes, you can apply for those kinds of visa. Good luck!

        1. If you’re employed by your aunt, then your aunt should at least take tax from you, so you can file an ITR every year. Another option is for your parents (should be employed) to sponsor your trip.

  192. Hi Dre!!

    Just a question, okay lang ung yung bank cert and bank statement ko dated last week pa and this Friday ako mag apply. Appreciate your response 😊

      1. Thanks Dre!!

        Ito po last question pasensya na 😔

        Tanong ko lang ang only travel history ko lang abroad are Macau and HK.

        Entry in Macau June 23
        Then Hongkong June 23-29
        Macau again June 29 -30

        Lahat po ba ng 3 yan ilalagay ko or pagkasyahin ko nalang in a line?

        Salamat pooo!!

  193. Hi! I have gathered all the needed requirements for my application however my problem is that my coe only had the trunk line# of our headoffice in w/c you still need to ask to be connected to HR department. Do you think that would be a problem? Furthermore, i’m working at a provincial branch (cebu) but our HR mainoffice is at Makati.

  194. Hi! I was supposed to get my visa today kaso hindi ako umabot sa schedule. can I claim it on some other dates, like tomorrow? thank you 🙂

      1. thank you, the scheduled travel is on the 25th, hindi lang kami umabot. anyway, thank you for your reply. nabawasan anxiety ko 🙂

      1. Okay, but my problem is mag kaiba kami ng surname and middle name, since nephew ko siya sa mother side. Posible kaya mag karon ng conflict yun on my part? Yung nephew ko kasi pang 4th na punta na niya sa korea ngayon. So mag kakaron na siya ng multiple entries sa visa. Ako naman 1st time mag tatravel outside the country. 🙁 I’m worried na baka mag karon kami ng problema.

        1. Are you the sister of his parent? If so, then get the birth certificate of the parent that would match with yours. So there would be 3 birth certificates, one from you, the parent who’s related to you, and your nephew’s.

  195. Hi po! (I’ve applied for a visa last tuesday)
    There’s a part in the application form that I *mistakenly* did not filled up(I thought it’s for the “others” & asked my companion if I should write something but said it’s for the “others” #sorryformystupidity) but I have supporting documents regarding to that part (I submitted my Original school certificate & copy of my ID). I really can’t sleep because of that. I’m a student and my mom would provide my travelling expenses (I submitted my mom’s financial documents that has a lot worth of money that I couldn’t say it in the internet) & I also went to other OECD countries. Pls pray for my visa :'( I will claim it tomorrow).

      1. UPDATE: I GOT APPROVED! Thank you Lord! even though I didn’t answered the application completely 🙂 (the whole 7.2 section) Thanks for this blog post 😀 I should start looking for winter clothes!

        1. Congratulations!!! Thank you for the update.
          A good tip: get jackets with fleece, get thermal wear like Heattech from Uniqlo, and don’t forget to get thermal socks, too. It can get really really cold. Have fun on your future travel! 🙂

  196. Hello dre! Ask ko lang if ever ggamitin ko yung bank certificate at statement na nakuha ko last 2weeks then nkapagwithdraw ako ng pera don 20k, okay lang ba if ever na mgddeposit ulit ako 20k para mabalik ko yung nawala para kpag ngconfirm sila sa bank, makikita nila na ganun pa dn balance ko?

  197. Hello i have question po sa visa application..
    What is this section #8 details of sponsor
    8.1 do you have anyone sponsoring you for the visa?
    (abcde)

    -ibig sabihin po ba nito if mayroon kaming korean resident na nag invite to sponsor our visa? Ganun po ba yun? If wala po put n/a nalang diba?

  198. Hi!! Thanks for this info!! AHm just want to ask bah.. nag fill up ko sa visa application form then naai nkasuwat ngadto nga sponsor details and funding details ahm .. do i have to write my korean friend as my sponsor?? thank u

  199. Hi Ms. Dre,

    Mag ask lang po ako. May friend kasi ako at ang husband niya ay factory worker sa Korea. Yung husband niya ay 4 years na nag work doon. Itong friend ko ay gusto sana mag bakasyun sa Korea. Ano po ba ang dapat niyang gawin para ma grant siya na maka pag tourist visa doon. I know mahirap sa part niya kasi pag pupunta siya at lalo na andon husband niya ay iba ang nasa isip ng embassy ata. May dapat ba siyang gawin para ma prove niya na ang intensiyon niya ay tourist lang talaga.

    Salamat

    1. Just make sure that she can complete all the requirements for the visa application. If she can provide documents that can prove that she has strong ties here in the Philippines, that would be good as well. If makapag-book siya ng flights with return tickets, mas okay din po. Kung meron po siyang trabaho sa Pilipinas, mas iisipin ng embassy na babalik siya, lalo na kung maayos ang trabaho niya dito.

  200. Hi miss dre, ask ko lang po nag.apply po ako kanina tapos binalik yung papers ko kasi kailangan nang stamp nang bir and original coe. Sinabihan ko yung consul na yung itr po namin at tsaka coe is mag.request lang thru online(print out). Makakuha kaya ako nang itr sa bir na may stamp?

    1. Hi Cane,
      I believe you can go to BIR and ask for a printout with stamp. As for your COE, please go to your Employer to get one. Let them know that it is for a visa application.

      1. curious lang, bakit need me stamp ang BIR? Saan po kayo Ms Cane nagpasa ng application? Dito po ba sa Manila?

        Sa amin kasi wala na stamp ang ITR, ang office na namin nagfa-file sa BIR
        bigyan lang kami ng copy. I believe ganun din sa ibang companies…

        1. I only submitted what my company provided, however, Cane is being asked for an ITR with stamp, so it’s best to just provide what the embassy asks for.

  201. Hi Dre,

    This is very informative! Thank you! I just have a question, though. I’ll be traveling with my boyfriend and his family next year. Since you mentioned that families should submit their applications together, should I submit mine separately? Or could I submit it together with theirs?

      1. Thanks, Dre! 🙂 Another question, my boyfriend’s Dad is retired but is still not considered a senior citizen. He’s 56, if I’m not mistaken. Will he still fall under the Retired Senior Citizen category?

        1. In the Philippines, we consider “Seniors” as 60-years-old, so I don’t think so. Does he have any documents to prove that he is retired? If so, he might be able to use that.

  202. Hello po. Ofw po ako dito sa saudi. DH po at plano ko sana pumunta ng korea with my friend sa april 2017. Ano po yung dapat na requirements sa tulad naming DH kc wala naman pong certificate of employment na binibigay. Salamat po. Sana po masagot nyo yung tanong ko. Tagal na po ako nagreresearch kaso wala akong mahanap na best answers. Single po kami kaya di rin pwede yung requirements para sa mga housewife.

    1. Hi Raiza, do you have an agency? Kung meroon kayong agency, pwede kayong manghingi ng COE sa kanila. Ang alam ko, hindi na kailangan ng ITR ang OFW. Kaya ang pag-aapply ninyo ay Employee visa pa rin.

  203. Hi! I have a question. My family and I will be travelling to Korea this December. My dad and I employed, mom housewife and 2 siblings students. On part 8 in the app form, details of sponsor — do you have anyone sponsoring you for the visa? What do we write there? Is it N/A since we’ll be applying on our own (no Korean contact) or do we write my dad’s name since it’s a family trip and he’ll be paying for all the expenses? Thanks!

  204. Hi Dre!

    Thank you for this post. Me and my husband has plans for visiting Korea next holy week. We have no plane tickets yet. Husband wants to apply for visa then if approved tsaka buy ticket. Me naman wanted to buy na our tickets habang maaga pa and mas mura pa ng konti. What would you advise? Ayaw na kasi ni husband magforfeit ng promo ticket. Worry kasi namin baka pag di kami na-approve masayang lang plane ticket namin. Maliit lang din laman bank account namin. By the time na mag-apply na kaming visa sa January, estimated ko at 150k lang yun joint account namin. Meron kaming expired japan visa (2015 travel) pero bago yun passport namin pag nag-apply. Thanks in advance.

    1. You can apply for your visa 2 months before your departure date. I usually just book the tickets, then worry about the visa later. I’ve done that twice, and been approved twice. If you have traveled to Japan, then you have a good chance of getting approved, so in my opinion, enjoy the cheap air fare 🙂

  205. hi, my daughter just graduated from college last nov. 24, 2016, and she is 21 years old, so on her application do i have to check unemployed..? she will be travelling with my cousin, i am the one who will shoulder all her expenses as a graduation gift for her, and definitely in 9.8 i wont be checking yes if traveling to Korea with any family member?

  206. Hi dre! I just saw the updated visa announcement from korean embassy website last august 2016. “Applicants, especially the First Time travelers, are advised to personally claim their visas. An interview with the Consul may be required before the result of the application is given. E-6 Applicants/Entertainers, must personally appear for an interview before the visa can be issued.”
    I live in cagayan de oro and balak ko po sana ipasubmit yong docs ko sa friend ko na travel buddy ko ppuntang sokor. We are first time traveller, is it really necessary for me to appear in korean embassy? Sino kaya ang mga first time traveller jan? Thanks

  207. Hi! I have a question.

    Based on the Korean application form, my question dun kung where will you stay during young stay date. Wala pa ako masulat dun kasi ayoko muna magbook ng hotel kasi di pa naman sure ang visa ko. what will I do? is it advisable to book a hotel kahit wala pa korean visa or leave ko lng ng to follow or n/a?

    hoping for your response..

      1. thank you for your help.

        How about my COE. I have requested that last Nov.16,2016.. pero sa Dec 16 pa ako mag apply ng korean VISA. mag matter kaya yun or ok lng? what do you think?

  208. Hi Dre!

    My best friend and I are planning to go to Korea probably next year. But unfortunately, I have a problem with her job. Her company doesn’t require them to pay tax because she was under agency. So meaning wala po sya binabayaran na tax. And that’s my problem. Is it possible cause to denied her application?

  209. Hi! This had been running through my mind for a long time.
    Lahat na ng blogs and even sa site ng Korean Embassy di masagot yung tanong ko.

    My sister is a US Military Personnel stationed in South Korea, rn.
    I am going there by Dec. 23. However, I haven’t fixed my visa yet because of too many conflicts with the requirements.

    I was about to apply as an employed applicant, however my personal bank account suddenly closed my account without prior notice. I don’t have any back-ups for that. My Payroll account is only prepaid, the bank can’t give me a Bank Certificate, only Bank Statement. I also requested my HR for a COE, sadly, they don’t give COE under probation. (I am going to talk to our HR once again and ask if they can reconsider it).

    That’s my first choice.

    My second one is to ask for my US Military personnel sister to invite me, since I’ll be bringing her children to her.
    I don’t know what are the requirements for this, as the Korean Embassy site didn’t post anything related to this. I also tried calling them and still failed to get any information as they always drop the call whenever the try to pass me on the Consul.

    Any advise?

    I really need to get this done. I would be glad to see any response from you. Thanks.

    BTW, this blog is really helpful. Thanks

    1. Hello Marivic! I wish I can help you regarding this, but I believe the best person to help you is your sister. She can ask the embassy in South Korea on how to bring you guys there for a visit. Her kids can submit student visas, because I assume they are students. Are you married? If yes, maybe you can apply as a housewife, and you can submit your husband’s documents. Good luck!

      1. I already went to the Korean Embassy and asked for the requirements.

        They give me the list of requirements for Employees, and also for Married Military Personnel Stationed in Korea (without the marriage docus, since she’s my sister).

        What I am afraid of is, I can’t provide ITR and bank certificate.
        I am going to write a letter, with my lawyer, telling that I can’t give them these two.

        I am not married. (sad thing lol, no boyfriend either, sad life, hahaha!)

        Goodluck to me.

        I’ll update you, once I got the visa.. Hopefully they will approve my application.

        Thank you! ^^

        1. No boyfriend or husband does not equal to sad life! (I don’t have those, too.) 🙂

          Good luck, Marivic! I really hope that it works out and you can go to SoKor. It’s such a beautiful country. *Sending good vibes!*

          1. I just got to the embassy earlier. I failed to secure a COE. However, I just marked myself as unemployed having my sister as my sponsor. I gave every documents needed for the sponsorships. Bank Statements, COE, Deployments and such since she is a U.S military personnel stationed in Kore.

            Sadly, the woman in the window 1 didn’t accept my application because I don’t have COE.
            She said, “NO WORK NO VISA”.

            I just don’t get it, why put an option as unemployed on your application form? Why other unemployed got approved? Some didn’t even gave sufficient documents.

            It’s frustrating. Good thing, they didn’t stamped on my passport. I will reapply on monday again.

          2. I already got a COE. After showing my frustrated face at my Team Leader lol. However, they’re asking for Bank Certificate and Statement of Account. I can’t provide Bank Certificate because I only have a prepaid account and the bank says they really can not release. My statement of account has only 1 month, as I only have prepaid account for payroll.

            I told her that my sister would be the one who’s sponsoring my trip and all. She saw my sister’s bank statement/bank certificate, she didn’t accept it and said she can not validate it. I wonder why.. This is so frustrating. Good thing,My ticket is the regular/special one that means I can still rebook my flight. But still..

            I will ask my bank to release a letter regarding my issue. Hopefully, they’ll make and the Embassy would accept it. My one last move.. 🙁

          3. Hey, Marivic, that’s unfortunate. I do hope that this time you will be able to apply for the visa. I’m wishing you the best of luck!

  210. Anyone here na nag apply and approved naman ang visa even if maliit lang ang monthly salary sa work around 12k lang every month. Nurse lang po kasi ako pero okay naman po pasok ng pera sa bank account ko.. like i can prove that i can finance my travel naman medyo hindi lang okay ang monthly salary..
    sobrang nervous lang talaga malapit na kasi kumuha ng visa nakaka kaba!! Like i think of it every single day..

    Any feedback will be very much appreciated.. huhu 😭

  211. hi ask ko lang if how about if student ang mag aapply but walang school certificate possible ba na kahit yung card nalang thanks

          1. Hi Dre! I’m so happy you are still answering queries untill now. It has been a year and you are still a big help for us with anxious hearts and minds.

            Please help me with my situation. Here’s my predicament:

            1. I am transferring to UP Open University from UP Diliman. But I need to apply for VISA this January already. UP D cannot give me a school certificate because I already am not enrolled this sem. UP OU trisem will only start in April. I don’t know what to do. Please enlighten me about substitute documents or steps to take. Thanks.

          2. Maybe you can show them your transfer papers. Better yet, talk to UPD and let them know about your predicament. They might have encountered the same issue with other students and might be able to give you an alternative for a school certificate. Good luck!

  212. Hi Dre,

    Baka may pwede ka ma recommend na bus tour for daytour only (Nami Island and Ski Resort) bali 2 places in 1 day. Kami lang kasi ng asawa ko, then balak ko mag avail nalang sa tour.

    Thanks

      1. Okay. Thanks!

        Also, I already have my Certificate of Employment with me, but I am planning to submit my application on the first week of January pa. Okay lang ba yun, maco-consider pa ba yung COE even if dated ng December?

  213. Hello, is it okay if I miss the date written on the claim stub, by a few days? I’m supposed to claim my passport this thursday but something came up so I can only come back on monday. Thank you 🙂

    1. If I am not mistaken, you can claim it within a month’s time, but if someone else can claim it for you on your scheduled date, please let them.

  214. Hello dre! Thank u for posting this blog. Its very helpful. I need advice lang and I hope u’ll cater my quiries. Me and my friend have not travelled to other countries before and this will be our first time. So im kinda worried since 6 months ang preparation nmin for this trip. Do we have a big chance of magpassist kami ng visa sa travel agency or is it best pa rin na personal ng magpunta sa embassy? Ung friend ko lang ang pwdng magappear sa embassy pra mgpasa ng requirement nmn since im far from mnl. Thank u for reading 😘

    1. Hi Clair! There are a lot of first time travelers that have been given a tourist visa. Just make sure that all your documents are complete and valid. Someone mentioned that first time travelers to South Korea should make an appearance when applying for a visa, because the embassy may have additional questions from the applicant. Regarding getting assistance from travel agents, it is not a guarantee that you will be approved if you hire a travel agent, because they will just pass your requirements just like regular applicants. The embassy still has the last say if you get the visa or not.

      1. Oh so its still the consul’s discretion? 😔 i though p nmn na guaranteed visa approved pag nagpatravel agency. Do you have any suggestion na travel agency na pwd kmi magpassist? Thanks Dre!

  215. Hi po i just want to ask po. If tumatawag po ba ulit ung embassy for verification? Tumawag po kasi sila sadly po hindi ko nasagot dahil nsa byahe ako.. Thank you po in advance sa reply..

  216. Hi, Dre! My friends and I booked a flight to Incheon in June of next year. We are to apply for a student visa. My mom and my siblings will fund my trip (because I’m graduating next year (h o o r a y!!) buuuuttttt it’s indicated in the requirements that I need to provide my mom’s ITR. My worry now is that my mom doesn’t have one because she is my older siblings’ dependent. I don’t know what to do lol 🙁 And also, what if my dad has passed away? Do you think I still need to provide his death certificate along with the other requirements? Thanks in advance!!!

  217. Hello Dre, I have a Korean boyfriend and I am planning to go in Korea this coming February, he will give me an invitation letter and he will provide all my needs in staying in Korea. My question is for the requirements needed, I only have 5XXX salary a month and work in a government for contractual and my boyfriend want me to stay for a long time. Is it possible to get approved my VISA? Thankyou!

  218. Hello po.

    about funding details po, Paano po kung ang gagastos ng trip ko is both myself and my parents.
    1) should i still get the necessary documents of my parents? since magpapass din po ako ng documents ko required for employees
    2) need pa po bang magpagawa ng affidavit of support?
    3) on 10.2, should i put myself and parents there? and put on 10.2.a is both my name and my parents?

    Thank you po for reading and answering.

  219. Hello! May I ask, can my auntie from the Philippines or my uncle from US sponsor my trip? Both won’t be coming with me to SK. What documents kaya do I have to present?

  220. Hello Dre!

    my parents and I are going to travel to SoKor soon. what if my parents will only shoulder the expense on the airline ticket,
    1) should i put it in the funding details? “myself and my parents”?
    2) what type of support should i write?

    1. The expense in the application should be for the trip minus the airfare. If you will fund your expenses in SoKor, then put “yourself”. If your parents will help, support is Financial.

  221. Hi, just a quick question. Medjo na-confuse lang ako sa answer regarding kung ilang months na ang bank account. You said in your post na it’s okay na hindi 6 months old ang account basta papasa sa 3months ADB, but in the comments, you said na it has to be at least 6 months old… I’d like to confirm lang if it’s safe to pass a 4-5-month old account?

    (I just opened a passbook savings account today — passbook sana para hindi ko magalaw – and I’m planning to apply for a visa on April, if hindi kasi safe na mag-pass ng at least 6 month old, I’ll use my ATM savings nalang…)

    Thank you!

  222. Im going to apply for my Korean visa this coming Feb 2017 because ive got a chance to book in CebuPac and my flight would be on March 2017. It would be my first time to travel and one of my friends been travelling around the world for quite some time na, can he represent the group para dun sa OECD? Medyo kinakabahan kasi ako sa visa huhuhu and i badly want to go to Korea. And regarding sa bank account? Can i use my payroll account since it is savings acct din naman? dun na rin kasi ako naglalagay ng ipon ko and sakin naman nakapangalan.

    1. Hi Gene! Only the ones with OECD visa can represent themselves. They do not just look at whether you have traveled before or not, they look at the application as a whole, so just make sure that your documents are complete and valid. And yes, you can use your payroll account.

  223. Hi Dre,

    Can I still apply for Korean Visa even though my employer is from US? Is the COE is still valid? Please let me know. I was resigned last November 15, 2016, so my current Form 2316 is from my previous employer. Is that also valid?.Thank You.

    1. Yes, the COE should be valid even if your employer is from overseas. As for your ITR, they require the current year’s ITR, so if it’s for this year, what you should have is 2015 ITR.

  224. Hi, ask ko lang kasi kaka resign ko lang sa work so plan ko sana magapply ng visa for korea pero supported ng parents kasama ko sila. Okay lang kaya na wala ako coe pero may affidavit of support na ipass? Thankyou!

  225. Hello po! I am applying for a student visa kaso po I encountered a problem. I was required to pass a Certificate of Employment of my parents kaso po my mum is a housewife and my dad is an OFW, can I ask him to send a softcopy of his COE? If not naman po ano pwedeng solution?

  226. Hello ms dre
    ask ko lang po
    Tapos na akong mg file ng visa nong december20
    Din binigyan ako ng stab sa embassy para sa realesing date ngayung December28
    May interview paba ako ?
    Slamat po.

  227. Hi. I’m planning to take my Lola next year to SK. I previously visited Seoul last May 2015 and have one single entry(used) and one multiple entry (unused) visa for Japan. Ipapasa ko ba yung application ko sa OECD window or same window with my Lola’s application? I’ll be funding it too but using a bpi payroll acct. Prob is lagi ko syang na eempty since hindi ko talaga iniiwanan ng balance yung acct n yun so I’m worried regarding the adb req. Any tips?

    1. Follow up question: since I’m the one funding, need pa ba magpasa ng ibang proof of relationship (ex. My dad’s birth cert)? My Lola and I have the same last name.

      Thanks

    2. As per most of the comments here, it is okay to use your payroll account. As long as the account is not too stagnant for the last 3 months, then that’s fine. Hindi naman yun ang #1 na tinitignan ng embassy. It is the overall application. As for passing sa OECD window, the one by the door will assign which window you will submit your applications to. Since she’s your grandmother, proof of relationship is needed, your dad’s birth certificate, to show that she’s your lola, and yours too.

  228. Hi. Would you know if it is okay to submit my itr2015 this jan 16? Im planning to apply on jan 16 however my company cant provide me itr 2016 yet. Will this be an issue? Also, my itr 2015 was issued by my previous employer. I started working with my current company last march. Pls advise me regarding the itr. Thanks

  229. Hi! I’m planning on applying for a visa this coming June with my friends. The thing is I am a fresh grad, and my 1st job is contractual. My company, for some reason cannot provide me with TIN. I tried applying for TIN as an unemployed, but the BIR I went to said it wasn’t possible. He said there was a new rule last 2015 regarding this. So I thought maybe I could get my mother as my financier for the trip instead. I was wondering if it is correct that I submit all her documents instead of mine (ie. Bank certificate, ITR, COE)? or would it help if I included my bank certificate and COE as well?

    Thanks a lot!

    1. Why are you applying as an unemployed, when you have a job? Even if you’re a contractual worker, your employer should pay your taxes.

      Please refer to: http://www.rappler.com/business/features/78331-askthetaxwhiz-contractual-employee
      “Yes. All gainfully employed individuals, whether full-time, part-time, or contractual are subject to withholding tax on compensation. As part-time or contractual, you are not allowed to claim personal or additional exemptions.

      Using the revised withholding tax table, P3,708.25 ($82.93*) or at least 20% effective tax rate will be withheld from your monthly salary.”

      If you’re a fresh grad, my company is looking for new employees. Maybe you should work for mine.

      1. I know. It’s really frustrating. If your company accepts graphic designers, I’d gladly apply :). I can’t find another way to get my own tin number that’s why I was thinking maybe I could get my mom as my financier for the trip.. would it help? Also, this is my 1st out of the country trip, if ever.

        1. That’s too bad, we don’t. But try applying to Movent 🙂
          If you can get your mother as your financier, that would be okay, however, are you traveling alone?

          1. No, I’ll be travelling with my friends. Both of them have been out of the country several times, one of them has been to SK once too. So I think it will be easier for them to get a visa. If my bad luck gets in the way.. I’ll be the only one who can’t go :((

    2. Hi Dre!

      I’d like to update lang na I am with a new company now (YEY) and I’ve started paying my taxes last February, which means I still have no ITR.. I’m wondering if they will understand this based on my COE? Thank you!

      1. Yes, they would understand that you’re new to the company and can’t provide an ITR. And congratulations on getting a new job 🙂

  230. hi! 🙂 I already received my visa last december 23 and it was APPROVED multiple entry 🙂 for 3 years .. though i dont have any plan pa naman na magpunta. I just used my BDO card and I was exempted from bank certificate , ITR di rin nila hinanap yung bank statement although dala ko naman yung passbook ko to submit. May i know your itinerary to korea?

          1. mam isa pa pong question hehe. dun po sa application form na “If travelling with a Family Member”. kelangan po talaga ay parents,sis or bro? mga tita and pinsan ko po kasi kasama ko, so hindi ko na sya kelangan ilagay?

          2. There’s already a note in the application form “Note: Definition of a Family Member – your spouse, father, mother, children, brothers and sister” – so “No”, you don’t have to put the names of your relatives on the form. 🙂

    1. Hi Ms. Tsarm! May i know what type of bdo card you have? And what else did they ask you as requirements? And did you personally apply sa korean embassy? Thanks in advance!

      1. BDO gold supplementary lang ako .. then yung bf ko nag apply para sa akin wala ako bank statement na naprovide sa bdo kaya pinadala ko yung passbook pero di na nila kinuha ..

        1. So, if magapply ako for myself i’ll just go there and present my bdo card? Or i still need to bring my bank statement and bank cert? Cause i don’t have coe eh. Thanks again.

          1. meron ako COE , exempted lang naman sa BDO ang ITR at bank certificate in my case di na nila hinanap ang bank statement

        2. So, i still need to provide my coe but the itr and bank cert okay na kahit wala as long as i have my bdo card? Thanks again.

  231. Hi may I ask if you have for a retired employee receiving pension monthly? My mom is not yet a senior citizen but they have this company privilege that can retire if they reached of a maximum 30 yrs in service. She don’t have an ITR but she has this proof of pension that was issued last yr april 2015.

    And I am also an employed who is planning to submit a visa together my family, I can support naman my trip but could it give me a higher chance if I would submit it together with my family though I’ll be the one to shoulder my trip.

    1. If you’re applying as a family, you should submit your applications together, regardless if you’re applying as an employee, since each individual should submit their own application based on their status (employee, student, housewife, etc.)

      Your mother can have the proof of pension as a backup document if she doesn’t have an ITR.

      1. Hi Thank you for answering.

        Are they strict with the consistency of documents? We just found out that there is a problem with my dad’s birth place, His birth place on the passport is Bulacan but on the Marriage Cert Nueva Ecija. I’m kind of worrying if it would affect our chance of getting approved.

        and btw, can I still write that I will be paying for myself though we are applying as a family? I dont want to add burden to my mom’s expenses of 3, I’m prepared for this trip naman, I’m just waiting for dates of visa application in line with our targeted date of trip.

        1. Yes, you can still say that you are funding your own trip. As for the consistency of the birth place, just have a backup document, like a birth certificate that would reflect the real birth place of your father.

          1. Hi thank you so much! Will inform you regarding our application. I read your blog everyday because I’m so anxious of this whole visa application. HAHAHA
            Thank you, and God bless you 🙂

  232. Hi! I would like to know , im an OFW working in UK..il be in PH this january. I plan to go to Southkorea for 6 days to attend a concert, i was wondering if i apply in PH for the tourist visa , do i need to present a bank statement from PH? I only have bank statements from a bank in UK and will i be able to use the visa from UK? Coz il be going back by feb 1, im traveling from Unitedkingdom to South Korea. Will the south korean tourist visa approved in PH be valid if i used it i while i travel from UK? Please i really hope you can answer this question. Is it a must to present the flight details and hotel accomodation?

      1. Hi Ms. Dre!

        Joint account din kami ng husband ko. 2 bank certificates and 2 SOA din isusubmit namin?

        Based dun sa embassy website meron sinasabi na

        * Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

        Once pa lang kami nakapunta ng OECD country, so hindi kami kasama sa exempt from submitting ITR?

  233. Hi, I’m planning to go to Korea this May 2017. First time ko mag travel ng out of the country, okay lang ba yung 50k sa bank account? And I will use my payroll account kasi. 😊

  234. Hi!i just would like to ask ung isang kasama kasi namin is working online hence he does not file ITR but he can get a coe from his employer.Ok na ba yun?Thanks!

  235. Hello! I already got my bank certificate from BDO, and told them to include all those required information, but they told me that for Korean visa, only the account type and the amount of the account are included in the certificate. Would this be okay? Thank you.

    1. Based on the Korean embassy website, they require the following on the bank certificate:
      – Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)

      I got mine from BDO, and I have all those information when I requested for mine.

  236. Hello!!!

    I am planning to travel to Korea with my friends on July. I’m a student. And ang concern ko sa pagkuha ng visa ay yung Parent’s Documents. Yung father ko kasi 2 years nang retired pero yung mother ko working pa sa government. Kelangan ko pa ba isubmit yung documents ng both parents ko or pwedeng sa mom ko na lang since siya naman yung working pa? And kelangan ko pa ba isubmit yung ITR ng father ko? Nabasa ko din pala sa ibang travel blogs ng students na they had to submit Affidavit of Support, is that true if parents ko naman and ako ang magffund ng travel ko? Thank you so much in advance! I apologize sa dami ng tanong ko. :))

    1. Hi AJ. Yes, you may submit your mother’s documents, including her ITR. In my brother’s case, he’s a student, we did not submit an Affidavit of Support, but this is a whole family travel. I think it would be best to get one, if you’re not traveling with your parents.

      1. Hello i have question po ulit ms dre. Sobrang nalilito lang talaga and don’t know what to write..

        1. Sa section 7 (employment details) ano po dapat ko ilagay sa name of company, address and phone number ng company? Im working as a nurse po kasi and governement employee ako.. ano po dapat kong ilagay yun sa hospital po bang address and phone number where i am currently working or dun mismo sa company ko which is yun rizal provincial governemnt details?

        2. I will declare my mom will be sponsoring my trip pero hindi po sha kasama sa pag alis ko.. she has 2 bank account which really has a good bank record.. problem is yung isang bank ay commercial bank lang na hindi talaga well known.. dito lang around sa area namin yun branch na yun.. the other one naman po ay dollar account sa BPI.. Kasi she’s a goverment employee also working in the philippines.. hindi po kaya ma question kung bakit may dollar account mami ko.. nag ssave sha dun kasi yun tita ko nasa u.s nag papadala dun.. pero matagal na din po yun bank account nya na yun.. my question is ano po magandang ipasa na bank cert and bank statement niya? Please help me po.. sobrang nervous na me.. your feedback will be very helpful ms. dre.

        1. 1) Put the contact details of where you are actually working. It should match what is in your COE.
          2) You may submit both bank details. It doesn’t matter if it is not a well-known bank, as long as it is a legit bank. It is okay to have a dollar account, my father has one, too.

          Good luck!

          1. Waaaaah thank you so much ms dre. Sobrang nervous na kami kasi malapit na.. thank you po for always answering whenever we’re doubting mwaaaah 😘

  237. Hi! My girlfriend and I will be applying for the visa next thursday. She willb e coming from UAE to apply her visa here in PH for SK. Given that she’s an OFW for almost 5 year, she doesn’t have any ITR in hand, another thing is she already applied for a statement of account in her bank at uae then they gave it to her – however seems that they won’t issue her a bank certificate. Will there be an exception for her in these requirements if this is the case?

    1. As mentioned in the post:
      Question: Do OFWs need to submit an ITR?
      Answer: No, but you need to apply for a “CERTIFICATE OF NON-FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN“. Make sure that at BIR, you are tagged as an OFW.

      I am unsure if she will be given an exemption regarding the bank certificate. If she has another bank, she can use that.

  238. my sister and i are planning to travel on June dis year to south korea .
    my problem was i am unemployed .
    meron naman po akong bank account kasi sakin pinagalan ng father ko yung isang savings niya
    do you think i can apply for the visa ?

    1. If you’re traveling with your sister, maybe get an affidavit of support from your parents, so that they know that you’re at least funded by someone. Housewives and students can get visas because they can be supported by their husbands and parents, so if your parents or sister can help you with that, then it is possible to get a visa.

  239. We will applying for visa this month for our travel next month, i just would like to ask if it is ok if only one or two will go to the embassy to file our application? And i am travelling with my two cousins, do i have to declare it on my application form? Thank you for your very informative blog! God bless always

    1. As mentioned in the post, a representative can submit your application. The only people you can declare on your application is your immediate family, i.e. mother, father, siblings, husband/wife. You don’t need to declare your cousins. 🙂

          1. Ms. Dre i have question coz one of our companion is working in Japan but a Philippine passport holder, can she apply in South Korean embassy in Japan? And if ma-grant sya ng visa, is it valid kung dito sya sa Philippines sya manggaling papunta Korea: Ang flight kasi nya pauwi is on January 26 pa and our flight will be on Feb.22, ang worry nya kasi na baka kasi magahol na sya sa time if dito pa sya mag-aply ng visa. Thank you and God bless!

          2. Thanks Ms. Dre! Ask ko rin yung date na ilalagay sa Declaration, is it the day na nagfill-up ka ng form or date kung kelan mo ipafile yung application? And signature lang ba talaga or need pa isulat yung buong name before ang signature? And saang portion sya ilagay kasi yung vacant parang applicable if legal guardian? tama ba? thanks again! 🙂

  240. Hi! I’m an OFW currently working here in UAE. Me, my siblings and cousins are planning to travel this May to South Korea. Would there be any problem if I apply my Visa here in UAE even if we’ll be departing in the Philippines? Thanks!

      1. Hi!
        Ah, so you mean if I apply my visa in Korean Embassy here in UAE, then approved, no chance na magamit ko siya from Philippines? Thanks!

        1. Hi Emoan, I checked with a friend who lives abroad. She said that you can apply to the South Korean embassy in the country that you are staying at. So yes, you can apply in UAE. 🙂

          1. Hi again!
            1. I still have problem regarding ITR. Both my parents are also OFW and they will be funding the trip of my siblings. As you’ve mentioned, we need to apply for CERTIFICATE OF NON-FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN. Are there any other options aside from that?

            2. For group submission, do we need to put all the documents in a brown envelope? Separate each person’s documents by paperclip? staple it? What is the proper way?

            3. I’ve read some stories regarding denied visas, and most of their reasons of being denied is “Failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea.”. In the application form, after ticking “Tourism/Transit” should I also thick “Other” and add some details on the blank provided? And what should be the best way to answer it? And another reason is “Failed to prove strong family and economic ties to the home country? Do you have any idea on why some people still get this reply?

            4. Lastly, sorry, makulit lang. I just really want to make sure so I can make back-up plans if ever. Haha! So as you’ve mentioned, I can apply here in UAE. Meaning the approved visa, if ever, (*fingers crossed* juicecolored!), that i will be getting here in UAE,valid pag nagtravel ako from Philippines to South Korea?

            Thanks so much!

          2. 1. I am unsure if there is an alternative to that certificate.

            2. Please read “How to submit your requirements”, as it states how to pass the requirements.

            3. In my experience, we only selected “Tourism/Transit”. Some people have commented that they selected “Other” and added more details, however, I am unsure what the best response is, unless you have relatives there, maybe add that you will be touring as well as visiting relatives. For “Failed to prove strong economic ties…”, it may be that the financial standing of the applicant is not too good, for example, unemployed, or not enough balance in the bank.

            4. Your SK visa will be on your passport, it’s like a sticker that they will stick on a page, so yes, you can use that.

          3. Hi!
            Haha! oo nga na mention na pala.
            Anyhow, thank you so much. Your blog is really informative.
            Now back to backreading. 😀

  241. Hello would like to ask if I should provide a copy of COE, bank cert and bank statement for my children since I will be the one sponsoring for our trip or is it ok just to present one set only for us all? Thank you 🙂

      1. Thanks for your quick response dre 🙂 another question do I need to attached an affidavit of support? We will be travelling as a family though.

  242. Hello po,ask ko lang po if possible ma-approved yung visa ko. Kase unemployed po ako and wala pang itr/coe. Ano po kaya pwedeng kapalit nun? And since ang mga Tita ko po ang gastos sa lahat, magpapadala sila sakin ng notarized letter of support from Australia pa.

  243. Hi separate na me sa husband ko like months ago na, tapos am planning to visit Korea this coming Spring season. Ano ba ilalagay ko sa Marital Status Details ko? do i still need to put his infos? or pwede ba na married tapos N/A lang ang ilalagay ko? TIA

  244. hello,

    last august 2014 nag apply ako for student visa but then my visa was denied because we submitted fake bank statement 🙁 ngayun po may work na ako ditto sa manila and planning to tour dis coming October pero kinakabahan ako kasi sabi nyo po banned na for life 🙁 right now legit na lahat ng docs ko. sa tingin niyo po wala ng chance ma approve? thanks

  245. I just wanted to share my frustrations in completing our visa requirements.. so here’s my story.. i am a nurse working in a government hosp for almost 2 yrs with this so called “job order” title with no employee employers relationship, we renew our contract every 3 mos.. i can provide Coe but can’t submit ITR.. it’s very frustrating on our part.. we went 4x at the BIR to get that certificate of non filing of income tax return.. we provided every requirement they asked. Running back and forth from our graveyard shift with no sleep, dealing with traffic and long hours travel just to get there.. and yet they still didn’t give us the certificate that we need.. wasted so much time, effort and money for this but we just end up getting nothing.. since yun pasok lang for getting a non filing of itr certificate are ofws, not employed and who’s just earning minimum wage.. i just can’t really provide any ITR and we are running out of options.. what i can submit as an alternative for ItR is the letter provided by our HR with written explanation why we don’t have tax deduction in our salary.. is there anyone here who get approved even without submitting ITR?.. so complicated ng situation namin 🙁 we’re going to the embassy this friday.. we completed everything but only lack 1 requirement so all i can do is to just hope and pray for the good outcome..

    1. Hi Lauren, that does sound so frustrating 🙁 But I think bring a letter from HR should help in your situation, however, calling the embassy beforehand would be a good move. You can ask them for other alternatives.

  246. Hi dre,

    I really appreciate your blog because it is so informative. 😊

    My friends and I will be applying for korean visa next month and we are a bit nervous because we’ve already booked our plane tickets, travel date will be on march.

    I just have a concern for my COE. I am employed since aug2015. Recently, i was transferred to another affiliated company of my employer effective this jan2017. It was my employer who decided the transfer but i still have same position, salary etc. (i should be in the same company with my other colleagues in my dept.) Everything is the same except the name of employer. I asked our HR what will be my start date written in the COE, they said they will write my actual start date(aug2015). Would it be a problem if the name of employer is not the same in my ITR last year? I just want to prove that I’ve been employed since 2015.

    Should i inform hr to just write the start date this year but it will look that i’m just recently employed. sorry for the long message. Hoping for your feedback. Thank u!

    1. That’s no problem. That’s what happened to me last year. Everything is the same except for our employer’s name, but our HR still wrote my original hire date, which was in 2013. They usually call the HR, so make sure that your HR is reachable during regular office hours, so in case they have additional questions, someone from HR can answer for you.

  247. Hi… I’m planning to go to South Korea on April 6 2017, is it okay to submit my visa requirements on January 23 2017? Visa is valid for 90 days, right?
    I’m going to submit ITR for year 2015 since ITR for year 2016 is not yet submitted to BIR. Okay lng po kaya un? Thanks

    1. Not all visa are valid for 90days, most are 59days only. It is best to apply for your visa 2months before your flight date. Yes, you may submit your 2015 ITR, as that is the latest you can provide.

        1. Hello ms dre it’s me again.. nag pass na kami ng requirements last friday.. will claim the passport this friday na din.. waaaah im so nervous.. wala kaming itr na naipasa pero nun tumawag kami its okay kung wala daw talaga kasi they will analyze the paper naman daw as a whole.. sufficient po yun amount sa bank account ko (9x,000).. i still passed my mother’s requirements 6-10 also with affidavit of support.. reason ko ay most of the money from my bank account came from her.. i put also in my application that she will support me financially.. okay lang po ba yun miss dre? That i pass her requirements even if i’m employed and have enough money in the bank? Hehehe nakkaa kaba talaga.. pinaka worst part is the agony of waiting…

  248. Hi Dre,

    Just wanna say thank you for helping us out with our visa application. So, my friends and I planned our Korea trip September last year. Our plan is of course to book the flight after we got our visa but, nagkaroon ng promo with Air Asia and we grabbed it, that was last October. Since I wanted to celebrate my birthday there, our stay will be from Feb. 28th to Mar 4th, 2017. We applied for Visa last January 6th. Grabe sobrang nakaka-kaba pala talaga haha. And the agony of waiting if it will be approved or not. Luckily, all 4 of us were granted for a visa. I remembered, ako kasi yung lumapit sa consul to pass our application, she asked me only one thing, if we are working in a same company. I said yes, but, they did not contact naman our HR. I really think nag-matter din na sa isang kumpanya lang kami nagtatrabaho. I’ve read a lot of blogs prior to applying for visa but yours talaga yung ginawa naming guide. Gamsahamnida!

  249. Hi Dre! I have booked a ticket to korea for april 3-11. I am a nurse in Saudi Arabia, but my 3-year contract will end on Feb 4, 2017. I have decided to apply for a visa by the third week of Feb. now, my concern is, by the time I apply for a visa I would be technically considered unemployed as i have decided not to renew my contract. However, I currently have a CONDITIONAL job offer from a government health trust/hospital in the UK, and a pending registration with the UK nursing council. Would it be possible to use my offer letter and proof of nursing registration application instead of a COE? Additionally, do you think I can use my COE from my saudi employer to prove that I have only been recently unemployed? I believe I have sufficient funds in my bank account, so this should not be an issue. Also, I have traveled to 6 other countries (non-OECD) in the last 4 years. I am only hesitant to apply for a visa because of my employment status. And if it matters, I will be going on a solo trip to Korea. What do you think are the chances I will get approved? 🙁

    1. Hi Mariel! I think passing those additional documents would help you in that situation. A COE is only valid if you are currently employed in that company. Can’t you get a COE on your conditional job? That should help, too. They will be reviewing your application as a whole, so if they see that you are capable of traveling to their country, then you have a chance to be approved.

      1. Thank you for your reply dre! Unfortunately, all they can give me is the conditional job offer letter that I mentioned. Anyway, I think it’s worth a try. 🙂

        1. I think it will look promising that you do have that letter. Good luck, Mariel! I love nurses, my sister is one, so I do hope for the best on your application 🙂

  250. What visa should I apply for if I am a freshgrad and is still unemployed? Is it possible to get one? I will be funding the trip on my own as a personal graduation gift and I have no issues with the account balance (I have my own bank account). Oh, and it’ll be my first time to travel alone. Are my chances low? SoKor has been my goal since forever ㅠㅠ

    1. Hi Hel! Get an affidavit of support from your parents. I think this additional requirement should help. If you have a diploma that can show that you just graduated, that should help, too. Good luck!

  251. Hi. I am planning to go to Korea on October with my boyfriend. My worry is, I will resign from my current employer on April (yes nkaplan na, hehe). Few questions:

    1. Let’s say I apply for visa on Sept and my COE will indicate that I have been working on the new company for less than 6months, is still okay?

    2. Regarding the ITR, what year do I need to submit? Is it the 2016 ITR from the old (current) company?

    Thank you.

  252. Hi Dre.

    Im traveling to SK with my Mother and 2 nephews. We applied for our visa today. I’ll be financing my expenses for this trip while my mother will finance hers and my 2 nephews’ expenses. My Mom and I are frequent travellers with Japan and Australian Visas. My nephews have only travelled to Hong Kong.

    1) Is it important to submit the Affidavit of Financial Support? We have the affidavit for my 2 nephews as my mother will support their finances for the trip but we did not submit it since it is not in the list of requirements. The lady at the window did not ask for it as well.

    2) For employees traveling with a family member, is it required to submit birth certificate? My Mom and I did not submit our birth certificates since its not in the list of requirements and also the lady at the window did not ask for it.

    3) Is a copy of senior citizen ID required? My Mom is a senior citizen but she did not submit a copy of her ID because it’s not in the list. I read a while ago in a comment in your article that it should be submitted.

    4) my nephews’ mother submitted her COE, Marriage Cert. ITR. But no bank statements since she does not maintain one. Will that matter? It is my mother who will finace my nephews’ trip.

    Thanks. Hoping for positive results on Thursday.

  253. Hi,

    I’ve already booked my flight to Korea by mid-April. Is it fine to apply already for visa by mid-February? Also, I would like to attach the flight itinerary as additional requirements (hope it will encourage them more to approve my application). Also, I have worries as I am trans but gender identifications on my documents remain “male”. Will this in any way affect my application? Hope you can shed light on this.

    Regards,
    Pia

    1. Yes, you can apply at least 2 months before your flight date. Just add the itinerary at the end of the required documents, it is not really necessary, but you may have it as backup. As for being a trans, I am unsure about this, but they will ask about it, if needed. I don’t believe they discriminate when it comes to that. Good luck, Pia!

  254. Hi! So… I want to apply for a tourist visa and this will be my very first travel outside of the country. So I don’t really know what to do. This blog is really helpful. Thank you!!

    Anyway, I just resigned from my office job and is now pursuing a home-based job. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t give out COEs… at least that’s what I’ve heard. I haven’t really requested one from them as I haven’t a need for it. And that’s my question. I understand that COE is important but in my case, do you know of what I can submit instead? Or can I submit the COE that my company will be giving to me, being that my last day is only this month (Jan 2017)?

    I’m really nervous and a bit scared, not knowing what to do. So any advice would really be helpful. Thank you!!!

  255. Hello Ms. Dre, just want to thank you for answering all my queries. We got our visa na last Jan.20 and all of us 10 were approved! We are all excited to explore South Korea although alam namin bitin yung 4 days 3 nights! Any itinerary suggestions/package tour on how can we maximize our trip. We will be staying in Myeongdong area between Feb.22 to 25. Thanks again and God bless!

  256. Hi Dre! Question lang po. Yung friend ko kasi nasa abroad pa pede ba na ako magapply ng visa for her? Ipapadala nya kasi yung passport nya paguwi ng mom nya dito sa pinas.

          1. Same as an employee’s, but they need to submit additional documents, like I mentioned in the post, CERTIFICATE OF NON-FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN.

          2. Last question na lang po. Okay lang ba if yung bank statement and bank cert nya is from saudi din. Don kasi bank nya eh.

  257. Hi Ms. Dre! Thank you for this blog. My siblings and I are also planning to visit Korea this April. I will be financing their trip since my mother is unemployed. I am married and employed but I don’t really have a big salary. But my bank account can already sustain our whole trip for four days. By the way, 3 of us will go there. I followed the requirements for the employee. My brother is still a student (age 21) and my sister is high school (17 years old) and still a minor. Since, I will be the one to finance our trip, what will be the other requirements that I need to pass? Do i still need to pass an affidavit of support for my brother and sister that will state that i will be supporting them for the trip? how about for affidavit of consent and dswd permit? Since my sister is still a minor and will be travelling without our mother. I hope you can enlighten me with this. Thank you so much!

    1. Make sure that you all have birth certificates to prove that you are siblings. Both affidavits of consent and support are good back up documents to include in your applications. My friend mentioned this to me before, “present documents that can actually help you get a visa”, that includes affidavits of support/consent. Good luck, Maureen!

    2. Hi Dre, how was your application? Did you get approved? Me and my niece will go to SK and I will finance her trip. Her mother is unemployed but has an online job. We are now processing her travel clearance. Affidavit of consent is one of the requirements in getting said clearance. An affidavit of support will be also provided. Did I miss out anything? Thank you very much.

      P.S. Hi Dre! Your blog is very helpful! Keep it up! If you have comment regarding my query, please let me know. 🙂

  258. hi i am an OFW.. at balak q sna mag apply for tourist visa s korea..gusto q kasing manood ng concert dun.. unfortunately wla aqng mappakitang coe at itr.. any suggestions??s bank statement kc wla aqng problema..

    1. OFWs should be able to show a COE. As for ITR, you can apply for “CERTIFICATE OF NON-FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN”. This has been answered from my post 🙂

  259. my visa will expire on feb 21, 2017. i was thingking not using the visa for reason of other commitments (i traveled to china )..if i apply next time a korean visa would it be a denial?

      1. thanks sa reply….another question is about multiple visa for 5 yrs (BDO cc promo)? i have credit cards but not BDO, it is a Platinum card…can i use this for to apply for multiple visa?

  260. Hi Dre! I applied for my visa yesterday, and was given a claim stub indicated to claim my passport on Feb. 9. Unfortunately I won’t be available on that day because of work matters and i can’t send a representative either. Can i claim it on the following day instead? Thank you

    1. Hi Pie! If I am not mistaken, there’s a message on Window 2 that says you can claim your passport within a month. But getting it as soon as you can would be better.

  261. Hello, since may issue ang mga Korean satin regarding dun sa pinatay na korean, makakaapekto kaya yun sa pag apply ng visa? thank you worried lang ako huhuhu

  262. Hello! I just wanna ask since my employer cannot provide 2016 itr because I got hired april 2016. Although I have 2015 itr from my previous employers. Pwde po bang 2015 itr ang ipasa ko sa embassy? Im really worried kasi thank you!

    1. Yes, you may use that. The 2016 ITR, like in my company, has just been filed, and would usually be released to us in March. So it is understandable that your ITR is from 2015.

      1. Thank you for your response, Dre! Do I need to attach a letter indicating reason why I passed my old itr? Or no need na? Im worried kasi.

  263. Hello again Dre! Nilagay ko po kasi sa emergncy contact info is yung mother ko, ano po ilalagay sa d) relationship to you. Is it mother or daughter? Thank youn

      1. Hi possible kaya n makakuha ako ng visa, balak ko kasi mag tour for 5 days sa korea sa bakasyon ko. 30 days lan yun vacation ko me chance kaya na makaprocess within that time? Thankyou

          1. Thankyou. For bir it takes one day lan ba? Or do i need to wait for the release?
            Is it possible if i ask someone to process my itr? Thankyou so much

  264. Hi. May nag-invite sakin na korean family. They will sponsor my whole trip, sakanila din ako mag-sstay. i’ll also stay there for 55 days. I’m planning to apply for visa this week. But, kakatapos lang ng contract ko sa work last jan.31. Do i still need to submit CoE? And ano yung dapat ko pang isubmit kung yung invitor ko ang mag-shoulder ng expenses.

    1. If you’re not currently employed, no need to submit a COE. If invited by a Korean national, you should submit an Invitation letter and a copy of your sponsor’s passport. In their letter, they can state that they will sponsor your stay. I hope that answers your questions.

  265. Hi Ms..Drey ask q lang po unemployed po ako wala po kc akong m ppresent n ITR since ang source of income ko ay online business..ok npo yung bank cert at statement of account bal.ng bank q 4xx,xxx,ang ADB q 170,000,and nag send n din po ng invitation and guarantee letter ung Korean friend ko..May possibility po b n m grant ang visa ko without ITR and COE..
    Your fast respond much appreciated..

    1. If you are self-employed, you have to present the following documents:
      – Copy of Business Registration form from DTI or SEC
      – Copy of Business Permit or a copy of Mayor’s permit
      – Copy of ITR
      – Original Personal Bank Certificate

      But since you have an invite, there’s a good chance for your visa to be granted.

  266. hi dre!! just want to ask if yung bank statement/passbook either sa dalawang yan ang pwedeng ipasa?coz i dont have a passbook..only atm…

  267. Hi,

    My friend and I are planning to travel in South Korea and it’s our first time to travel.

    May I ask if our our ITR need to have stamped recieved by BIR? And can my friend authorize me to get the result of her visa application, if she can make it?

    Thank you.

    Fria

    1. Not necessarily, but it needs to be the one given to you by your employer (if employed). Your TIN should be visible on the ITR form. Yes, a representative can get the visa. Good luck!

  268. Good day! I listed my brother who’s working in south korea in my application form in funding details, do i need to submit any documents coming from him?

  269. Hello! How do they confirm the COE? Do they call the HR? Email? ‘Coz our COE only has the HR’s landline, and as per our frontdesk personnel, our company’s employment verification are done thru email.

  270. Hi Dre! Thank you so much for this blog! It’s very helpful! One question lang, sa Part 1 Personal Details, did you put your middle name sa Family Name or Given Name?

    Many thanks and more powers to your blog!

      1. Hi Dre!

        Thank you very much for your blog. I just checked the SK visa portal and input my details and the status of my applictaion is: APPROVED. Is it most likely the case? I hope it is!! Huhu 🙂

        My schedule to pick up my visa is tomorrow. Pero baka hindi ako makapunta and this Friday ko sana kunin. OKAY LANG KAYA? :/

  271. Hi! Ask ko lang ksi I’m planning to apply for Korean Visa. I’ve always wanted to go to Lotte World and sa mga palaces na nkikita sa mga korean drama hihiihi! May only problem is yung ITR. I’m working sa isang school part time na under ng cooperative and also nagwowork din aq sa family business nmin na realty. I’ve been to Asian countries na then UAE twice and last year Australia (expired visa) tpos now nagapply ulit aq ng Australian Visa waiting na lang. Yung nagapply ksi aq ng Australian Visa ko thru online sinubmit ko lang COE then yung bank statement at bank cert. q walang ITR. may possible kaya na magrant aq ng visa if nagkaroon aq ng australian visa. thanks

    1. Hi Kiesha! If you are also working for your family business, then you should be able to get an ITR from there. The ones exempt from submitting ITRs are those who have been to South Korea twice or more. There’s a good chance that you may be granted a visa if you have been to other OECD countries. It’s best to contact the embassy for more information.

  272. Hi Dre, may mga questions lang ako I hope you can enlighten me..

    My fiance and I will be traveling this April with our 3 yr old son. Can I apply under housewife category then attach ko na lang din yung coe ko (from his mother’s company) then itr ko from my previous (5mos lang ako nagwork) employer? May nagsabi kasi sakin na pag hinanap ang marriage cert I can just say na common law husband/wife kami and not yet married. Nalilito kasi kami and we will be applying our visa next month. Hope you could help us! Thank you ☺️

    1. Hi Maine! My brother-in-law and sister submitted the requirements for an employee. If you are currently employed, apply as an employee. The ITR they will look for is from 2015, since 2016 is usually given in March.

      1. Ah I see. Then yung family lawyer namin will issue na lang daw ng affidavit of support since magfifinance ng whole trip is siya. Okay lang naman siguro yun noh? But I will attach also my papers.. thank you for your help!!

  273. Hi Dre,

    Just wanna ask, do embassy confirm bank statement in the bank? I have declared 56k in my bank statement when I applied for visa but unfortunately I withdrew almost 10k amount emergency kasi. Thank you!

  274. hello dre,mag aaply palang kami ng visa for sk with the family pero isasama ko ang aking pamangkin. yung parents nya ofw. ako ang guardian nya dto. wala kasi bank acct. parents nya. kaya yung bank acct .ko nlang ang gagamitin. pupwede ba ang ganun na bagay? thank you…

    1. Hi Jen! Your pamangkin should get affidavit that you are the guardian. I assume that your pamangkin is a student? If yes, you should follow the student’s requirements; the parents should provide the documents required (if OFW, should have a letter of certificate of non-filing of ITR); For bank details, since you’re the guardian, she can use yours. Good luck!

      1. thank you sa pagsagot mo, paano kung hindi sila nakakuha ng ceriticate of non-fling of itr. pwedeng ako nalang magpagawa dito sa pinas? para sa kanila? tapos iattached konalang yung copy ng passport nila? thank you 🙂

          1. hi dre! again thank you, i have another question. if i dont have a dti . but i have a mayors permit, bec. the store is located in a public market . pwede kahit walang dti? thank you..

  275. Hi. I’ve been reading the comments above and seems like this blog helped lot of people big time in getting their visa. I hope you could help me as well. I’ve been to korea in 2011 twice then went back here before my visa got expired. I had a spouse visa before. Things did not work out for us so I decided to not stay in korea. In 2013 my ex husband said we already divorced but he still wants me to come back. I did not get a visa because I didnt want to come back to him. Now we dont talk anymore I dont have my divorce documents can I use that reason to get a short stay visa? I went to korean embassy because I would like to know if I could get my divorce paper but the guard says no and my ex husband should have sent it to me. So I would like to go to korea to speak to my ex husband personally and to get my divorce paper. I have 200 thousands in my account. But I just opened that account this month because my other account has closed due to not having any transaction the past year but it had almost 200k on it as well that I had to withdraw due to health problems. Meron din akong itr pero nakarender na ako and my last day will be on 23 should I get Coe as well? Kahit na nagreresign na ako? Pls help me I need an answer soon.thanks in advance 🙂

    1. Maybe you can do a visa application as a tourist, then while you’re there, work on getting your divorce papers. If you can apply for a visa before your last day, get a COE. About the bank, they will be viewing your application as a whole, I think they can consider a new bank account, given that you have enough money in it, however, they do require 3-months worth of bank statement, so if you could provide a written explanation for that, I think it would help. Good luck!

  276. I dont know kung napost yung first comment ko since sobrang haba nya. But to make it short. Galing na po ako korea twice just had one year spouse visa. Husband ko dati is korean pero divorce na kami. Pwede ko ba gamiting reason yung kukuha ako ng divorce document namin kasi ayaw isend sakin dati kong asawa. I have 200k sa bangko pero kakaopen ko lang

  277. Hi, I am planning to go to Korea but currently I am unemployed but I have already 2 visa of Korea since 2013. Will there be a chance that I might get denied?

    1. Yes, there’s a chance that you will be denied if you are unemployed. One of the comments from this blog mentioned that the lady in the window said “No work, no visa”.

      1. Hi, same case here. I am currently unemployed pero OFW ako. dumating ako sa pinas 3 months ago, end of contract. registered profesional ako (may bearing kaya yun?). May ITR ako from previous company (2015), matagal na rin yung account ko sa bank at malaki naman ADB ko.May invitation letter din ako galing sa sister ng brother-in-law ko (w/c is a korean citizen living here in the philippines). posible rin ba na madeny ako? thanks

          1. I called the korean embassy. sabi no work no visa daw kahit may invitation from a korean. should i believe them and still continue my application? what do you think?

  278. hi, i plan to go to SK next month with friends. I would like to ask if the time deposit joint account (under my name and my father’s) can be presented for the bank certificate. bank statement for 3 months is only one page because there’s no movement/ transation with the credit amount for a long time. could you please help me on this.

      1. Thank you for the quick response dre. 🙂
        I have a savings account which is for my payroll but the thing is, there’s always no money left in my payroll account because I’ve spent for the payment of my condo. Can I present the payroll account instead?

        I don’t have any other account except the 2 accounts previously mentioned. I’m still employed in the same company for more than 5 years. Do I have the chance of getting my visa approved? Thanks.

  279. Ms. Dre, good am, ask ko lang what is the easiest way to Nami by train? yung mga nasearch ko kc is ang daming train transfer from myeongdong. thank you

    1. Unfortunately, there really are at least two transfers going to Gapyeong Stn for Nami Island.

      From Myeongdong, you alight at Nowon Stn, transfer to Line 7 (Green, Junggye direction); alight at Sangbong (Gyeoung-Chun Line, Mangu direction), then alight at Gapyeong Stn. From there, you can catch a bus, or ride a cab to Nami Island.

        1. Yes, that is correct. But if you plan on going to Petite France, I suggest taking a cab to Cheongpyeong Stn, because it is nearer. Please download the apps mentioned in this article to help you. Especially the subway app.

      1. Thanks Ms. Dre, how many hours/minutes will it take from Myeongdong to Gapyeong based on your suggested train transfers? ty again

  280. Hi mam! Yung sa form 2316 po photocopy or orig copy hinihingi ng embassy? Tska po mapprovide ko lang ung 2015 form 2316 ko from previous employer dhl hnd pa po nakaprovide bago kong employer. Thank you.

  281. I tried to ask my employer for an itr, but they said they cant provide an itr for me coz my wage is just minimum. would you know if i can file my own itr to bir and declare that i just earn minimum? or employer tlg gumagawa ng filing sa bir? help as i need to have itr before i apply korean visa on April. thanks!

  282. Hi Dre,

    Do you know if may fee ang unused Korean Visa? Planning to apply for one although di pa sure yung travel dates ko. 🙂

      1. Thanks Dre! 🙂 Although I read somewhere that there’s a penalty when you won’t be able to use your visa. You’ll be required to apply for a 90-day Visa and pay 1,350.

      2. Thanks Dre! Though I read somewhere na if you don’t use your visa, the next time you apply for one, they’ll require you to apply for a 90-day visa and pay 1,350.

  283. Hi Dre! My friend will go to embassy this coming friday to pass our papers. So if its 5 working days possible release po ba ng visa is on thursday? Or on friday the next week? Complete requirements kami but bothered ako sa ipapasa kong form 2316 dahil from previous employer ko pa un and last 2015 pa po ung form 2316 na un. I attached letter of explanation i made, i stated the reason why i cannot submit recent form 2316 from my current employer. Will that be fine or theres no need to attach it? Sana maapprove visa namin. We are so excited for the trip. I am very anxious nanginginig pa ako while I signed the application form that I almost forgot how to do my own signature lol

    1. The current ITR for 2016 has not been released yet, so it is understood that what you can pass is the 2015 copy. I am unsure if it’s going to be a on a Thursday, it may be on Friday. They will put a date on the claim stub.

      1. Hi Ms. Dre, I have the same case with Jas. I and my friend will be applying Korean Visa next week. My Problem is when I asked my HR about your ITR, she said sa APRIL pa daw namin makikuha yung copy. I am a public school teacher and a first time traveler abroad so normal lang din siguro maging anxious.hehe! I’m happy nabasa ko reply mo about this na it’s okay to pass the 2015 copy which I have as of now. Reading a lot of comments here.. you’re very helpful! Thanks a lot!

        1. Yes, that is correct. You can pass the latest that was given to you, which was the 2015 ITR. If you apply after April, then you should submit the 2016 ITR. You’re welcome and good luck!

  284. Hi po, just want to ask po kung malaking epekto po kung di makakapag submit ng business permit and DTI for some reasons po, pero kaya naman po sustentuhan ung buong trip ko po? By the way I’m a student po applying for a visa po. Thank you po 🙂

  285. Hi, Dre. Thanks for your very informative page. I have several questions though:
    1. What kind of bank account should I present? Should it be a MasterCard? Personal savings account? I only have a debit card used for salary. Are they just the same? I was just confused because we have to present our transaction for the last 3 months. I usually withdraw all my money (all at once) so basically no balance.
    2. By Visa from an OECD country, do you mean the visa attached in the passport? I visited Japan more than 4 years ago.

    Thanks a lot!

    1. Or, Dre, is this alright: I will open another bank account and deposit there the required amount to support my stay (I am invited by a Korean friend) and submit it for bank statement?

      But, if I will have filed it this month and I will go to Korea by May, then I will be short of the required number of months (3) of transaction in the requirement.

      Salamat po!

    2. Hi Kristiana!

      1) You should present a savings account from a bank. It can also be a payroll account. You can also submit both savings and payroll account.
      2) Yes, the visa on your passport.

      1. Hi, Dre! Thanks for replying to my previous queries. By the way, my Korean friend has already sent me a letter. I’m supposed to present it to the embassy, right? I have several Q’s again:
        1.Do they prefer the letter encoded? Mine was handwritten.
        2.Are screenshots of my friend’s letter and passport alright? Should they rather be scanned or printed pdf to be more presentable?
        3.What paper size should they be printed on?
        4.If my friend indicated in the letter my preferred dates of stay but let’s say I came to Korea earlier or later than what was stated, will that not be a problem?
        5. Btw, I already received a certificate of employment from my workplace and my boos only indicated his cellphone number. He has no email add. The school doesn’t have one either. We do not have landline. Then, can I indicate an email add of another administrator whose name does not appear on the certificate? Can the added detail (email add) be handwritten since the certificate has already been printed?

        Pasensya na po sa maraming tanong.

        Maraming salamat, Dre!

        1. Hi Cha!
          1) I am unsure what they prefer, but I’ve seen one applicant at the embassy present a computerized letter.
          2) Much better if scanned copies.
          3) I think the same size as the application, A4
          4) I am unsure about that. Maybe just include a date range, say “between the dates of ____ and ____”
          5) It would be better that the email add is not handwritten. The email address should be your HR’s.

          1. Hi, Dre!

            Thanks always for updating us.

            I’ve been following thru this site and it’s just now (I’ve been reading again since this early morning) that I learned there must be an authority to travel (tho it’s only a backup doc) for gov’t employees. I’m also working in the government. I am supposed to travel all the way from Bikol tonight to apply for a visa (I can’t find any other convenient dates), so I would be absent tomorrow. Had I known I have to present such document! 🙁 Will they entertain me without the travel order? I will have my trip in summer (May). Please enlighten me. Salamat!

          2. Hi Cha! The travel order, as my father said, this should be presented to the immigration at the airport. You should be okay without it while applying for a visa.

          3. Hi again, Dre!

            Just want to express my pasasalamat to you. My visa was approved!!! Got it after three days this morning! Perhaps my visit to other OECD countries helped out. Thanks for all the help. In May, I’m gonna go and visit my Korean friend who’s sponsoring my visit. Maraming maraming salamat!

            Btw, just another question tho. I’m a newbie in DepEd and we’re required to present a travel order/ authority to travel, right? side form this, is there anything else to present or process? I’ll be in SK for 9 days tho I indicated in my visa 5 days only (I hope too this is fine acc to terms).

            Salamat ulit, Dre!

          4. And Dre, please:

            1. I can change the dates of my trip and lengthen my stay, right? Say I declared 5 days but want to change it to 10 days. And choose an earlier date.

            2. I’m a bit nervous again. I feel like waiting again for my visa. I talked to a former DepEd regional director who’s now a colleague and she told me I really have to work on my authority to travel (and with that I have to work on my clearance too–this is really hard!). What I know is that it usually takes a month to acquire such (given that it’s almost vacation!) I haven’t booked a trip yet tho I badly wanna do it right now because of the price and because I’ve already polished my itinerary with my Korean friend. I decided to leave on 29 Apr. Do you advise me to wait till I have my travel order or book a flight now? My friend has been waiting for my confirmation.

            3. I have another choice: to declare that I’m a “teacher” in the immigration. And if they ask for an ID, I’ll provide them my ID in a private univ where I’m also teaching part time OR declare I’m a “student” and present my MA student ID because I’m also a postgrad stude. Am I not violating any rule? Huhu what;s the best thing to do, Dre?

            Again, maraming maraming salamat sa tulong 🙂 🙂

          5. If you already have a planned date to go, you should have already asked for the travel authority. Just let your management know your travel dates so they might expedite your documents. It’s better to comply than be sorry. You may lengthen your length of stay as long as it’s within the validity of your visa. 😊

        2. Okay, Dre! I’m worried because in the memo, it should be applied for 50 days before departure. I only have a month. Do you advise me to buy tickets now? So sorry (sobrang daming tanong haha) Maraming salamat!

          1. I think there should be an exception, since not everyone knows that they will travel right away. It’s best to just apply as soon as Monday, and indicate your date of travel. You should get tickets early, if you want to purchase low prices.

  286. Hi Dre!

    I am planning for a SK trip with my family but both of my parents are not working and are not married. They have their own bank account. Can we,their children, just submit the required docs as a support for them?

    1. I think you can do that, make sure you have birth certificates that have the names of your parents to prove that you are their kids.

      1. Thanks so much for answering my query. Btw visa for 59 days is free right? Ung embassy ba ung mgdedecide kung gano katagal ung iaapprove na visa or iaask nila ung ngaapply ano lang ung need? Thanks again

  287. hi, so I have a friend who just resigned a month ago from her job, so she doesn’t have a coe to present. but she has her recent itr for 2015. She has a cousin who is married to a Korean national. should she just ask her cousin to send me docs for an invitation by a Korean national?

    1. According to the embassy, no work = no visa. Having an invitation from a Korean national does not guarantee that your friend can get a visa.

  288. Hi Dre,

    Na-aanxiuos ako kasi my fiance and I were planning to apply for our visa this Feb, so we got our bank statements on January 26&30 and it reflects movement on my account from Nov2-Jan25 and his from Nov4-Jan31. We got so busy na bukas na lang yung time namin para mag-apply. Can we still use those statements? Kasi kung kukuha ng bago, we had significant amounts withdrawn from both our individual accounts to pay for our suppliers on our upcoming wedding this March. Kinakabahan talaga ako kasi last 3-months ng statement ang kelangan..

    Thank you!

    1. I am sorry for the late reply. I was on vacation. When I applied for the first time, the date on my bank statement was from August and we applied on September. So I think that should still count.

  289. this will help me a lot! thanks… anyway we are planning to get a Korean visa but we are not really going there. we just needing it for our Taiwan tour since Korean visa is free and much easier to get Taiwan visa for free. If we directly get a Taiwan visa it will cost us 2,100.00 per person. what can you advise me? Is this possible? thanks a lot!

    1. Hi Jam! I am unsure how this works. Like, I am unsure if you can get a Taiwan visa for free if your Korean visa is unused. I guess, you should research more on this.

  290. Hi dre..we already applied for a visa but the affidavit of suppport of my bf and his mother’s documents were removed by the officer bec he was told that its not needed for he is not a minor..he is a regular employee in a tv network but the bank cert that he has is only 26k and we will be staying there for 5days.do you think he will be given a visa?im so worried.. 🙁

      1. Hi dre my next problem is we were given a different number…dapat pala pag binigay mo sa screening magkasama ung papers.we didnt know..baka mapagkamalan n solo traveller kami…di na ata ako makakatulog kakaisip ms dre…march 9 namin makukuha passport..

        1. Yes, if group application, they should be submitted as one. As per my last application, my application was separated from my sister and brother in law, and I still got a visa. Just think positive!

  291. Thank you for your tremendous help and for answering all queries we have..whatever the result i will update you ms dre.thank you so much..😊😊😊

      1. Hi ms dre..how will i know if maeextend ung pagkuha ng passport? Nageemail ba sila? Been checking my visa status sa website and nakalagay is application received lng..bukas na actually ung sched of releasing ng passport namin march 9.omg…

  292. Good evening ms dre. ask qoh lang if pwedi ung enrollment certificate para sa brother qoh kc wala man xa work this time mag aaral xa sa pasukan.. kung pwedi ba ung enrollment certificate nlng? Thanks

  293. Hi Dre!
    I checked our visa status on their website visa.go.kr, me and my friend’s status has been APPROVED! Still, the releasing of our visa will be on March 6 pa. I am so happy! Thank you very much for accommodating all my queries, Dre! 😊 You’ve been a great help. Really.
    Anyway one question lang, ang nilagay kasi naming travel date sa application form is April 18-24, sa sobrang excited namin gusto namin this coming March 30 na kami pupunta. Is that okay kaya?
    Sa mga kukuha pa lang ng visa just be positive. 😊

    1. That’s fantastic, Jas! YAY! Congratulations on getting approved!

      You can book flights as long as it is within the 59days ng date sa visa niyo. Enjoy your trip!

    2. Hi Jas! How did you use the website? Im trying to check our details no data found daw. March 7 naman releasing date sa amin. Did you use your passport name and birthday when searching? Do you have application number or receipt number? Thank you.

  294. Hi I would like to share my mixed emotions right now. We’re travelling as a family in korea this coming April 4-12.Including my Father,Mother,Brother,Husband and Son. got our tickets in advance coz its promo. my main concern is, Me and my husband doesnt have an ITR and COE since we worked online as a freelance. But we are able to provide our Bank Cert from BPI containing 1.2m. we also have photocopied our Valid U.S. and Japan visa. I (the wife) also provided my BDO visa gold credit card statement (since the Korean embassy and Bdo are partners in this promo). I am still worried about our visa application. ngayon lang ako kinabahan ng ganito hehe malapit na!! :((( pls pray for us.

    1. From what I know, freelance workers can file their own taxes, specially if you’re earning beyond minimum wage. You can go to BIR, if you’re below minimum wage, to get a certificate of non-filing.

  295. Hi dre! May question lang ako i have problem with my itr for 2016 our hr forgot to input my address and birthday 🙁 and said the bir does not stamped a copy also because efilling na nga…pano kaya gagawin ko dun? Huhuh

      1. HI dre! just got my visa yesterday! 🙂 your blog is really a great help
        i just attached the transmittal receipt of my form 2316.
        anyway pampalakas ng loob sa mga kagaya kong first time traveler. here’s my profile

        <15k salary
        <2years employed
        <40k bank account
        <6mos bankaccount
        i applied solo sa embassy

        so there's more chances pa din kahit puro less 🙂

        Thanks dre!

        1. hi kelan ka pupuntang korea? at kelan ka nag apply nang visa? i applied also last tuesday wala pang result from the agency.

          1. It takes 3 to 5 working days for the embassy to process. If you applied through an agency, it could take longer. Just contact your agency.

          2. yeah.. sabi nila nung tuesday pa nila na submit. hindi pa rin tumatawag yung embassy sa office.

          3. The embassy doesn’t always call your HR. They do that if they have questions about your employment. They didn’t call mine.

        2. Hi. Ask ko lang may pag asa din ba magrant yung visa ko kasi employed din ako. Less than 6 months din account ko. Kasi ng open ako may 30 then mag apply ako visa 1st week of november kasi nov 29 na yung alis. May possibility din ba? Employed ako then withdraw deposit din naman ako sa account ko. Thank you in advance. 🙂

  296. Hi po ask ko lang if they care about the salary from your coe? If its low for example would you have lower chance of getting approved?

    For now i am self employed but i dont have itr nor business permit. I have travelled to an oecd country which excempts me from passing an itr. But still i dont have coe

    Is it ok to pass my dad’s coe ,itr,bank statements instead?
    Thanks

    1. Those who have traveled to South Korea (not an OECD country) is exempt from submitting an ITR. If you are self-employed, you should still file your taxes. If you are earning below minimum wage, you should go to BIR and get a certificate of non-filing. From what I know, you can only submit your parent’s documents if you are a minor or is a still a student.

      1. Thanks dre! I am now thinking of getting a job even if the salary is low just to get visas not just for korea but for other countries.

        Do you think I will have chances of denial if my salary is low let’s say lower than 20k a month

        Thanks

        1. My sister’s salary before was below 20k and she was granted a visa. I think the embassy is just stricter on self-employed or unemployed applicants.

      1. Finally my visa has been approved! So nervous because I already booked flights and airbnb even without a visa yet (big gamble). You’ve been a great help in this whole process! Thank you!

        Tip for claiming visa: Do not come by 1:30 pm as the lines are too long. On my extension date, I came around 2:45pm. At 2:50pm I’m already at the window holding my passport and grinning. 😀

        1. That’s amazing, Pia! Congratulations! 🙂 I’m always happy when someone comes back and lets me know that I helped them. You’re welcome! Nice tip!

          1. You can put the name and address of your desired place to stay. You can also put N/A, but putting the information of your desired place to stay is better.

  297. Hi,
    I’m an OFW and our family is planning to have a week vacation in Korea.

    I have limited time staying in Philippines (<1 week). Is it possible not to leave the passport during VISA application? Let's say we plan to go to embassy by Monday, but the next day will be my flight to Bangkok. Next week after – Wednesday I return to Manila then I can return to Korean embassy.

    VISA application in BKK requires too much with Phil. Embassy authentication per document and with already a plane ticket (which I found too risky). I've been to Korea once for business trip.

    I tried to call their line for inquiry but no one answers. Please advise, thanks.

  298. hi dre, my friends and I are planning to go to korea sa november…but im from bohol and my friends are in manila,so they will process their visa sa manila na din..how about me?can i process my visa in manila as well para masabay sa mga friends ko kahit na may korean embassy sa cebu?ipapadala ko nalang sa friend ko ang mga requirements??…thanx!

  299. Hi dre! Tanong ko lang, mahigpit ba Immigration sa mga female first time traveller? First time ko kasi at ng friend ko. Working kasi ako sa gov’t but unfortunately di ako mkkapagprovide ng permit to travel since gahol na sa oras, as per hrmo sa agency namin, it will take a month bago mapirmahan ng mga heads. 😭 so ang way ko nlng is magdeclare as student sa immigration, post grad student din ako. So makikita ba sa system ng IO na nagdeclare ako na gov’t employee ako when I applied for Visa? Mkikita ba nila dun na nagwwork ako sa deped dun sa tourist visa ng korean embassy? Pag kasi inindicate ko na student ako ano ano usually ang tanong nila at anong docs ang hinihingi? Thanks Dre! I hope for your response.

    1. They are not strict, specially if you can fund your trip. ‘Permit to Travel’ is just an additional or backup document. It is not required. I think your best chance to travel is to do it as an employee, because that indicates that you have a means to travel. My father is a gov’t employee, too. We had that document ready, but we didn’t need to submit it. According to my father, if the embassy doesn’t look for it, then you don’t have to submit it.

      Here’s the requirements for students.

      1. Hi Dre! What I mean po is sa immigration sa NAIA kung mahigpit ba sila dun? Un nga po case ko nagdeclare ako ng govt employee nung nagpply ako ng tourist visa since nagapply ako as employed. So if sabhin ko pong teacher they will ask for a company id po right? Deped id po meron ako then malalaman nilang govt employee ako, for sure they will ask for travel authority and wala po ako nun. Parang safe po ata na magdeclare nlang ako as student sa immigration?

        1. Ah I see, well, my sister is a nurse, and when we left, she just put ’employee’ on her departure card. At the immigration, you only need to present your passport, departure card, and ticket. However, sometimes they do ask for a company ID. So if you really can’t get a permit to travel, then just put ‘post-grad student’ then show your student ID.

          1. i agree. i’m also a government employee. i never declared it sa immigration even i have my travel authority with me. i always write “encoder”, never din naman ako tinanong pa, if they would ask me, that’s the time i wil declare my job.

            i even traveled before without the travel authority. just bring any id with you. in my case, had they asked me from what company i am working, i would readily say “work from home (encoder)”, luckily it never happened.

            they will never find out. yung me mga hold departure order lang ang lalabas sa kanila. 🙂

          2. Waaa! Hi Jen! Salamat napanatag ang loob ko. medyo kabado kasi ako sa mga nababasa kong offloading stories sa mga blogs. Nakakaconstipate din kasi eh. Lol

          3. hi,
            tumawag po yung embassy sa hr namin kaso yung person po na nasa coe ko is pumunta nang CR. so yung naka sagot is yung kasama nya. tapos nag ask lang kung dito ako nag work tapos binaba na daw agad yung phone. anu po ba yun. problema po ba yun?

  300. Anyone here? magtravel on april 1? any tips dre ill be travelling solo., kinakabahan ako sa immigration ano ba mga commong questions nila and what any other documents i need to bring other than passport, return ticket and visa?

    1. They (South Korea) usually ask about your length of stay, what you plan to do (best to make an itinerary, print it out.) so they can see what your schedule will be during your stay. They can also ask where you will stay. But usually, they just look at your passport and stamp it. For documents, valid ID, flight itinerary, hotel booking. Good luck!

  301. Hi dre! Thank you for the advice. 😊 I’ll put nalang na student ako anyway I have certificate of enrollment and certification of registration with me. Anyway hnd ba sila magtatanong san ko nakuha ung fund ko sa trip? Meron nman akong bank account with money.

    1. They don’t usually ask that, but you can just say that you worked for a little bit before you started post-grad school. And you can also say that your parents helped you out. Good luck!

  302. Hi everyone, I just want to share my experience. the embassy is strict on no-work-no-visa policy. I was reluctant to apply for a visa and expecting to get rejected kasi nga currently unemployed ako (OFW) but then tinry ko pa rin kasi i have an invite from a korean and I have a 7-digit in my bank account. pagdating ko sa window, COE agad ang hinanap. when I said that i am currently an employed, the korean on the window said “Wala trabaho, wala visa” and then she returned all my documents.. haha,.. anyway, at least hindi ako nadeny, i was not allowed to apply, parang mas magaan sa pakiramdam yung ganun. =)

  303. i applied korean visa yesterday. my sister said” why i did not pay my visa fee?” i submit all my docs on my own. but i did not pay for it wla kasing sinabi ung nasa window 1 qng ano ang next step. she gave my claim stub and she said T.y. do you think it will affect my application? ano po ba dapat qng gawin? pls help I’m so worried about it.

      1. sa friday for relis ng pasport ko march 24. qng sakali pong gusto qong magstay doon ng 3 months magbabayad lang po ako,., ganun po ba yun?

        1. Kung gusto mong mag-stay doon ng matagal, dapat noong nagpasa ka ng application, ganon na ang inilagay mo sa application, sa “length of stay”.

          1. opo. 3 months naman po nlagay qo. my iba pa po bang docs silang hihingin sakin kasi sa jib ng ate qo ako mag.iistay at xa magpafund sakin. kasi she ask me a favor coz she’s now 8 months pregnant she need my help kasi nahihirapan xa magbuntis. xenxa na po qung makulit kc worried po talaga ako.. and thanks in advance…

          2. Is your sister’s husband a Korean national? If yes, then you should submit her husband’s documents:
            * If personally invited by Korean
            . Invitation Letter
            . Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)

  304. Hi! I am a student planning to go to SK with my aunt. She will be the one to support and fund me throughout the trip since my parents wouldn’t be able to do so, but she’s retired. We (my aunt and I) fortunately are in a joint account in my uncle’s name and that’s been up for more than 6 months. I’ve been told that I just need an affidavit of support, bank certificate, and bank statement instead for the parent’s/guardian’s documents and ofc, the other documents needed under the student category. Are these enough or would I have to provide additional documents as well? (If not enough, what can we provide?)

    Thank you very much!

    1. Make sure you complete the requirements stated here: Visa for Students

      I think you should also include proof of relation (to your aunt). Provide the birth certificate of your parent that is the sibling of your aunt, so that the embassy can see that they have the same parents. I think if your aunt is a retiree, there’s a document that states that she is retired, since she won’t be able to present a COE.

  305. Hi! Dre, tatanong ko lang po kasi ang mama ko widowed na, ei don sa may marital status married,divorced and unmerried lang, walang widowed pano po kaya yun? Pwede bang icheck yung married tapos isulat nalang sa side “widowed”? Tapos kailangan pa po bang magsubmit ng marriage certificate kahit widowed na?

    Thanks in advance 😊

    1. Hi Abegail. It should be ‘Married’. I think if widowed, your mother can still submit the marriage certificate along with the death certificate of the husband as additional document.

      1. Thank you Ms. Dre 😊 May isa pa po akung question kasi ang mama ko walang work, ano po ichecheck niya unemployed or others tapos isulat niya housewife?

        1. On my mother’s application before, she ticked ‘Unemployed’. Is your mother traveling with you? If yes, then she can submit the requirements of a ‘Housewife’ and submit your father’s documents.

          1. Yes po, bale family visa po, kasi kasama din namin mga kapatid ko. , kasi brother ko magsupport sa travel niya. , kaya itr, bank cert and coe ng kuya ko yung ilalagay sa documents ng mother ko.

          2. I see! Good luck sa application niyo. If you’re traveling as a family, mas malaki ang chance to get approved. 🙂

        1. May tanong pa po ako. Diba po pag students kailangan ng parents documents? Kailangan pa po ba yun if ang auntie ko naman po ang kasamo ko papuntang Korea?

  306. Hi Dre,

    I will be applying on April 4, will it be okay if my bank certificate and bank statement will be dated March 23? Thanks!

    1. What does it mean ‘updated passbook’? If your bank account connected to the passbook is 6-mos old, yes, you can use that to submit the 3-mos bank statement.

  307. Hi!! Mag apply palang ako visa, kaso im quite worried tho my balance is 76k yung adb ko naman is 3.8k lang. Ma deny kaya ako dahil dun? And one mote thing yung coe kasi na nirelease saken ng employer ko walang nakalagay na hr number or email address pero nasa letter head naman ung trunk line. Can i just provide them an email add and number pero on a separate paper nalang? Thanks!!! Please help po. 🙁

      1. Haha thanks! Super kabado ako kasi i have so many plans na kaya gsto ko matuloy na. Huhuhu. Push ko na yung bank cert ko , i’ll update you sa result haha

          1. Just make sure that you have your passport with visa, flight itinerary, travel itinerary (this means your planned itinerary per day of your stay), hotel bookings. Do not submit the documents unless they ask for it. At the immigration, you only need to present your passport and arrival form. If you are staying with someone who lives in Korea, make sure you have their contact number handy as well as their home address.

          2. i see, dre can you please help me with my itinerary if its this is okay or not since i dont know where to put this place and that. gusto ko sana yung magsing lapit na mga places i sasabay ko sa isa.
            here.
            Day 1 – April 14, 2017 Friday
            Nami Island
            Petite France
            Garden of the Morning Calm

            Day 2 – April 15, 2017 Saturday
            8:00 Am Gyeongbukgung Palace & National Folk Museum
            10:00 AM Bukchon Hanok Village
            12:00 NN Lunch
            01:00 PM Chandeokgung palace
            03:00 PM Gwanghwamun Square
            Cheonggyecheon Stream (optional)

            Day 3 – April 16
            Insadong
            Myeongdong
            N Seoul Tower
            Lotte hotel
            Ewha womans university

            Day 4 – April 17
            Hongdae
            YG
            KBS
            Digital media city
            MBC world
            SM town at COEX mall
            JYP building
            Samgeori pujutgan (YG restaurant)
            Han River Cruise

            Day 5 – April 18
            Everland

          3. At one glance, your itinerary looks okay. Just create a schedule and plot what subway to ride to and from the places. Good luck!

          4. hi dre,

            does the immigration ask for company id? we dont have company id yet since our company still new. and they dont provide id .

          5. If you have traveled abroad before, they just ask the usual things. Where you are going, what are your plans, who are you with. But usually, they don’t ask questions. They just look at you, your passport, have your photo taken, have your fingerprint taken, then if they have additional questions, they will ask.

  308. Ms dre may naencounter kana ba na family visa tapos may na deny na isa sa family? Kasi yung kaba ko simula nung nagpasa kami ng application grabe di ako makatulog kakausip, what if may madeny na isa samin 😔 pwede kaya umapela?

    1. Hi Abegail! Yes, my cousin applied as a family, and may na-deny. Pero ang setup nila is, “Cousin + daughter, my cousin’s parents + sister”. Some were denied and the reason was “failed to prove purpose of entry”. Pero if your family setup is “father-mother-brother-sister”, mas malaki ang chance to be approved, lalo na if some of you are employed. Kasi kami, 5 out of 7 were employed when we applied for a visa.

  309. Yes family, mother & siblings, pero kasi mama ko at ako unemployed, ang magfinance samin is kuya ko bale 6 kami pero 5 lang kami nag apply dito kasi yung isa nasa US don na siya magaaply ng visa niya. Nagpasa ba kayo ng affidavit of support or hindi na?

    Ps: ilan ang nadeny don sa family na nagapply for visa?

    1. We did not pass an affidavit of support because we were all applying together. If your brother is supporting your mother, just indicate that on the application, along with your brother’s documents (bank, COE, ITR). Two were denied from my cousin’s family, her sister and mother.

  310. Hello Dre,
    Ask ko lang, yung ITR ba required na may stamp ng BIR? Wala kasi yung saken but complete details naman with signature of president ng company. Yung sayo ba may stamp ng BIR? Thanks in advance. 😁

  311. Hello! Student po ako and will apply for student visa. Magvacation po ako sa Seoul for 6 days with friends, gusto ko lang po i-clarify:

    1. Yung mom ko po working pero yung dad ko retired na so ang issubmit ko po dun sa “Parent’s Documents” ay yung documents lang po ng mom ko? Wala na po ako issubmit na documents ng dad ko (except for bank certificate and bank statement kase joint account po sila)?

    2. Tatanungin po kaya nila if bakit yung documents lang ng mom ko ang sinubmit ko?

    3. Sa funding details po ba pwede ko ilagay both name ng parents ko kahit ganon yung case ng parents ko na isang working and isang retired sa 10.2.a (e.g. Juan dela Cruz & Juana dela Cruz) tapos sa relationship to you: “Parents” po ilalagay ko?

    4. Nakakuha na po ako ng COE ng mom ko nung March 27 pero sa May 10 pa po kami mag-apply ng visa. Okay lang po ba yun?

    5. Sa case po ng isang friend ko, both po ng parents niya OFW and nasa ibang bansa po sila hindi po makakauwi ng Pilipinas para kumuha ng Certificate of Non-Filing of ITR. Pano po kaya yun? Pwede po siya na lang kumuha for them?

    6. First time travellers po kami and gusto ko lang po itanong kung ano yung mga tinatanong sa immigration and ano po yung documents na kelangan po namin dalhin sa airport?

    Thank you so much po in advance!

    1. Hi Paola!

      1) Yes, just submit your mother’s documents.
      2) Wala naman sinabi sa requirements na both parents ang dapat submit na documents, so I don’t think it will be questioned. However, as a backup, maybe get a certificate that your dad is a retiree.
      3) Yes, you may.
      4) That should be fine. Just make sure that the email or phone number of the HR is visible, they might need to call them.
      5) Hindi ko masasagot kung pwedeng ang anak ang kumuha ng certificate of non-filing. Better contact BIR for that.
      6) Bring your passport, itinerary (flight details), hotel bookings, planned itinerary (a day by day plan of your trip), school ID. They usually ask why you are going to South Korea, who you are with, how long you are staying.

      Good luck!

  312. Ask ko lang po if okay po ba mag apply ng visa ang senior citizen (no work ) pero yung magsusupport ng funding is my brother who work and mag apply visa from Singapore? And requirements for illigetimate na sibling but willing to fund the expenses nag aking brother for our vaction?

    Hope you can answer my questions.

    1. Hi Deb! Yes, a senior citizen without work can apply. If being funded by your brother, just submit the documents ng brother mo along with the senior citizen’s documents. Kung meron siyang personal bank account, mas maigi. For siblings, just show your birth certificates to prove that you have the same mother or father (proof of relation). If the sibling is working, then submit the requirements for employees.

      1. Hi Dre. Ask lang ako ulit , my brother has a personal bank account pero sa singapore nlang po yung account nya. it is okay lang po ba? kasi yung account nya dito d masayo malaki nilalagay nya unlike yung sa singapore nya na account. thanks Dre!

          1. Hi Dre. Thank you for your answer . It really help talaga sa pag apply namin ng visa via RAKSO Air Travel Agency. Approved lahat ng visa namin apat. Yehey. We’re so excited for our family vacation this October. Thanks a lot Dre.

          2. Yay! That’s fantastic news! Enjoy your vacation 🙂 Don’t forget to bring umbrellas during October. It’s fall, but it rains sometimes. Or you can always buy those see-through umbrellas at convenience stores. Have fun!

  313. Hi mam dre tanong lng sana nmn dhil nag aapply po km s SK ng wife ko as tourist. Last month ngprocess km ng papers at lht ng requirements naisubmit nmn completely,ngayon sinabihan km ng inapplayan nmng agency hntyn nmn twag from embassy just to prove nga dw po n papers nmn yon,but suddenly d nmin alm n ttwag sila at hindi nmin nasagot ,nag aalala kmi ngaun bka po madenied appproval nmn,at sinabi s amin n hntyn nmin this coming week ang release of approval.tanong sna nmin mam maapprove po kya papers nmin mam? sna po ay matulungan nyo kming masagot ang aming katanungan..thanks and godbless

    1. Hi Jacob. Since I am not from the embassy, I cannot really assure you that you’re visa is denied or approved. Pero ang alam ko, may mga natawagan na before, hindi nasagot, pero approved naman. Just think positive and wait for your passport to be returned. Just make sure you have your lines open in case they call again. Good luck!

  314. Hi dre! Ask ko lng if pwde mother’s documents ko lang ang ipasa? Since mother ko lang may bank account..pwde ba po yun?

  315. hello,
    ask ko lng po kase ang passport ko ginamit ko ung single ako. gusto ko isama ang anak ko pero ginamit nya na surname ng tatay nya.? magkakapoblema po b un sa visa pag nag aply ako? meron po ako married certificate. thank u

  316. Hi dre! I made it here in korea, first time out of the country, female solo traveler, but the immigration had so many questions asked. nakakakaba super… 🙂
    she had me state my itinerary my god.. its good i made it my self. Even hotel bookings ni asked pa but god is good!!!
    goodluck to the other solo trsveler 🙂

    1. That’s amazing! I hope you enjoy your trip 🙂 Please share with us your photos, if you have IG, just hashtag us #wanderjunkiesph so we can see 🙂

  317. Hi I have a question

    Im planning to travel to korea. Im already a college graduate but unemployed yet since Im planning to study again. My parents will be the one to sponsor my trip but how will is the visa application for someone like me since the categories I keep on seeing regarding on the process and requirements are employed and student

    1. Hi Ria! This is a tough situation, but here’s my take on this. If you’re planning to study again, then what I recommend is apply for a visa when you’ve enrolled again. According to one of my friends, a newly grad is considered unemployed, because you are expected to look for a job after you graduate. You can try passing a TOR and a diploma, but that’s not part of the requirements for a student. And if you’re not a minor, your parents can’t be your guarantor.

  318. hi dre,i have a friend na gusto sumama sa amin magtravel sa s.korea but she’s unemployed but her sister will finance for her..is it alright na gamitin niya documents ng kapatid niya since sis nya magfifinance?

    1. Is she a minor? Otherwise, it would be hard. They are very strict with this, if she’s not traveling with her sister. No work = No visa.

          1. ask ko lang po kung pwede instead of business permit / mayor’s permit pwedeng certification lang since yung father ko walang ganun. Thank you

          2. ahm, since yung store/stall po kasi namin nasa loob ng mall wala pong mayors permit / business permit na sarili ang dad ko, kung meron man po ay yung buong mall na kaya po ang sabi ng organizer is bibigyan nalang daw po ng certification na nagpapatunay na tenant & naka locate yung store namin don. ganun po. Sorry po mejo magulo.

          3. For me, that should be fine, however it would be best if you can call the embassy and explain the situation, so that they can provide you with the correct information.

  319. hi dre,we’re planning to have a family tour to korea with my hubby and my daughter a grade 3 pupil this coming may,my husband was unemployed but i am the one who will finance our trip ,,i am a public school teacher..is it possible to approve our visa?i used my payroll acct,because i dont have a personal acct..

  320. ms dre,ask ko lang po kc kkdeposit ko lng ng big amt sa payroll acct ko last march 15,pwede n po ako magrequest sa bank ng bank cert at bank statement kc we’re planning to apply our visa this coming may?

  321. ms dre,ang dami kng tanong pasensya na po..Kasi po ung marriage cert namin may clerical error ung middle name ng asawa ko..mag aaply n po kasi kme ng visa eh pero naayos na po namin on process na namn po..medyo matagal po ata un,gusto po kasi nmin summer kami mag tour,pwede po kaya magpa affidavit kme na cya naman tlaga un,kasi iba ang mid name nya sa ibang docs nya ie id,bcert..

  322. Hi Dre!

    Im travelling with the entire family and my boyfriend. is it fine to place his requirements along with ours in the same envelope? Thanks so much!

  323. Hi po,

    I am still a college student and then my cousin wants to travel to Korea with me next year after my graduation (in God’s will) ^^ She will be the one who will pay for all the expenses for our travel. And as I’ve read the requirements for students, they need the parents’ ITR, bank statements, COE and others. But then, my parents are not the ones who will pay for the travel. Do I need to get my cousin’s bank statements, ITR, COE etc. instead? Or do I still need my parents’ ITR, etc.? Is it possible that the embassy will approve my application in this case? Thank you po. God Bless 🙂

    1. Yes, you need your parents’ documents. On the part on who will finance your travel, please put your cousin’s name, and use her documents as backup documents.

  324. hello! I’m having my dilemma right now. I work at a small private clinic and it doesn’t have a landline number (for my COE) any suggestions?

  325. Hi Dre, question po, I’m gonna apply for a visa – I’m employed but I want to use a joint bank account instead of my personal account. Pwede ba yun?

  326. Hi, I would just like to clarify something about the passport. It should be valid for 6 months already when I apply for a visa? I just got my passport this month and I’m planning to apply this month as well. Would it be possible to get approved?

      1. Hi again, Ms. Dre. Can my friend and I use just one account (my mom’s) for the bank certificate? Will there be other documents needed if that’s the case?

        1. Your friend should submit her own or her mother’s. Are you both students? Because if you’re both students, you should submit your parent or guardian’s documents.

          1. Yes, we are both students. She has her own bank account but the amount in there is not enough to cover her expenses. Can we use my mom’s if she’ll pay for both of our expenses and they’re not related?

          2. If you’re both students, you can only submit your own parents’ or guardian’s documents. On the part where it says who will finance your travels, she can put your mother’s name, and submit your mother’s documents ONLY as a backup document. She still has to pass her own parents’ or guardian’s documents.

  327. Hi Dre,

    Happy to have found your blog.;)

    I wanted to know, dapat ba magbuy ng ticket ahead of time before mag apply ng visa?

    More so, homebase kasi ako and I work directly with the client,so yung coe, pwde bang something na nagpapatotoo na cya ang employer ko, ganun? Tapos bigay ko nlng number ng client ko?

    Tapos meron ako maliit na bsness and meron ako itr from there, pwde din ba yun?

    Thank you sa help.;)

    1. Hi Jackie! You can book a ticket ahead of time, especially if there’s a seat sale. But to be safe, you can book after getting a visa. In my opinion, if your business is giving you enough money for travel, then just apply as a business owner and submit the requirements. As a homebased employee, you should still file your taxes, especially if you’re not a minimum wage earner.

  328. Hello Dre, I really need your help!

    I am a student and I will be applying for a Korean Visa this month or 1st week of May. I already have all of my requirements ready EXCEPT for Bank Certificate and Bank Statement. My problem here is that my mother’s bank account has long been closed so I can’t provide those documents. (My father’s already dead). What should I do? Should I ask a relative instead to provide those two? And if so, should I ask him/her to provide all the necessary documents under the ‘Parents’ documents’ category (e.g ITR, Employment Certificate) and just ask my mother to provide the NSO marriage certificate?

    I am planning to ask my ate (cousin) who’s already working to provide my parent’s documents except for the nso marriage cert. I actually already emailed the Korean embassy about this but they just answered me that I would need to provide “Parents’/Guardian documents.” They didn’t really address my problem.

    Also, I will be the one to pay my own travel expenses to Korea, if this might help you in answering my problem here. I know that you can’t tell me the exact thing to do but I am just hoping for you advise on this matter. I hope you can help and you’ll reply to this asap. 🙁

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Renzo! As a student, they do need your guardian’s documents as requirements. Just pass your mother’s requirements, and as additional, submit your cousin’s documents as well. To prove that your cousins, I think what you need are the birth certificates of your cousin, and your cousin’s parent, who is siblings with your father. That’s just my opinion. Are you traveling alone?

      1. So that means bank certificate & statement lang po ng cousin ko since siya po may bank account? Do you think it will lower the chances of my visa application getting approved dahil cousin ko po and not my mother will finance my travel expenses? I am 18 po and I’m gonna travel alone. I am also going to use Couchsurfing for free accomodation. Okay lang po ba na hindi hotel ang place kung san ako mag-stay na ilalagay ko sa application form?

        1. For your cousin’s documents, yes, I think that’s all you need, plus the proof of relation between you two. I don’t think it’s an issue as to who finances your travels, as long as the financier can afford it. For accommodation, you can stay anywhere you want, even if it’s Couchsurfing. I always stay with Airbnb, so it’s like Couchsurfing, but with a fee.

          1. Sorry po ah. What if bank statement & certificate ng bank account ko po i-submit ko instead of my cousin’s? Okay lang po ba kahit na student pa lang ako? Online writer din po kasi ako and I earn enough money online to finance my travel expenses. I can also attach my certificate of earnings. Is that possible po ba?

          2. If you’re a student, then submit your parents’ documents, along with your own bank documents. That should be fine.

          3. Do you think worth it pa po ba mag-apply korean visa considering my case na walang bank cert and statement ang mother ko and I will be the one to provide those two even though I’m still a student? Luluwas pa po kasi ako ng Manila and baka masayang lang din kung very low ang chance ko po na ma-approved. Thanks.

          4. Hi Renzo, to be honest, hindi ako sure if ganyan magiging situation mo. Pero it would be best if you can contact the embassy and explain your situation, that you are a student who will be funding your own travel. Good luck!

  329. Hi! My sister and I are planning to visit korea this May.. She’s working in canada and uuwi sya ng Pinas for vacation this May.. I am a professional teacher and as of now i am unemployed dahil nag resign ako last August 2016 and im waiting for the result of my apply in public school. I have my own bank account. Im planning to have my sister as my financer and pass her requirements aside from my bank cert, bank statement.. my questions are:

    1. Do i need to submit copy of my prc certificate and prc id to prove that I am a professional?

    2. My sister has US and canadian visas.. need pa ba nya mag pass ng ITR, COE and Bank statement?

    3. Do i need to attatch a cover letter explaining that I am waiting for my application in the public school?

    4. Can i also submit a copy of my COE and ITR of my previous job?

    5. Aside from the copy of her ITR, COE at bank cert, do i need to include the scanned copies of my sisters visa since sya yung ilalagay kong financer ng trip?

    Thanks in advance!!!

    1. Hi Gwen!
      1) It’s part of the requirements, but it’s optional.
      2) I believe if you have US/Canadian visa, only the ITR is not required.
      3) It’s an additional document, but they are quite strict with No Work = No Visa
      4) COE is only applicable if you’re currently employed. You can submit your latest ITR.
      5) Not copies of her visas, but copies of her bank certificate, COE, ITR.

  330. Hi Dre,

    Should all requirements be printed on A4? Do they have the same process with the Japanese Embassy where requirements should be photocopied on an A4 size and have the original attached on the photocopy? Or the A4 only goes out for the Application Form, and other requirements (like Certificate of Employment, Bank Certificate, Bank Statement, etc.) can be submitted in letter size?

    Thank you so much in advance!! 🙂

    1. Hi Fiona. No, just the application should be in A4. I haven’t been to Japan, so I am unsure of their process. However, there wasn’t a size requirement for the copies of the other documents. We just submitted what was provided for us by our HR (COE), and bank.

      1. Wow, got it! Thanks for that.

        I still have one concern. My mother is unemployed and her bank account is named after my dad who is currently abroad so she cannot request for a bank certificate and bank statement. I, on the other hand is a regular employee. What we’re planning is to submit my documents as proof that I will be the guarantor of my mother and my sister. Should we still submit the documents of my dad or my documents are enough as requirements for my mom and my sister? We’re only staying in Busan for a day, it’s just one part of the cruise itinerary we availed. Thanks again, Dre 🙂

        1. Hi Fiona! Your mother can ask for your father’s authorization to get the bank documents.She still needs to pass the requirements as a housewife, and use your documents as backup. I may be wrong, but it would be best to contact the embassy directly and explain the situation.

          1. Hi Dre,

            Thanks for all your help. I just came back from the Embassy and they removed some of the requirements we submitted. I noticed that during the submission, the only documents they checked were my COE, and Bank Certificate. The Korean national didn’t look at the other requirements we submitted. We’re thinking they might’ve changed their policy and they are no longer *that* strict with requirements since I heard from the news they are considering making Filipinos Visa-free. Well, still hoping everything turns out positive. Fingers crossed!

          2. Hi Fiona, that’s just the initial checking of your requirements. After your submission, it will be checked further, that’s why it takes 3 to 5 days for you to claim the passport. Good luck! Let me know how it goes 🙂

          3. Hi Dre, we just got our passports yesterday and we were granted a single entry. Good enough, it’s our first time anyway. Thanks for all your help and advise! 🙂

  331. Hi Dre,
    Ask ko lang.. Me and Ate are planning for SoKor trip on November, ask ko lang kung may chance ako ma grant ng visa kung
    1. I have my bank for almost 4 years pero ngayon lang ako starting January nag lalagay ng tuloy tuloy particulary for this trip hehe
    2. Kakalipat ko lang sa 2nd job ko noong November 2016
    3. Regarding sa BIR, may nabigay na samin si HR( new employer) for year 2016 okay lang ba kahit walang stamp ng BIR?? Yung binigay niya samin yung may sign ng for substitute filing. At dahil bago lang ako sa company, advisable ba na pati ITR ko sa past employer for the year 2015 ipass ko when I apply visa? Worried lang ako kasi siyempre ang naka indicate sa ITR ko na amount sa new employer ay mas maliit kasi siyempre 2 months lang..
    4. Ang pag apply ba namin ng ate ko ay considered as parang family application meaning requirements namin magkasabay ippass sa same window? Eh kasi si ate nakapag travel na sa ibang asia countries.. naisip ko kasi baka hiwalay kami ng window
    5. May chance ba talaga ako kasi first time ko to travel abroad eh si ate may mga na travel na….

    Sorry kung dami ko questions hope you reply para gumaan loob ko! hehe
    Have a good day!

    1. Hi!
      1) Yes, you can use that. They only require at least 6-mos old bank account.
      2) You’ll be almost a year when you apply on October this year for the visa.
      3) Yes, it’s okay if it’s without the BIR stamp. Just make sure that the TIN is visible. They will see on your COE that you just started last November 2016, so it’s understood that your ITR would reflect low taxes.
      4) Yes, it is a family application.
      5) A lot of commenters here were first time travelers, too, and they were granted visas. Just make sure that your requirements are valid and complete.

      Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre,

        Good day!

        Ask ko lang, kasi malapit na kami mag apply ng visa ng ate ko. Ang trip kasi naming is on Nov 16-22, 2017. Balak ko kasi mag apply na on Sept. 25,2017 (okay na ba yun or masyado maaga?) para ma time akong mag file nang leave kapag nakuha yung result. Dito kasi sa office dapat 2 months mag file ng leave kapag 1 week vaction.
        Tapos si ate, pina upgrade ko yung BDO niya to gold para ma avail yung 3 year multiple visa. Kakarating lang kahapon (may chance kaya na masama din ako sa pag grant ng multiple if ever kasi sabay kami mag aapply?) tska kahit 2 lang kami considered as family application ba or magkakahiwalay kami ng window kasi nakapag travel na siya tapos ako first time traveler? Like nung kayo ba ng sister mo family application ba yun??

        Thank You!

        1. Pwedeng mag-apply 1-2 months before your flight date. Considered as family application pa rin kayo. As for granting multiple visa for both, it will still be taken as an individual application. They can either grant one or both of you multiple-entry visas.

  332. Hi po! Magtravel kme ng sister sa korea ask ko lang dun sa signature part kailangan pa din ba sya magsign dun or ung parent lang ang pwede magsign? thanks!

    1. There are two lines, Signature of Applicant, which should be signed by your sister; signature of parent/guardian, which should be signed by your parents.

          1. Hello Ms. Dre, my husband is working in SoKor(legal) and if I put “visiting family” in the purpose of travel , may needed documents pa po ba?

            Thank you

          2. Just submit the required documents from your category, i.e. as an Employee, Housewife, etc. If you’re a housewife, you need to submit your husband’s documents (bank docs, ITR, COE, marriage cert).

          3. To prove that you are visiting your family, and your family is your husband. They might ask for your marriage contract or proof of relation. Just bring it as backup document.

          4. I’m preparing my requirements po as an employee, I’m just wondering po if they will ask some documents if my purpose is to visit my husband in SoKor..

          5. They might ask for additional documents, as I mentioned in my other comment. Just bring them as backup documents.

  333. Hi Dre.
    Does it usually matter kung newly employed lang? . One of my companions is recently employed. Last April 1 and we plan to leave on May 25.
    Meron pa siyang Online Job registered sa DTI last March with COR. so I don’t know which one is better. submit as self employed or employed?

    1. Submit as employed, and add the online job as backup. As long as you’re employed and can provide the requirements, you have a chance to be approved.

  334. Hello po. Ask ko lang kung may specific amount po ba dapat na meron ako sa bank account? Nabasa ko po sa mga answers mo rin po na kung ilang araw yung stay mo sa Korea will be multiplied by $100. So kung sinulat ko po sa application na $700 ang estimated expenses ko po. Does that mean na $700 din dapat ang laman ng bank account ko? Or more than that? Thank you po.

      1. Sana masagot mo po:

        1. Ano po ilalagay ko sa National Identity No.?
        2. Dun po sa 1.2 sa vissa application walang eng trans so ano po ilalagay ko dun?
        3. Under ‘Details of Visit’ ang contact no. in Korea po ba ay yung contact no. ng place kung san ka mag-stay so for example # ng hotel o pwede rin po bang # ng person na titirhan mo (in case I decide to go with couchsurfing)?
        4. Ilalagay ko na din po ba yung signature ko sa section12?

        Thanks po

        1. Hi Yhan,

          These questions have been answered in the post already. For details of visit, the contact no. can be N/A. And yes, you have to affix your signature, where it says ‘SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT’.

  335. Hi Dre,

    What if you are not available to pick up passport on the date indicated on the claim stub? Are you allowed to get passport day/s after?

      1. Thanks for the prompt reply, Dre. Will only be able to pick it up a day after the date indicated on the claim stub. I also have no one to pick it up for me. Will that have an effect on my visa?

  336. Hello po.

    Regardless whether the visa gets approved or not, makaka-apply ka po after six months? Say for example nag apply po ako ngayong May and it was approved but sadly I wasn’t able to go to Korea – makaka-apply po ba ako visa ulit after 6 mos. just like kapag na deny ka po? Thanks.

    1. Hi Mond! From what I’ve heard, there’s a penalty fee, but you can apply again even before 6 months, as long as you were approved before.

  337. Hi dre! Is it true that sokor will be visa free na with the condition of 5 days only in mainland sokor by MAY 2017?

    1. From what I’ve read, it has been announced, but they are still working on how to implement this. The rule is, you must have a connecting flight to Jeju Island, then you can stay 5-days visa free on the mainland.

  338. hi ms dre..ask lng po kasi nag deposit ako sa payroll acct ko ng 200k last march,,den nakapag withraw ako ng 60k,,tapos ngaung april tsaka pa lng ako nag request ng bank cert at bank statement ,,bawas na..ok lng ba un ?bka makaapekto sa pag aaply ko ng visa?140k nlng ang nasa current balance ko..

    1. It won’t affect your visa application, as there is no set amount that the embassy requires for your bank money. As long as there’s enough money to support your length of stay, that should be fine.

  339. Hi Ms. Dre!

    I am an OFW, me and my sister are planning to apply Korean Visa this coming October but my problem is I don’t have an ITR. Do you have an idea kung ok lang ba di mag-submit or may iba akong documents na pwedeng ibigay kapalit ng ITR?

    Our scheduled flight is Oct. 11, you think kakayanin if mag-apply ako ng visa by end of September? Uuwi kasi ako ng pinas by Sept. 23 then kukuha pa ako ng bank certificate and statement.

    1. As mentioned in my blog post, OFWs should present Certificate of Non-filing from BIR. You can still apply for a visa at least 2 weeks before your flight date.

      1. Hi!
        May idea po kayo kung anong requirements for certificate of non-filing and gaano po katagal ang process?
        Thanks

        1. Hindi kita maa-assure na okay lang yan. Kasi you have to follow the requirements of the embassy. Siguro pwede na yan, but I suggest you call the embassy and confirm.

          1. ms dre,nag iisue ba ang embassy ng visa appointment?pinaparush ko ksi ung Marriage cert ko reason ko for applying for a visa Korea sabi sakin ipakita ko dw sakanya ang Visa appointment ko para ma rush ..

          2. ms dre sabi nung sa landbank hnd dw cla nag iisue ng last 3 mos n bank statement ,,6 mos dw kc un ang format..marami dw nakuha ng bank statement last 6 mos ang iniissue nila..

  340. May alam po ba kayong agency na mag-apply for you for korean visa sa Manila. Sa province pa po kasi ako and malayo Manila. Thanks

      1. For students po ba ano po ba ilalagay sa ‘highest degree of level of education’ I’m a college student and haven’t graduated yet. So should I check high school or college po?

        And kahit po ba ‘no’ answer po sa question kailangan may n/a pa rin po? For example, yung question po na “Have you ever used any other names to enter or depart Korea?” If my answer is no, lalagyan ko pa rin po ba ng N/A yung “If Yes” Family Name (N/A), Given Name (N/A), ganyan po?

        1. Yes, that is correct. You should put high school diploma. My brother was in college when he applied, and he ticked High School. But on the next section, he entered his university info, where he ticked ‘Student’.

          Yes, all blank fields should have N/A.

  341. Hello po Mam.

    Ask ko lang kung kailangan po ba accurate ang ilagay na days of stay sa Korea sa visa application form. For ex po, I put 4 days for intended stay pero napagdesisyunan ko pong 5 days na lang mag-stay. Pero po ang nailagay ko sa naipasa ko is 4 days lang. Magka-problem po kaya yan?

  342. hi ms dre ,,we applied yesterday ..we will claim our passport on may 19..nag veverify ba ang embassy sa bank,kc ang nasa bank cert ko ang current balance ko last april ay 144k,now 110k nlng ok lng ba un hnd mag match dun sa current balance ko last april..

    1. That should be fine. I did the same thing before, I withdrew money after I submitted my application. Good luck! Let me know how it goes. 🙂

  343. May alam po ba kayong way kung pano magamit service ng BDO abroad? Mag-travel po kasi ako to Korea soon and I am a BDO card holder. And where to exchange ph peso to korean won po?

    1. Hi Chona! Are you referring to BDO credit card? If yes, call BDO and let them know of your travel dates so that you can use your credit card in Korea. We usually exchange our money in any Kabayan or Czarina Foreign Exchange. Just call them beforehand so that they can gather the amount you will be exchanging.

      1. Kabayan Savings po ang meron qako dito. Pano po pag ganon? And I thought pwede po magpapalit sa Airport mismo? Maybayad po ba diyan sa kabayan or Czarina Foreign Exchange? thanks po.

          1. Put $350 as my estimated travel expenses and will be staying there for 3 days. I have 24k in my bank account. Do you think po ba mababa chance ko po ma-approved? Complete naman po lahat ng reqs ko, yung sa bank acc lang po talaga ang nagwo-worry ako.

  344. bago lang po ako sa company ko, 6 months palang, wala pa akong itr from them pero sa previous local employer ko meron (nag ofw kasi ako prior dito sa new company ko) ok naman bank account ko may chance kayang madeny po ako for a korean visa? thanks.

        1. They will see on your COE that you’re new on your current job. You can also attach a letter that you have not yet received a new ITR from your current job.

  345. Hello po.

    Sa tingin niyo po ba mababa chance ma-approved visa application ko po if I only have 24k in my bank account as stated in my bank certificate? Period of stay is 3 days and I put $350 as my estimated expenses. I applied thru agency po. What do you think po? Ma-approved kaya?

    1. Like I’ve mentioned before, walang set amount na dapat ilagay sa bank. They just have to see that you can pay for your expenses. I think 24k is more than enough. 🙂

  346. What if I have a home-based job and my employer is based in London. He probably can’t give me an original copy of the certificate of Employment. Probably just one sent though email. And i dont have ITR as well. Would I have a chance? I do have copies of my payslip. Help?

    1. Hi Kaye! If you are earning above minimum wage, then you should still file your taxes. My friend has the same work setup, and she files her taxes. This is in preparation for our trip next year. If you are earning below minimum, then you can get a certificate of non-filing from BIR.

  347. Hi, what if my bank account is a joint account? My mom and I, have our joint account last last year, and she’s not coming with me in Korea. Is it okay?

    Thanks much!

  348. Hi.. i was worried because my visa was denied this june 2017 just a tourist its my 1st time 😢and im employed i have all documents submitted but i have an option to re apply again after 6months.. i think i need to resign to my work and build my new business my question is its ok if i present my new business than i already submitted before to them coe? And i.t.r?

    1. You have to submit your current documents. If you are no longer employed to that company, then you can’t submit the same coe. You have to submit documents relating to your new business.

  349. Hi, I need your advice about the bank certificate. I have two accounts; payroll and savings. I always use my payroll account for my transactions when paying bills and buying something, while the savings account is strictly for savings only. I don’t use my savings account often, almost all transactions are deposits with minimum withdrawal. Should I submit both accounts even though my payroll account only has 10k or less and my savings account has more than 80k? Thank you.

  350. Hi Dre,

    Can you advice me what to do.

    I am unemployed right now because I want to focus on my training until July 2017 to pass my board exam on Nov 2017 . I just resigned from my job May 15, 2017. My friend and I will be travelling on Aug 31 to sept 7, 2017. My friend has no problem in her requirements since shes employed. In my case, my parent will pay for my trip as an advance gift.

    I have my latest ITR with my previous job, passport, I can also present BANK Cert, bank statement and documents needed from my parents side.

    After my training this july 2017, planning to go home and work in our family business while waiting for board exam and my application.

    Help me advice if they will approve me by presenting this documents or do i have to secure COE from my parents? But I will use my ITR from my prev job since bago palang.

    Thank you!

    1. You can declare that you are a student doing training for your board exam. Get a certification that you are currently training and apply as a student and pass your parent’s documents.

      1. Thank you Dre 🙂

        I am worrying right now because we already bought a ticket back and forth and hotel reservation in Korea.

        Thank you very much. Appreciated you help 🙂

  351. Hi,

    Can u help me, I am current resigned from my job May 15, 2017 due to my training til July 2017. My travel is on August 31 to September 7, 2017 with my friend but she has no problem since shes employed.

    I have my latest ITR and if okay lang ba na ang date ng COE ko is May 15, 2017 na gamitin?

    Planning to apply for visa on July 4, 2017.

    Ma approved kaya siya?

    Thank u!

    1. There is a high chance that they will call your company, based on your COE, so they will find out that you are unemployed. What kind of training are you undergoing? It’s best to disclose what your current status is.

      1. Training or reviewing for Certified Management Accountant. Thank you for your reply I think the best to do is not use my previous job and ask the institution instead.

        Thank You 🙂

        1. Base on your advice fro my other queries. That’s what I will do nalang to get a certification from them.

          Thank you very much 🙂

          1. Dre, thank you for your help on this. Malapit na sana binalik saakin but when I explained na may exam ako on November 2017 they reconsider it again and waiting nalang ako sa releasing of my visa. Hehe. I’m so happy that I am able to join my friend and a little pahinga from the case study. Thank u Dre 😊

    2. same tau ng situation, mgreresign n ko s work q this sept 2017 balak ko mgtravel by nov2017, my possibility tlga n malaman nila n unemployed n ko since ttawagan nla ang previous employer ko, darn.. :/

  352. Hi! I’m in a complicated scenario. My sister and I already booked our flight to SoKor on December 12, 2017. Our father is an ofw, but unfortunately he doesn’t have a savings account there, but he has payroll account given by the company. We are still students. But in this scenerio, we can’t use his payroll account since he withdraw all his salary at the end of the month. It’s impossible for him to retain some money there since he needs to send money here in the Philippines. My mom can’t be served as our support since she’s not using my father’s surname, and has different name in their marriage contract and also unemployed. We really don’t know what to do. We already booked since it’s promo. Is it possible to use my sister’s bank account? but we will still include our dad’s payroll. She will be the one to receive all the money that my dad will send to us. Can we do that? We will gather all the proof of remittances just to prove them that our dad will shoulder all our expenses. I’m worried, how about me? What will I include in my documents since the remittance is under the name of my sister not mine. She is still a student and unemployed. Who will support me? Thanks! Hope you will reply! 🙂 God bless!

    1. Both you and your sister can submit both documents, since you only need to submit a copy of those, so make 2 copies each for both of you. Good luck!

  353. Hello Dre! My mother and I will go to sokor on Aug. 17-21. Im still a student at yung mother ko po ang map-pay ng expenses para sakin. Mga magkano po ba ang dapat ilagay ko sa estimated travel costs sa form ko at yung sa kanya?
    Thank u😊

      1. Thank u so much!💕
        And last question, may nabasa po ako kasing blogs na dun sa purpose of entry, they checked “tourism/transit then “other” tapos may specific reasons like “Shop at Myeong-deong/visit N seoul tower/etc”, okay lang po ba maglagay ng ganun?😅. If yes, is it necessary na dapat same kami ng reason kung for example “vacation” ilagay nya? sa july 2 na po kasi sya magsusubmit ng requirements so mejo kabado na kami haha
        Thanks again😊

        1. In our case, we didn’t tick ‘Other’. We just checked Tourism/Transit. In my opinion, it’s not really necessary. I hope your application is approved!

    1. Hi, regarding the estimated travel cost, ask ko lang how much ilagay ng dad ko kung sya ang magsponsor sa akin, my brother and my sister. Yung total amount po ba para sa ming magkakapatid at para sa kanya?

  354. Hello Mam dre, Ask ko lang po, me and friends are planning to go to Korea this coming december.. sa pag apply po at kuha po ng visa kelangan lahat kami nandun present.. is it possible na may isang lang kami representative to get and mag asikaso ng visa namin? since we live far from each other and its our first time to travel going abroad.. thank you po.

  355. Can I submit my mother’s original contract of employment instead of her certificate of employment? She’s not able to have coe because it’s ramadan and the school where she works is closed. I also have her overseas employment certificate.

    1. Hi Grace! I’m unsure if that’s okay. Maybe if you include an explanation letter why you can’t provide the COE and submit alternative documents would help.

  356. Hi po ask ko lang kasi magapply po ako korean visa kaya lang po unemployed ako pero i work as a sales manager sa isang realty kya lang walang basic commission based lng pwede po kaya yun ipresent ko pagawa nlng ako COE sa broker ko?

    1. From what I know, you can tag yourself as self-employed. If your broker is DTI-registered, you can tag your broker as your employer and you as an employee. Your broker can do declare that your job is commission-based in your COE.

      1. hi dre!hindi kase makakauwi asawa ko na nagwowork sa S.Korea,gusto ko sana mag apply ng korean visa para makapunta dun for vacation,kung pwede sana one month,I am currently unemployed,kakaresigned ko lang last April.Ano pwede kong gawin?Dun ba aq pasok sa housewives requirements?thanks sa reply..

        1. Yes, you should submit the requirements for a housewife. You can still present your own savings account plus your husband’s account. Good luck!

  357. Hello po.. tanong ko lang po yung boyfriend ko po works abroad, specifically in KSA,and he is just on vaca here for 2 months. Plano po sna namin magtour for atleast 3 days in Korea for my birthday pero kakaopen lng po nya ng savings account sa BDO a month ago lng kasi sa savings account ko po sya naghuhulog ng remittance, tapos biglaan po ung plano namin na pag alis kya hndi po sya nkahingi sa employer nya sa saudi ng coe. Ano po kayang pwedeng solusyon dun?

    please help po we really want to go there T_T

    1. Hi, Krystine. He can try asking his employer to send his COE via courier. It should take at least 3 days if it’s rushed. As per the bank documents, I am unsure if you can make your current account into a joint account, if yes, then that should solve the issue. Also, if you can call the embassy, they may help you further. Good luck!

  358. Hi po, I am an OFW we already applied here in the korean embassy but they refused to accept my application because my residence visa here will expire in Novembr and their requiremnts should be atleast 6 months together with the passport,ask ko lang po if sa pinas ako magaaply given na ung visa ko ay mag eexpire na sa
    november would it be possible? were planning to travel this august..thanks a lot

    1. Hi, Zarzy. What do you mean “we already applied here? From what I know, residence visa is not required when applying from the Philippines.

      1. I apply here in UAE but they require 6 months residence visa in UAE but since my visa will expire in 3 months they wont accept it,tanong ko po if pwd ba mka process Ofw sa pinas if yes I dont have ITR to produce, what can you suggest po?Thanks sa reply nyo

          1. one more thing po may alam po ba kau ng mga requiremnts for OFW?wla kasi nkalagay sa site nila..thanks so much

          2. Hi, Ms. Dre. Kaylangan ko po ng advice, mag tour po kami this coming Nov 29 sa Sokor. Since promo kumuha na po kami agad ng ticket. Then regarding sa visa. Wala po ako ITR since bago ako sa work. Then yung previous work ko po wala po ako ITR dun kasi agency lang po kamo dun. Ano po kayang alternative na pede ipresent? And also regarding sa account ko. Last May 30 2017 lang ako ng open, then 1st week ng November kami mag apply ng visa, tingin nyo po mag kakaprblem kaya ako sa account ko since kakaopen ko lang? Hope for your reply. Thank you very much Ms. dre. 😉

          3. As mentioned before, you can submit your application without the ITR. The embassy will see that you are new based on your COE. As for your bank account, they usually require a 6-month-old account, but they only get the last 3-mos for your bank transactions. They will fully check your application and requirements, so they may still accept it even if it’s not 6-months old.

      2. ah alright thought need pa ng visa residence ulit..ung bank statement oks lng if dito na bank sa UAE?thanks sa time po..fingers cross cr

  359. Hi i’m an OFW here in Saudi and planning to go to SK this December. I plan to take the visa here in Saudi and my family (wife and 2 kids) will get their’s in PH. My questions is.

    1. What should i write in the question “Are you travelling with any family member?” because we are applying visa in 2 different countries but going together.

    My idea is, it would be better if i appl;y for myself (alone). Im afraid that if I say yes in the (travel with family) they might require more documents from my family members. THANKS 🙂

    1. You can apply for a visa 2 months to 2 weeks before your flight date. If you are flying together, then.
      1) Yes, you should indicate that.
      If you’re the sole financier of your trip, it would be better if you do a family application for a visa. Additional requirements would be marriage certificate for you and your wife, birth certificate for the kids (which is already a requirement for kids/students). You are most likely to get approved for a family application.

  360. hi! mag aaply sana ako ng student visa this coming august.I am currently taking my masters kasi.ang tanong ko lang po if pwedeng sarili kong bank certificate and statement ang isubmit ko at hindi ung sa parents ko? retired na kc ang father ko at makano lang naman yung kanyang pension. may sarili kasi akong pera sa bangko kasi naipon ko nung nag work ako dati saka pinapadalhan ako ng bf kong nasa abroad. yun lang kasi ang pinoproblema ko eh. thank you sana masagot ang tanong ko.

  361. HI Ms. Dre! I want to ask you a question about applying a SK visa for unemployed. I am currently here in Kuwait as OFW but will go home on February 2018 for good. My sister and I are planning to go to SK as a tourist, my sister won’t be having a problem on her documents. I can also provide a bank statement and other stuff but the problem is, I’ll be unemployed at that time. I will not be able to provide a COE. Is it okay if I will use my sister’s documents like for example, she will sponsor my trip as well? I hope you understand what I’m saying. 🙂 But that’s what we’re planning. We will travel and she will be my sponsor also. I hope you could answer me. Thanks in advance! 🙂

    1. When are you planning to go? If you apply when you’re still employed, you can use your work documents. For example, your trip is on March, you can apply 2-months before your flight date, that means you’re still employed. Otherwise, you can have your sister as your sponsor for the trip. I think you can also prepare a letter, where you indicate that you just finished your contract as an OFW and you just want to spend the fruits of your labor by traveling to Korea as a reward for all your hard work. That should help. Good luck!

  362. Hi Ms. Dre, ask ko po ulit paano po kapag walang ITR since bago po ako sa work ko. by April 2018 pa po ako mabibigyan, pero yung case ko po is wala po kasi akong ITR sa previous work ko since minimum lang po yung salary and under agency po kami. so walang pong deduction ng taxes. Then yun po ay 2015 work ko pa po, yung kasi buong 2016 po ng pahinga po ako sa bahay. So wala Ano po kayang pwedeng ipresent saknila? Thank you Ms. Dre! Sobrang nakakatulong yung blog nyo. 🙂

      1. Hello!. just an addition to the question po. I have the same situation as her but on my previous work I have tax deduction. Do I need to present my Form 2316 from my previous employer? thank you.

  363. Hello may iask kc ths August n flight nmin at bglaan lng n nksma ko. Would it be ok to use the payroll acct for bank cert at statement? Maaprove b kung 3 weeks lng pgitan ng visa app ko s mismong flight?

    1. Hello! We are also travelling as family maybe April or May next year and we are planning to stay for 10days. My sister is employed, can she be the one to support me? Then my mom is a housewife and I have a younger sister, can my father support the two of them?

      1. Hi, Maritess. Yes, your sister can support you, but it will also help if you also have your own savings account. Your father can also support your sister and mother, as long as his bank info is sufficient to support 2 persons. As long as your mother can present a marriage certificate and you all have birth certificates, that would suffice, even if your father won’t be coming with. Good luck!

  364. Hello ask ko lang po, unemployed po kasi ako, my korean friends invited me for a month vacation, tanong ko lang po mahihirapan po ba kong mag apply? ano po ang requirements? Do I still have to present bank statement? Please give some advice, I badly need it. Thank you 🙂

    1. Hi, Ricky. Based on their requirements on the embassy website, they require more than 6-mos passport validity. So I suggest renewing your passport asap. Good luck!

  365. Hello. I’m a second year graduate student and a scholar under DOST. I have a bank account (that’s active since 2014 as it was my payroll account when I worked for about 2 years after completing my undergrad) and I think I have more than enough savings in my account now as I am receiving a monthly stipend of 20k from DOST. So, I will be travelling to Korea this November (with my boyfriend and a friend) but my problem is that, NEITHER of my parents have bank account (my mom is a housewife and my dad is an engineer and he always claims his pay as cash because he does not prefer atm card. at all. eversince.) Now that I’m about to apply for visa as a student, I dont know what to do and no one that I know knows what to do so I’m here hoping that maybe you guys can help me or at least give me some recommendations or advice, on what I should probably do (who knows maybe some of you are on the same page as I am right now). PLEASE HELP ME GUYS i’m desperate about this because we’ve bought tickets na and this is one big opportunity to explore other culture and be out of the country, davahhh???

    P.S. The scholarship gives us allowance that is equivalent to average monthly income of an employee and disallows us to apply for job as they want us to be full-time scholars. So basically we are students but we are like earning an income. Hayyy help me guyth pleeeeeaaaaath……

    1. Hi, Hannah! The only thing that is lacking is your parent’s bank documents, right? If that’s the case, please prepare a letter from your father’s job that he is paid in cash, that’s why he doesn’t have a bank account. You may present your bank document, instead. Good luck!

  366. Hi. I am currently enrolled sa review school for the upcoming board exam. I will apply as a student pero i have a problem. My parents are already unemployed (not yet a senior citizen) since ako na lang naman nagaaral hindi na masyado mabigat. Our source of income is a small store but it’s not DTI-registered and may mga pinapaupahan kaming bahay. No ITR as well! Pero they are capable of supporting my trip. I’m worried since nakabook na ako ng flight and everything pero ang dami kong kulang na requirements. I appreciate if you could help me. Thank you!

    1. To be honest, this is a really hard situation. Is there someone from your relatives who can support you? Or maybe an older sister/brother who is employed? Because he/she can stand as the breadwinner in the family. I hope that helps. Good luck!

        1. Yes, you need to add requirements for your aunt. Birth Certificate of your aunt and the sibling parent. I think you need to get a document that says that your aunt is also your guardian. I am unsure what document that can be.

  367. Hello. My family is planning to visit South Korea this October. I am currently employed in our family business. I have the complete requirements like ITR, Form 2316 and bank statements. My only concern is regarding my COE. Is it okay if my brother who is the operations manager in our business will be the one to provide and sign my COE even if he will also be joining in the trip? He will also most likely be the one to receive the call from the embassy. Will this be okay or is it better if there is another manager who will sign the COE?

    Thanks!

  368. Hi po plan ko po mag travel to sk this sep 7-12…i am unemployed po ako..and yung fiance ko po ang sasagot lahat sa gastusin..he is a british national and yung brit and phil accnt and amin eh add for bank cert with my personal accnt na mai 30k (newly open.1week ago). Mai affidivit of support na po ako duly notarize by our lawyer..i have my 2015 ITR wen i was working in a call center. Mai chance ba na ma denied or approved ung visa or baka di nla eh accept.
    Thank you😀

      1. Good day Dre!
        Thank you for the reply. Got a few things to clarify lng.
        1. Its okay lng dba if i will get a cert of no filling from bir with my own personal tin number?.
        2. Okay lng ba that his brit accnt is only bank statement no bank cert since it will take 3weeks to request and he is in the phil and his acnt is in UK?, but his phil accnt we can request HSBC for the bank cet and statements.
        3. Do i have to write a letter of explaination regarding his bank situations?

        1. Hi, Cleire.
          1) If you are not employed, there’s no need for a certificate of non-filing. This is usually needed for OFWs only, or below minimum wage workers.
          2) As for the bank certificates, you can ask the bank if they can send via email, then prepare a letter of explanation why. (Maybe he can ask the British embassy for assistance on this?)
          3) Yes, you can do that.

          1. Ola Dre.😘. Sorry for to much question and clarifications.

            1. So i dont need to get a cert of non filing since i am unemployed?. But i still provide my tin number ryt?. What are other BIR docs needed since i dont have new ITR (i only have my 2015).

            2. Regarding to his brit bank they cant supply us a bank cert but they can send the bank statements thru email.

            Thank you so much for your time and effort😚😚😚.

  369. Gof day Dre.
    Just quick question..wer to address the bank cert is it in korean consul or korean embassy …i’ll be applying in cebu city

  370. Hi Ms. Dre!

    Here’s my situation:

    – Currently, I’m an OFW here in UAE, already on notice period and last working day will be on Aug. 25.I will be back to Philippines to wait for my H1B Visa processing for my USA work. Last May 2017, me and friend decided to booked tickets already for Sept.SK (Sept. 17-23, 2017) trip. My friend is a pharmacist and currently employed in a government hospital, so she doesn’t have problem with the requirements needed. Supposed to be I will be applying here in UAE, but the thing is my visa will not be valid for 6 months so I did not anymore push thru with my application here, I decided to apply in Philippines. So here are my questions and clarifications:

    1. So technically, I will be unemployed once I come back to Philippines, but I have my own savings . I also have a joint account with my mother in BPI. I’m thinking that I will get an affidavit of support from my mother. So do you think, should I get an affidavit of support even though we have a joint account? If so, should I include my birth certificate, my mothers marriage certificate, my mother’s business permit, etc

    2. Will my COE here in UAE could also be presented?

    3. I am also thinking to provide a letter of intent, so that I could explain my situation.

    4. I already have US visa and visited USA last June 2016, so it means I will not provide anymore for the ITR because USA is inluded in the OECD member countries? I also traveled Hongkong, Singapore, Oman,and Bangkok( 5 times).

    5. I also intend to give a copy of my agreement contract from Medpro International the agency that will sponsor me for my H1b visa, and luckily they have an office there in Manila.Is it okay?

    Do you think Ms. Drei, I have a chance of getting an approved visa?

    Thank you so much. Hope you can help me with my queries.

    1. Hi, Jem.

      If you’re in transition to a new job, then I suggest that you do have item #5 ready. They have to see that you’re not simply unemployed, but is in transition to have a new job. In addition, you can do item #1. No need to present a COE, since technically, you are already off your UAE contract, however, you can present a document showing that you were previously employed there, with start and end date of your contract with them.

      Good luck!

          1. Hello ms.dre,i have a little bit same situation with gem..i’m having no job right now and my husband also..we are having vacation here in the philippines,but i have permanent card in italy(we called it carta soggiorno and it’s a long term permit to stay-it’s different with citizenship). I don’t have COE to submit..but for other requirements and account i have..we are going back to italy in march and i also have ticket..what will i do??hoping for your answer and thank you in advance😊

          2. Hi, Eros. The embassy is quite strict with “No work, No visa”. I am unsure if having a permanent card in Italy can help the situation, but I think it would be best to call the embassy to ask further. Maybe get a sponsor for your trip? You may also show that you have a return ticket to Italy in March. Good luck!

  371. Hi Ms. Dre, ask ko lang po kung wen po kami mag apply for visa if October 14-22 yung aming flight po. Thanks po Ms. Dre.

    1. Hi, Kristine. The man by the door will tell you which window. The 2nd time I applied, I was assigned to Window 2, but my sister was assigned to Window 3.

  372. Hi,

    I started freelancing only last Feb this year and I also file my taxes. The thing is, I can’t get an ITR yet since I only registered as a self-employed professional (not as a businessman/sole proprietor therefore no DTI,etc,) to the BIR this year. What I have is a COR, and monthly percentage tax returns/payments. Currently, I do not have a client as I just finished a project from the last one so I can’t provide a COE by the time I apply for the visa. I’d like to know what you think of this situation. Can I perhaps provide the proofs of tax payments instead?

    Thanks and hope to hear from you soon. 🙂

    1. Hi, Kaye. If you are self-employed, you cannot have a COE. Freelancing is basically self-employment. Since you are newly registered as self-employed pro at BIR, I believe you can present your COR. However, next year, you should be able to get an ITR from them. Additional documents, like proof of tax payments should help. Good luck!

      1. Thank you for your reply Ms. Dre. I’ve read on other blogs from freelancers that they submitted a copy of their contract with a client or any certification to prove their working status. Since I will not have a client by the time I apply for the visa, I was wondering if it will be okay.

        1. Maybe you can get a copy of reference from your previous employer that you worked for them. Hopefully, you can also find another client to work for. 🙂

          1. And BTW, I have form 2316 from my previous job – when I was still employed, issued 2016. Should I pass that together with this year’s proof of tax payments?

            Thanks for all your replies!

          2. Hi again Ms. Dre,

            In the application form, do you need to fill out section 7.2 if you checked self-employed in section 7?

        1. You only put your immediate family where it asks for person traveling with you. If he’s your fiance, then he should not be on that list until he becomes your husband.

          1. Thank you so much for the answer Maam dre.. Last one na po should i put N/a sa lahat ng questions? Ex: ang question is status of work and i checked Employed should i put N/a din po ba sa ibang question na ksama nya like Retired,Unemployed,Student,Servant Self employed or should i leave it like that na chinikan ko lngang answer.. Thanks in advance.. Godbless.

  373. Hi Ms Dre!
    So on my case, kakaresign ko lang sa work ko and I am planning to submit affidavit of support signed by my mom since kasama ko din sya sa trip. If thats the case, kelangan ko din ba ipresent sa reqts ko yung bank docs nya? And how about my personal savings, may good savings naman ako due to my previous employment, pwede ko din ba ipresent yun kahit unemployed na ako?

    Then, for the 2017 ITR, may maippresent naman ako since binigyan ako ng previous company ko nung umalis ako. Yun nga lang, wala syang tatak ng BIR. Ok lang kaya yun? And lastly, since may affidavit nga ako ni mother, iattach ko din ba sakin yung ITR nya? So, ITR ko ay ITR nya?

    May pinaka last pa pala, advisable ba na magsubmit ng explanation letter kung bakit unemployed pa din ako?

    Thank you!

    PS. Tyatyagain ko na lang sanang basahin yung ibang comments kasi baka may similar situation, kaso ang haba haba na hehe. 😊

    1. Hi, Gem! I take it that you are in transition to getting a new job? An explanation letter should help why you’re currently unemployed. Maybe include your last pay slip to show when you last had your salary.
      – Yes, attach all of your mom’s documents to yours.
      – Present your own bank documents.
      – You can use your ITR, as long as the TIN is visible.
      Good luck!

      1. Thanks for the answer! Follow-up questions.

        1. If nakakuha ako ng freelance work, online (with US client) and another is here sa PH. Should I declare both of them and get Certification from both?

        2. On the Application Form, saan ako magqualify, self-employed or employed? Kasi mostly nababasa ko sa blogs, self-employed is for those with business.

  374. Hi, i have some questions regarding the visa req. Im new employed kasi April 2017 then yung employer ko hindi pa maka provide nang ITR para sa akin. May mga req na ako except for itr then naka book na kami nang friends ko ng promo ticket this coming Sept.24,2017 Please reply po. Thank you!

    1. As mentioned in the blog post,
      Question: I just started my employment on my new job, do I have to submit an ITR?
      Answer: No. The embassy will still see in your COE that you’re newly employed.
      Good luck!

        1. The COE should be enough. Usually, the one who takes your documents asks some questions. So she might ask about it, but usually before they ask, they check the docs first.

      1. Hi!

        Follow up question lang din s ITR 🙂 my bf also got a new job this year (he was unemployed from May – Dec 2016), should we include his ITR from Jan- Apr 2016 last year?

        Thanks!

  375. Hello! I just want to ask, do I have to submit any additional documents if I have unused visa? I was supposed to go to Korea last 2015 but that was during the MERS-COV outbreak so I decided to cancel my trip. Do I need affidavit / letter explaining the situation?

    Thank you very much!

  376. Hi!

    My friend just recently graduated and is currently unemployed. They said in the embassy that she should fall under the student bracket for the requirements. The problem is she might not be timetable get the school certificate because she is already an alumna. Can a diploma suffice. Is there any process or document that will help give my friend a higher chance of having her visa approved or accepted by the embassy?

    Also she used requirements of her dad, who is an OFW. She cannot obtain an ITR. I read that a certificate of exemption would suffice.Do you have any idea how long it will take to get this document? Or if there are other documents that can replace the ITR.

    1. Hi, Chi! If the embassy mentioned that your friend can submit student requirements, then I think the a copy of the diploma would suffice. Maybe a letter from the dean could serve as backup. As per the certificate, I am unsure of the process, or how long the turnover is. It’s best to drop a call to BIR.

      Good luck!

  377. Hi! Good day!

    My friends and I are planning to go to Korea January next year and I really have a problem regarding the parents’ supporting documents (we’re students, by the way). My mom’s bank account is basically empty (since her salary is quite low) and my dad’s unemployed. My friend’s mother is gonna come with us in the trip and she’ll be the one to shoulder the expenses of the trip, accommodation, flight, etc. What should I do regarding this problem? Should I make my friend’s mom the sponsor of our trip (on paper)?

    I have an aunt, by the way, who has I think a high enough amount of money in her bank account; however, she’s retired already. If I make her the sponsor, what are the requirements? Do I need include as well my mom’s ITR, COE, etc.?

    Thank you so much for your future reply!

      1. Thank you for your speedy reply!

        Just a follow-up question: where can I get the format for the affidavit of support? Is it in the Korean Embassy website, or do I just make one? And do I need to get it notarized?

        Thank you again!

        1. Also, another question: What would be the documents that I’ll be needing in case my aunt’s gonna be the one to “sponsor” me? Thank you so much!

          1. Hi maam i have a similar situation with bernard me and my aunt r planning to visit sokor dis nov. but im currently unemployed i have small home based business and have my own bank account which was opened a month ago but i dont have itr. My aunt will shoulder all r expenses.. Do i nid to provide for tax exemption certificate, proof of relationship? What r d requirements we nid to submit? Thank u in advance.

          2. Hi, Oshie. If you have a small home-based business, you can apply as a business and follow those requirements. As for the ITR, since it is a new business, then it’s understandable that you don’t have one yet. You may submit your aunt’s documents as backup if she will shoulder your expenses.

          3. Hi Bernard! Nakapag apply ka na ba? And if yes, tinanggap ba kahit documents lang ng tita mo ang pinasa mo? Thank you!

          4. Hi Jaja! Sa December pa ako mag-aapply. I’m planning to submit nalang my guardian’s bank cert plus certification of support sa embassy instead of my niece’s. You have to be with them sa Korea kasi when you’re planning to submit their forms.

  378. Hi Dre! First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for this very informative post of yours and for your replies to the comments.I am learning a lot. I have been to Korea before as a tourist and an exchange student. However, so much have changed since then. My sister and I are planning to visit this year, so I have a few questions.

    1. Do we need to submit a photocopy of our parents’ marriage certificate or will our birth certificates be enough? My problem with my birth certificate is that the best possible image is not clear. Although I hve submitted it before for other visas and the embassies did not ask for additional clearer document like baptismal certiciate. On the other hand, my parents’ marriage certificate is very clear, so I thought it would show both names of our parents. What do you think?

    2. Is the photocopy of the birth certificate supposed to be issued within the year (or new)? I know it is not stated in the website, but I am wondering if you know of a situation wherein the applicant submitted an old birth certificate. It’s just that I have experienced other embassies asking for copy issued recently.

    Thank you very much in advance!

    1. Hi, MC! Thanks for dropping by our blog. 🙂

      Birth Certificate would suffice. If you can acquire an NSO copy, that would be better. You may use your parents’ marriage certificate as backup document. I hope that helps. Good luck!

      1. I have an NSO birth certificate (original), but I requested this way back in 2011 (I like to keep a copy with me in case), so I was wondering if I should get a new one issued this year. I’ll probably request for a new one and see how fast it can be delivered. If not, I’ll use the one I already have.

        Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll be reading your other blog posts about travel. 🙂

  379. Hi, Dre! I’ll be travelling with my friends to Korea this late October. We booked our tickets and hotel accommodation together however, I’m planning to apply for a visa ahead of them as I will be busy for the coming weeks. Would that be okay kaya or is it better to just schedule my visa application with them to get a higher chance of approval?

    Also, how recent should the bank statement and certificate be? Can I submit a bank statement and certification issued two weeks prior to my application?

    1. Hi, Camille! Since you are traveling in a group, I suggest that you submit all the documents as one. Just give them your application documents and they can submit them for you. For the bank statement, the first time I applied, I submitted 1-month old bank statement, so 2-weeks old should not be a problem.

      Good luck!

  380. Hi Dre! I’m currently employed sa small family business namin. Wala akong ITR since nung April lang ako nagstart dito. Wala din akong ITR sa last job ko since 5 months (Oct 2016-Mar 2017) lang ako dun. Anyway, yung mom ko magssponsor sakin sa trip namin to Korea, at siya din ang may-ari ng business. May nag advise sakin pwede daw wala na kong ITR at COE as long as may affidavit of support and birth certificate daw ako. Pero natatakot pa din ako ma-deny kasi masakit mareject *cries*. Sa tingin niyo po, ano mas magandang option?: 1) Apply as employee na walang ITR; or 2) Unemployed na may affidavit of support. Thank you and God Bless

    1. Apply as an employee. Even if you’re employed in your family business, your mother should be able to provide your COE. If you’re unemployed and is considered an adult, you’re mostly likely be denied.

      1. Good day! Mag papasa po ako ng requirements sa oct 6, and ask ko lang po if pwede po kayang kumuha nako ng bank statement this week or mas better if 1 week before magpasa? Thank you so much po

  381. Hello! I booked a plane ticket with my boyfriend to korea, 1st week november. Actually, visa nalang kulang. Medyo pressured na ko since palapit na november and I have no idea what to do. I brought my documents sa travel agency and hindi nila inaccept kasi hindi original yung copy ko ng documents ng mom ko since sa US siya nagwowork and iniscan ko lang lahat. I would just like to ask if pwede bang boyfriend nalang ang magsponsor sakin since sabay naman kami kukuha ng visa and madami siyang money sa bank and 3 yung banks niya?

    Btw, i’m a 3rd year med student pala and I’ve visited the US and Japan within the last 3 years. Hope you’ll reply sa comment ko. Thank you so much in advance!!

    1. Have your mother FedEx her documents to you. But then the embassy only needs a ‘copy’ of legal documents. For bank documents, it has to come from the bank, so your mother really needs to send it. Another option is to be sponsored by your boyfriend. Just make sure that he has enough money to sponsor the two of you. However, since you’re a student, the embassy might still ask for your parents’ documents. Is your boyfriend employed? Because if you are both students, he might not qualify to sponsor you. Given your traveling status, you have a good chance to be granted a visa. Good luck!

      1. hi dre, thanks sa blog mo nakakuha ako ng new tips…I’m an OFW working in KSA at the moment, we’re planning to have a family trip to SoKor this coming November po, tanong ko lang kung pwede ba mag apply ng visa sa embassy ng SoKor sa pinas thru a representative (complete and authenticated naman mga documents and ksa bank statement/certificates ko ng ksa chamber)…medyo strikto kasi ang embassy dito sa KSA with regards sa bank statement they are requiring at least 30k SAR each applicant…I’m planning to apply sana as a family for me and my husband both OFW at saka 2 kids namin na nasa pinas…my mistake is that I booked the tickets ahead Nov 11 (blame it to the promo fare lols 😅😅) and we’re scheduled to go back to Philippines on Nov 4. Because of this I wanted to send sana my documents and application sa kasamahan kong magbabakasyon din this September sa Pinas para doon na maprocess lahat ng visa namin…hope you can share some advice for my situation…thank you and best regards!

      2. Thanks you have been very helpful. Btw, my mom sent me an electronic copy of her 3 mo bank statement. Sabi niya ganun lang daw kasi yung meron sila. Will that suffice? Kukuha din ako ng bank cert and statement ko may 60k a month ako from her. Pwede bang ganun nalang gawin ko? 😊

        1. I think that would suffice. Just let them know that your mother’s bank only gives an electronic copy of the bank statement. Since you have your own bank, that would definitely help, too. Good luck!

  382. Good day! I’m a newly passed physician in the Philippines. I booked a flight this November and im applying for a visa. Im working as a job order in a government hospital. I just want to ask if i need a certificate of employment o file as dependent since my salary is not fix?what other requirements do i need for my visa to be approved?

    1. My suggestion is to apply with a COE and have your parents as your travel sponsor. It would also help if you can get a document showing that you just passed a physician exam. Good luck!

  383. Hi everyone! My question is not so related to the topic. Just want to ask kung sino po ang galing ng SK last April. Kailan po ba best time to witness the full bloom of cherry blossoms? Pupunta po kasi ko next year. Thank you.

  384. Hi maam its me again ask ko lang po if i apply for tourist visa in south korea and my aunt is my sponsor does it mean that i should provide 2 sets of original copy of her COE and bank cert/statement? O pde po xerox copy nlng ung sakin since sabay nman kmi apply sa embassy?

    1. Hello ask ko lang kung nakapag apply ka na? Tinanggap ba na tita mo ang mag sponsor and kanya lahat ng pinasa mong documents? Thank you!

  385. Hi Dre!

    Ask ko lang..mejo naguluhan ako.. ngayon Sept 18 kasi ako nag asikaso ng Bank docs ko (Certificate at Statement) for my application on Sept 29.. okay lang ba yun na 2 weeks old yung Cert at Statement ko? esp ung statement ko na naka project dun yung total laman ng bank ko? so until matapos akong mag apply bawal ko muna galawin money ko sa bank?? kasi diba siyempre dapat kung ano naka reflect sa statement at cert ko ganun pa rin sa bank ko until matapos application ko??

    1. Hi, OhJunmyeon! You can submit your latest bank documents. As for the money inside your account, it is okay to touch the money after getting the bank documents. I hope that’s clear. Good luck!

  386. Hi Dre. I am 22 years old. I will be staying in South Korea from December 10 to 15, 2017 with my girlfriend. I used to be a student pero hindi muna ako nag enroll this semester at naghanap ng work. I am now currently employed. I just joined the company last August 29, 2017. Pwede bang yung sa father ko ang isasubmit kong bank certificate, bank statement/passbook at income tax return? Ngayong August lang din kasi ako nagkaroon ng bank account at nag umpisang magwork.

    1. Hi, Adrian. You can have your father as the sponsor of your trip. You can also get a type of document that you went on an LOA from school to temporarily get a job. Good luck!

      1. Ask ko lang po kung if nakakuha na ng bank statement & bank certs. Bawal po ba galawin yung pera sa bank hanggat di pa nakakapag pasa ng requirements?

  387. Hi Dre! My niece will be sponsoring me on paper for our trip to Korea; however, when I apply in December, the latest bank statement that she can give me is only up to October (she’ll be leaving for Dubai kasi on November and she’ll be staying till December there). Would that be okay sa Embassy? Thank you so much!

  388. Hi my husband submitted all the documents at korean embassy today but when he got homeqe found out that he left the bank certificate in the envelope.this is our joint account.is it still possible to submit this bank cert tomorrow?thank you

        1. Hello Ms. Drei! I will be travelling to SK with my husband, my mother and my brother who is currently based in dubai. Ano po kayang visa type ang iaapply ko? Im unemployed at the moment but ngapply ako for student visa in Australia. Natatakot kasi hubby ko na housewife visa iapply ko since ung sister ng boss nya na kakaapply ng HW visa, nadeny. Thanks!❤️

          1. Hi, Diane. If you are traveling as a family, there’s less chance that you will be denied. But you may attach a document that you are applying as a student in Australia at the moment. If you wish to apply as a student, then you still need to show documents that your application is in process from the school you are applying to. Best route is that you’re applying as a housewife, and your sponsor is your husband. If you have a joint bank account, that should help your case. Just use the application as a student as a backup document. Good luck!

  389. Hi. I’m a self employed professional,kaka register ko lang June 2017. Since i dont have business permits or DTI dahil exempted ang practice of profession, nag inquire ako sa embassy thru email. Eto sagot, “Submit your BIR Certificate of registration , copy of your PRC Card and proof that you are self-employed.”
    Question ko is anong magandang proof of self-employment?Pwede bang yung monthly percentage tax forms with bir stamp and yung mga O.R. ba inissue ko? Ok nb un?pwede bang wag nko kumuha ng certification dun sa mga part-time work ko? I have 3 employers kasi.
    Ano pala ilalagay ko sa employment details like yung name of company, kasi full name ko lng nakalagay sa COR ko, kung ano ba nakalagay sa COR yun din ilalagay ko?
    And also ung 2016 form 2316 ko Jan-May lang kasi yun dahil nagresign nko from full time employment. Need pa kaya ng letter of explanation bkit may gap sa pagbabayad ko ng tax? Thank you!!!

    1. Hi, MsSelfemployed. You may use your payslips from your employers as a proof of self-employment, along with your monthly percentage tax forms with bir stamp. The more proof, the better your chance to get a visa. As for the employment details, please state was is reflected on your COR. For the ITR, I think it’s understood that there will be a gap since you resigned from work. Good luck!

  390. Hi!! So my friends and I are planning to go to Korea this January 2018. I already booked aflight for 5 days and 4 nights. It’s just that, my parents dont have a bank account but my dad who’s employed has a employment certificate and ITR. Can I submit that even without bank certificate?

      1. yes we are all students here in the philippines. My father get his salary in his company and it is in cheque. He just change it to bank.. What will I do?

        1. The embassy requires bank documents, and they usually return applications that are incomplete. Since it’s still early, have your father open a bank account now. Or if you have an uncle/aunt that can act as your guardian, then you may use those bank documents, and can act as your sponsor for the trip. A supporting document that your father receives his salary in cheques. I hope that helps. Good luck!

          1. My friend’s aunt will act as her sponsor, can I make my friend’s aunt be my sponsor too? Is it okay to have a sponsor who is not related to you?

          2. I think it’s still best if you can submit your father’s documents with a supporting document that her receives his salary in cheques. Your friends may act as your sponsor as well, but she must have money in the bank that can sponsor both of you. You need a copy of her documents as well.

      2. Hello ask ko lan po wala kxe ako ITR nghohome service po kxe ako ng rebond kya wala poq nun ano kaya pdeng ipalit or pde ba ako kumuha nun plano ko kxe by feb22-28 2018 pmnta ng south korea.!. Meon nmn po akong bank statement., i hope mapayuhan nio poq to approve my visa salamat

        1. Hi, Mina. You can file for your taxes. Just go to BIR. If your classification falls on individuals who need not pay taxes, just get a certification from them. Good luck!

          1. Hello again, I decided I will not ask for sponsorship from my friend’s aunt. So since my dad receives his salary through cheque, What document should I present? And follow up question, kailangan po bang may nakalagay na money sa bank ng parents ko for the last 6 months or is it okay if maglalagay parents ko ng money month before I apply a visa? My parents has a bank account. it’s just that, there is no balance for the last 6 months because they don’t use bank anymore. Okay lang po ba na maglagay ng money kahit month nalang before I apply my visa?

  391. Hi, I’ve just recently transferred to a new job but I’ve been working for 2 years already for my previous employer. For that reason, I already have my 2016 ITR. In my visa application, does it matter that my COE will reflect that I just got hired a week ago? Or should i also attach my COE from my previous employer (the one that reflects i’ve been working for 2 years)? I’ve heard they’re more likely to approve those who has tenure in work. Thanks in advance!

    1. Hi, Pia. You must submit your latest COE. They’re most like to approve those who has a job. If you want, you can always have a backup document, maybe the last payslips from your previous company. Your previous company might not be keen on giving you a COE, because it is usually given to current employees only. Good luck!

  392. Hello miss dre ask ko lang po what if im 22 but im a student, tapos ung mga magulang ko po di kayang magprovide ng bank statements but i have my own ksi nagbebenta po ako ng kpop albums online kaya may pera po ako. May friend po ako na ung mom nya is willing magstand as sponsor ko po with affidavit of sponsorship and we will write on the application na we are travelling together. Ok lang po kaya na hndi ko sya kaano ano? ㅠㅠ nanalo po ksi ako ng melon music awards ticket kaya gusto ko po talaga pumunta 😭 miss dre ano po pwede kong gawin 😭 yung mga tita ko po ksi wala dn bank statements na may kapasidad magprovide ung mom ng friend ko may business 😭 ano po kaya kailangan ko gawin? 😭

    1. Hi, Zel. Is your friend’s mom traveling with you? If not, you can’t put that in your application. She can stand as the sponsor of your trip, but your parents still need to submit the other documents, except for the bank documents, if they don’t have one. You may present your own bank documents and present that as your own savings account. Just ask your friend’s mom to present a certificate of sponsorship. I’m envious that you won a ticket for MMA! Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre! May I ask where I can get a format for the certificate of sponsorship? I find myself in the same case as hers. Thank you!

  393. Hello, Dre! Tanong ko lang po kasi magpa-process ako ng korean visa together with my husband and my younger sister and we’re planning to fly on Nov.20. My only problem is, kaka-graduate lang ng sister ko from College and wala pa siyang work. Kami ng husband ko magfi-finance sa kanya. Will our documents be okay to submit (husband’s coe,,husband’s itr, business permit,sec,mayor’s permit,bank statement,bank cert,our birth certificate to show that we’re siblings and me & my husband’s marriage cert) since kami naman mag shoulder ng expenses ng sister ko. And also, pasok din ako sa promo ng bpi na if merong gold bpi credit card, waive na yung itr and bank cert. Sabi kasi ng kakilala ko na sa travel agency nag wo-work, kailangan pa daw parents documents, eh hindi naman minor sister ko and meron naman akong affidavit of support na ginawa para sa sister ko. Sa website kasi ng Korean Embassy nakalagay na kailangan ng parents documents if minor yung magpa-process ng korean visa. Do you have any idea about this matter? I would really appreciate any reply. Thank you!

    1. Hi, Cassy. I believe I’ve responded to your questions on Facebook.

      Since your sister just started her job, then no ITR is required.
      As for her bank account, as long as it’s not new and is more than 6-mos old, she can use that.
      You can still put some money in it and just declare, if asked, na she just started working that’s why it’s not updated and she’s paid in cash with her encoder job. And since you will be shouldering her expenses, adding your bank docs to her application is fine. To prove you are siblings, present birth certificates. Present all the other docs that you already have. That should be fine. Just go to the embassy and submit your application. Good luck!

  394. Hi! I’m currently employed sa family business namin. Wala akong ITR since family business nga lang and my other brother who is in London owns it pero I’m managing his business. Anyway, my eldest brother who is currently based in London ang magssponsor sakin sa trip namin to Korea. What would you advise that I should do? Thank you and God Bless

    1. Is your family business ‘Sole Proprietorship’, meaning your brother is the sole owner of the business. If yes, then you are considered as an employee of that business. If that is the case, then you should personally file your own ITR. My suggestion is, since your brother is sponsoring you, you may use his documents for your application. Your brother should provide documents pertaining to his business permits, ITR, etc. Good luck!

  395. Hi! Good day po ma’am, I’m a college student po applying for a sk visa next week, ask ko lang po kung anong ilalagay ko sa number 11. assistance with this form po. Should I write the info of my dad since siya ang mags-sponsor sa trip ko?

      1. Hi Dre! May I ask nung nag’apply ka ng Korean Visa for the 2nd time around, ni’require ka pa ba mag submit ng ITR? Also, ilang days nag take yung processing ng application niyo? I’ve been to Korea recently lang rin dated August 24-30, 2017. Nabasa ko kasi yung ni’release na memo ng Korean Embassy sa website nila that says na no need na mag’submit ng ITR if nakapag’travel na at least once to Korea within 5 years and mare’reduce yung processing time to 3 days instead of 5 days kaya hindi na ako nag’bother na magdala ng copy. But what happened earlier when I went to the embassy, the officer in Window 2 kept on asking for my ITR. When I told her about what I’ve read in their website, she ignored it and put a note on my application which I do not understand. Also, the processing time indicated on my claiming stub is still 5 days. I’m afraid that this will lead my application to denial. 🙁

        1. Hi, Jezelle. I still submitted my ITR on my second application. I brought it as one of my backup documents. The processing time for me also took 5-days. Like you, I got nervous, because my sister and her husband were asked to submit their documents at Window 3 and only needed to have 3-days processing, whereas I had to wait for 5-days. But I still my visa granted. Don’t worry about it. Since it’s in their website that second-timers don’t need to submit ITRs, that should be fine. Good luck!

          1. Oh. Thank you for that quick response, Dre! I actually don’t know what to feel right now. Anyway, still hoping for the best! Thank you again 🙂

  396. Hi! I’m traveling to Seoul with my mom and brothers this November. I want to ask po, kasi I just graduated last April and I’m planning to apply for a job right after our SK trip. But, I’m currently helping out in my dad’s business; I just started last month. I do get salary naman pero I don’t have an ITR. I also don’t have my own bank account. Should I still get a COE from my dad’s company? I’m anxious po kasi baka di ma- approve visa ko tho nakapag travel naman na ko sa Seoul last 2014 and I have a US visa. What other documents should I submit? Thank you po.

    1. As mentioned in my FAQs, if you’re new at your job, you don’t need to submit an ITR. Yes, your dad should give you a COE. Since you’re traveling with your mom, she can sponsor you financially. You can submit her bank documents and add it to your application. You may present a pay slip from your job as proof of income as well. As backup, you can present your diploma to show that you just graduated this year. Don’t forget that your brother and you must present your birth certificates to prove relation. If you have a US visa, I think they will also consider that and you’re most likely be approved. Good luck!

  397. Hi,

    Let me just share para sa mga kabado. Check your application status sa visa.go.kr. Top right corner, click ENGLISH. Nasa left your menu na APPLICATION STATUS.
    Updated po ang website nila.

  398. Hi Dre. Me and my friends will be having a trip to korea this coming january. It will be 5 days. I already have a sponsor. But can I ask what are the documents need to present? Is it the same with my parent’s documents? And how much is the safest amount needed to be in bank? Does 50-70K enough?

  399. hi dre

    i’ve been granted twice this year and is about to apply for the third time. i’m still feeling nervous and one of the reason why is because i just received an email from our HC saying they cannot include a landline number anymore on my COE and that the verification of my employment can be done through the email address that they provided. do you think that would be ok?

    thanks in advance

  400. Hello Ms. Dre, ask ko lang po,kakakuha ko lang po kasi ng bdo bank cert for japan visa application at wala po silang nilalagay na opening date at ADB. can i request it next time na palagyan ng opening date at ADB pag kukuha po ulit ako ng bank cert para sa korean visa?

  401. Hi. I’m about to submit my requirements for Tourist Visa Application when I noticed that my ITR has not been paid. Fortunately, it wasn’t paid pala by our bookkeeper since there’s no tax due because of some deduction. Now my concern is, should I make a letter explaining why it has not been paid? Or should I leave submit one with no letter na lang?

  402. Hi! I’m in a pinch right now. I’m a graduating college student who’s also a freelance photographer. I work part-time and earn quite a fair amount per client and I get a lot in a month. My parents will not be funding my planned trip so I plan on submitting the requirements on my own. Do you think this will be okay? Will at least P50,000+ in my bank account suffice for a supposed 4day trip??

    Thanks so much ;_;

    1. Hi, EOS. If you’re submitting requirements as a student, you need to submit your parents’ documents as well (bank documents). However, if you’re a freelance photographer, that means you’re self-employed. If you’re self-employed, you need to file taxes and apply as self-employed. If your parents have existing bank accounts, why not transfer your money there temporarily and apply as a student instead? That would much easier in your situation. Good luck!

      1. Hello!!

        Thank you for replying. But the thing is, my parents aren’t willing to let me borrow their files and documents for the requirements that’s why I’m looking for possible alternatives :'(

        1. Why are your parents unwilling to do so? Maybe they do not want you to travel abroad? That’s too bad. Well, your next alternative is to apply as self-employed/working student. If you have a relative that is willing to sponsor you, meaning provide their documents, you can go that route, too. Your relative must also submit an affidavit of support and will stand as your guardian.

          1. Hello!

            What if a friend is willing to sponsor for the trip but she isn’t coming with me? Will the requirements be same as she’s a working adult already? Are the requirements still the same?

          2. To be honest, having a non-related person sponsor you is a bit difficult. If you are applying as a student, the requirements are the same. The documents of your sponsor is just secondary. I think it would be best to contact the embassy for further questions relating to this as I am unsure what they would really require for non-relative sponsors. Good luck!

  403. Hi Dre!
    Should i write Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines
    or just Korean Embassy pag eaaddress ko sya?

    Thankz 🙂

        1. If it’s not a trade name, no need to add name of company. You need to add your position, as it will give them a clear view of what you do as self-employed. Address can be N/A. Telephone can be your contact number.

  404. Hi Dre,

    Good day!
    I soo need your opinion regarding this.
    I and my friends are going to Korea on Nov 26 to DEC 4. Here’s my problem,
    ang approved leave ko lang kasi is from Nov 27 to 28. Sa company kasi namin before kami makakuha ng COE eh dapat may attachment ng email ng mga approved leaves ko. so bali ang mag rereflect lang na dates sa COE ko is Nov 26 ( SUNDAY) from Nov 28. Okay lang ba un? ang magrereflect sa COE ko is Nov 26 TO 28 LANG? but the thruth is im goinhg to Korea on NOV 26 TO DEC 4. I badly need your advise. Im so stresssssed na bec of this. baka kasi eto pa yung dahilan ng paka deny ko ng VISA. (WAG NMN SANA). THANK YOU!!!!!!

    1. Hi, Renzy. To be honest, your company is kind of weird. Why would they indicate your dates of leave on a COE? It’s a certificate of employment and not a certificate that has to indicate your leaves. Baka naman it will be on a separate page? Please have your HR only indicate what is required. Ito lang dapat ang laman ng COE mo, nothing more. Please clarify with your HR, you might have misunderstood what will be on your COE.
      Original Certificate of Employment
      – must include applicant’s position
      – date hired,
      – compensation
      – office address
      – HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed)
      – HR e-mail address

  405. So thankful I found your website Dre. It has been very helpfuI. I have a few questions though, and I was hoping that you could help me out.

    Situation: I have two bank accounts, but the problems is, for the first bank who issued me a certificate they reflected my active loan which says that my money is held as collateral until it reaches the maturity date. I insisted to pay the loan outright, but they did not allow it.

    Second bank was opened just last June of this year and have less than 100K in it. I am a bit worried that if I present certificates and statements from either banks that I will be denied.

    I will be travelling with my sister and I plan to declare her in the funding details part of the visa application form.

    Question 1 : For the question, “Who will pay for your travel-related expenses?”. Can I indicate SELF / MY SISTER.

    Question 2 : Is it a red flag if she is a year younger than me and her money in bank is higher than mine. (Not sure if Koreans believe that the eldest always should be the one supporting the rest of his siblings, not vice versa). However, my pay is higher as reflected in our COE’s.

    Question 3 : Apart from including her in the funding details, do I still need to secure documents such as ceriticate of sponsorship, birth certificate, etc.?

    Looking forward to your response, Dre. Thanks in advance. (^^,)

    1. Hi, Jem.
      For your situation, I think presenting both bank accounts is an advantage. So get documents from both banks. And it seems like you have a stable job, so even if you have a loan, that means you have a way to pay for it.

      1) Yes, you can put SELF/MY SISTER.
      2) No, it’s not a red flag.
      3) Birth Certificate is needed for proof of relation to your sister.

      Good luck!

  406. Hi Ms Dre, I hope you could help me with my problem because I dont know what to do anymore :((
    I recently resigned from my job to prepare and take an exam for medical school but they didnt allow me and so they didnt want to give me my COE and ITR. 🙁 My parents are both retired already so they dont qualify as my sponsor/guarantor. I have an aunt (my father’s sister) who is working in the government for 34 yrs now. Can she support and guarantor my Visa? Can I submit her COE and ITR instead? 🙁 I have savings in my bank also. 🙁

    1. Hi, Sophie. So you are still employed, correct? COE and ITR should always be given to you, that’s your personal document. Anyway, if your aunt will be your sponsor, you need to submit an affidavit of support from your aunt. Good luck!

      1. Thank you so much for answering! 🙂 Do I need to make a letter of explanation why I dont have COE and ITR? and Can I also submit my bank statement and bank cert with my aunt’s and put in the application “who will pay for your travel” ME and MY AUNT?

        1. Please ask your employer for a COE and indicate that it is for a travel visa. As for the ITR, you need a copy of that. Since you’re applying as an employee. You may submit both bank documents of you and your aunt’s.

      2. Hi Ms Dre

        I have almost exactly the same situation. Is it a red flag if I am unemployed but you have savings I have savings in the bank and my aunt will sponsor/guarantor? I have a friend who is with me in this trip can she also be my guarantor even is she is not a relative?
        Also, Can I submit a proof that I took the exam? like receipts and the form? Thank you in advance!

        1. Hi, LJ. Yes, it is a red flag when you are unemployed. Unless, you’re a student. If you can provide proof that you went for a review and took the exam, that may help. Your friend who will come with you can guarantee your travel, as long your friend has enough money in her bank. Good luck!

  407. Hello 🙂 I’m applying for a Student Visa, our school schedules a study tour in seoul south korea this November 2017. I would like to ask if paano po kung yung father ko po yung mag sponsor ng financial support ko pero he already resigned from his work since July 2017, and his company id po kailangan ibalik sa company kasi nga since he resigned. Pwede po ba yung requirements na ipasa ko is for housewife (bank cert. and marriage cert?) Thank youuu.

    1. Hi, Nao. You still need to pass your requirements as student. There should be a document that shows that your father has retired from work. Maybe he can get a certification from his previous job. Good luck!

  408. Hello Ms. Dre I’m having a problem and confusion, my father is an OFW in Saudi Arabia for 17 years now, and he doesn’t have a local (Philippine bank) account for the reason of he does not often visit here in the Philippines (once a year). So my question is it acceptable for Student Application applying for visa to have a Parent’s document with an international bank? (that bank can withdraw here in the Philippines using his card). if its not acceptable, what are my other option for me to provide the parents financial documents? Thank you in advance!

    1. Hi, Najib. You may submit your father’s bank documents, even if it’s an international bank. Since your father is an OFW, they should see on his COE that he is working abroad.

  409. Hi Dre!

    I just want to ask for your advice regarding my situation. I’m a student and both of my parents are retired. What document/s can I show since they aren’t employed nor self-employed? They are also not married, so I won’t be able to submit any Marriage Certificate. 🙁 Would that be a problem?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi, Bella. You can present documents that they are already retired. Your birth certificate should show both of your parents’ names. You should still follow the Student’s requirements. And submit all requirements, except for the COE and ITR. The COE and ITR will be replaced by documents that they are retired from their employment. Good luck!

  410. Good day po! I just wanna thank you lang po for answering all my past questions to you regarding sa mga reqs & gagawin pag student pa lang hehe. Nakuha ko na po yung akin & approved siya 🙂 thank you po ulit!

  411. Hi Dre! Para maiba naman. Mag thank you lang ako instead of asking. Dami ko natutunan dito by asking you sa concerns ko and by reading sa mga sagot mo sa ibang nagtatanong.

    Btw, para sa unemployed, laking tulong talaga na may explanation letter kung bakit unemployed. In my case kasi, nagaapply din namin ako sa iba. So sinubmit ko din yung proof ko na may on-going application ako (job opening, and receiving letter ng application ko).

    Can’t wait to have an autumn vacay this November. 😁❤

    1. Hi po just wanna ask kung ano po sinubmit niyo as unemployed and may guarantor/support po ba? Approved po ba? Thank you in advance! 🙂

      1. Hi Sophie,
        Yes, may guarantor ako, Mommy ko, and advantage din siguro na kasama ko din sya sa trip.
        Yung requirements for employed, except employment docs (COE), yun din sinubmit ko. May 2316 din ako since kakaresigned ko lang months ago. For sponsor docs, affidavit of support and my Mom’s complete docs (COE, bank docs).

        Since nag-apply na din ako sa ibang work, I attached my application letter as well na may received ng company na inaapplyan ko.

        And yes, approved! 🙂

  412. Hi,

    First, thank you for this post! Very informative! 🙂 I’ll be applying for a Korean Visa next month.. Just want to know, gaano katagal bago makakuha nung documents sa BPI for your bank account? Thanks!

  413. hi dre, good day…ask ko lang kung ano maadvice mo sa situation namin…me and my husband are both ofw sa KSA, nag try kami mag apply ng visa here as family sa Riyadh but unfortunately, applications lang namin ng husband ko ang naprocess since both may Iqama residence card kmi dito…requirement ng sk embassy here is dapat may hotel bookings and confirmed flights na, which ginawa namin na…and we got an approved visa, our concern is ang visa ng minor kid namin na nasa pinas, since dapat pa syang iaapply sa SK embassy dyan sa pinas, ang problem namin di kmi issuehan ng bdo ng bank cert and statement if not personally requested, ok lang kaya na ang bank cert and statement ng mama ko ang gamitin namin and gawa na lng sya letter of sponsorship for our kid, since yong bdo nman na nya ang nag sisilbing remittance account na namin dyan sa pinas?..ayaw kasi nila tanggapin and abroad bank accounts namin dahil they can’t it verify daw. Nov 3 lang kasi ang uwi namin sa pinas and Nov 12 na ang flight to korea if ever. Ang documents ng anak namin eh nasa pinas na may coe, abroad bank certs and statements naming mag asawa, including na ang tax exemption certs as ofw na issued ng phil embassy here, may marriage certifiacate na din and birth certificate naming tatlo…p.s. pwede na din siguro ilakip ang photocopy ng sk visa nming mag asawa for reference right?

  414. Hi Ms. Dre!

    Thank you for shedding light into people’s queries. I just have a question though: how do you apply as a group? My friends and I (plus one of my friends’ mom) are going to Korea this January, and we want sana to process our papers as a group. Are there additional requirements for our papers? Or do we process them simply as in bulk processing?

    Thank you so much!

  415. Hi Dre! Tanong ko lang po,kasi BDO ang bank ko,nung kumuha po ako ng bank cert for japan visa application, wala pong nakalagay na opening date at ADB? Pwede ko po bang erequest na palagyan ng opening date at ADB next time na kukuha ako for korean visa application?

  416. Hello! Anyone here na natry ng kumuha ng japan visa(approved) na hindi pa nagagamit since 3 months ang validity then kumuha ng korean visa after?say 1 month apart sa pagkuha ng visa. We are planning kasi na after 4days stay namin sa japan, korea naman kami. May nakaexperience na po ba dito?

  417. Hello po, question sa application form 9.8 are you travelling to korea with family member? pwede ko po bang ilagay yung brother in law ko? Tia

  418. Hi Ms. Dre, ask ko lang po. Yung bank ko po kasi di sila nag iinclude ng ADB talaga kahit anong pilit ko po na ipalagay dahil required ayaw po nila kasi sinusunod daw po nila ang format ng main office nila. Ano po kayang alternative na pwedeng gawin? Thank you.

  419. Hello po Ms. Dre! 😀

    Nagpplan po kasi kami ng mga friends ko to visit Korea pero student palang po kami lahat. Mostly self-employed yung mga parents namin and yung iba po sa amin walang work yung parents pero yung magbabayad nung fare nila is yung isa ko pong friend. Paano po yun? Pwede po ba na bank cert nalang po ng friend namin ang gamitin for all?

    1. Students should still pass their parents’ documents, as this shows that you were given consent to travel. You may state that your friend is sponsoring your air fare.

  420. Hi Ms. Dre, Question lang po. I have 2 bank accounts yung isa is payroll turned savings ko sya. payroll ko yun last 2014 pa sa first job ko. then ngayon nag open ako ng bagong account last april i think. pero sobrang baba lang ng laman. puro out kasi pera ko dahil lagi maraming nanghihiram so lagi nababawasan yung account ko. ano kaya mas maganda? ang ginawa ko kasi nag zero balance ako dun sa account ko na 2014 pa naopen para ilipat dun sa bago ko. tingin mo mas okay yun or hatiin ko yung pera ko at ilagay sa dalawang account ko? problem din is yung 2014 na account ko eh sa head office sya nung bank inopen and ang layo ko sa head office. I don’t think mkakapunta ako para magrequest ng bank cert. Thank you so much!

    1. Addition po. I have 2 credit cards po. Okay lang po kaya mag submit din ako photocopies ng credit cards ko or hindi nila kailangan? Thank you so much po!

  421. Hi! I already went to Korea last year but I was still a student then. Do you think malaki pa rin chance na madeny ako this time since I’m applying as employed? I’m a bit worried because my bank balance is a bit low since I withdraw the money right away but my ADB is high and I have a lot of transactions. I’ve been employed for 5 mos pa lang, I just graduated this year. I also have a multiple US Visa. I read here that during your 2nd application, 5 days pa rin processing. I really hope na sana 3 days lang ako. Thank you 🙂

    1. To be honest, I am unsure why I was given 5-days, but my sister and her husband were only given 3-days. They don’t have any required amount, but if you have at least 20k, that should be fine. Having a US visa might lessen the processing days and give you a better chance of getting a visa. Good luck!

      1. Hi dre! Father ko yung mag sponsor ng trip namin ng mom,sister at kids ko sa SK. Pero hindi namin siya kasama sa trip. Ok Lang kaya yun?

          1. Hello Dre, sakin naman, yung kuya ko ang sponsor ko at hindi ko rin siya kasama since nasa canada siya. kaya lang di ko sure kung may savings accnt siya dito sa pinas. yung remittance nya kasi sa accnt ko pumapasok . Kung documents ko naman , ang prob. sakin ITR part time job lang ako at nagaaral uli as college student.
            thank you.

          2. Hi, Haneul. Confirm with your brother if he has a savings account in the Philippines, otherwise, provide proof of remittance na pumapasok sa account mo. You can apply as a student and not an employee. Just provide your parents’ documents in order to get visa as a student.

          3. hello Dre, update lang.
            >yung kuya ko wala siyang savings accnt sa pinas. pwede na rin kaya work permit kung walang COE? tas scanned copy lng ng payslip nya at nso?
            >ang i-provide ko na lang yung remitttance sa accnt ko. I have both savings and current sa bpi then savings din sa bdo. yung regarding naman sa parents ko , my dad is deceased and my mom is senior already. hindi rin naman siya nagwork dati ng full time at wala rin siyang savings accnt . anong docs kaya ang need kong iprovide. btw Im 30 yrs. nag pursue ako ng degree ngayon 2008 ako nktapos ng associate.

          4. If you are working part-time, you should still get a COE. Along with your work documents, provide your schooling documents. You may provide your bank accounts, along with your brother’s proof of remittance. Maybe your brother can also send in his COE as your guarantor for your trip. I guess, work permit will do, but try to secure a COE.

          5. hi Dre, Nag email pala ako sa embassy kahapon
            and here’s the reply from embassy

            “주필리핀대사관 영사과”

            Good Day!

            If you’re a student you may comply the category for student category and attached your personal bank, you can attach the documents of your brother too, but it will be subject for approval.

            If the mother is Senior citizen she can submit the copy of senior ID and personal bank.

            Thank you
            korean embassy

          6. Hello! I read that you emailed the embassy? How long did it take them to reply? And anong email address ginamit mo? Salamat!

  422. “I am a student but since my sister is the one named under our family business, her docs were what i submitted (itr, dti, bank cert and statements) but for addtl docs, i also submitted my mom’s bank statement and cert stating in a cover letter that her bank account receives remittances from our family business.
    My sister’s bank is in unionbank, a joint one with my mom. My mom’s bank is bdo. The unionbank bank statements were printed from their system so i asked to get it stamped as certified true copy. The bank cert didnt include the adb (i was told na their bank certs were system generated so they couldnt edit it. I was told also na they can see the transactions naman from the bank statements. Ung sa bdo naman no problem.

    Im travelling with my 2 friends plus the tita of one of them. So apat po kame. We submitted our applications as a group. Sa window 1, nung chinecheck na, binalik saken ung bank statements ng bdo and unionbank. As in, lahat ng page ng bank statements. Im so scared what if ideny nila for incomplete docs e complete naman tlga un dko gets bat nya binalik 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 idk what to do should i call them and let them know or ??? :((((
    We apploed this morning nga po pala huhuhu

    1. Hi! Sometimes, after checking the documents, they do return some of it. If your documents are complete when you submitted them, and they returned some, don’t worry. Just wait until the results come out. Good luck!

  423. Hi, I would like to ask for help. My cousin and I are planning to go to South Korea this December 2017.

    The situation is, she is employed but she doesn’t have an ITR because she was hired on January 2017. She was given COE, but her employer didn’t indicate the date when she was hired and the company she was working for doesn’t have landline number (mobile and email address only).

    Our first plan was to have her sponsored by her father, but her father’s form 2316 wasn’t stamped by BIR. It will take a while for her father to get a stamped copy from the HR because the main office is located in Manila (we are from Visayas).

    Is it possible that I can sponsor my cousin’s trip (I am self employed)?

    1. Hi, Mary. It is understandable that there’s no ITR yet if you were hired on January. However, have your cousin ask for another COE. It should state her date of hire and compensation clearly. On the ITR, it’s fine if it is not stamped. Just make sure that the TIN is visible. Only a copy is submitted, make sure you only submit a copy. Good luck!

          1. Hi, I’m a college student po and my mom will be my guarantor. Tho I’ve been to sokor twice already but I still get nervous kapag nagaapply for a visa.

            Anyway, my question po is regarding my mom’s bank cert. Hindi na po kasi updated yung old bank account niya (the one I used before on my past applications) tapos ngayon po, she recently opened a new account sa bdo yesterday. We planned on getting a visa this last week of november. will it be fine if I pass two bank cert (both of her accounts) kasi po the old one maliit na lang po ata yung laman. (if i’m not mistaken maintaining balance na lang) While the other one yung bagong account mas may laman po kaya nga lang bago lang siya 🙁

            Ano po kaya magandang gawin? Thank You.

  424. Hi! I am planning to travel this coming january with my daughter, my sister and my niece.. Pwede bang yung bank cert ko ang ipass ng niece ko since ako naman ang mag support sa kanya?

    1. Hi, Jenn. Yes, you can do that. However, your niece also needs to submit her parents’ documents if she is a minor. There should be consent that she is traveling with a relative. Proof of relation is needed as well. Your bank certificate is just a back up, if she’s applying with Student’s requirements. Good luck!

  425. Good day Dre!

    I have my niece’s supporting documents with me, since she will act as my guarantor, however can I still pass them even if they are around a month and a half old already? She won’t be able to get another of documents kasi since she’s still in Dubai and will be back January pa.

    Also, if I’m submitting her documents with mine, do I still need to attach my parent’s bank accounts? Wala kasi silang laman to be frank. Yun nalang kasi yung kulang on my application.

    Thank you so much!

    1. Hi, Jessy. I assume you are not a student anymore? If yes, then you should be able to submit your documents along with your niece’s. We usually pass documents that are 1-month old only, so maybe 1.5months is okay to submit. Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre!

        Unfortunately, student pa ako. I’m really having a hard time kasi I’m not sure kung okay na ba isubmit nalang yung documents ng niece ko, or yung sa guardian ko nalang (na mom ng best friend ko that will be joining us sa trip) as guarantor? Wala kasi talagang laman yung bank account ng mom ko eh and wala din work dad ko. 🙁

        1. Removing the financial documents of your parents, you still need to submit a copy of their marriage certificate. A consent letter that you are allowed to travel (if you’re a minor). Pero yung mother mo ba employed? If yes, you need to submit her COE and ITR. If you do have a legal guardian, you have to provide an affidavit of support and submit her documents along with yours. That’s just my advice. I hope that helps.

          1. Thank you so much Dre! Isang question nalang: Sa tingin mo san ako mas may malaking chance na maapprove, if isusubmit ko financial documents ng niece ko, or yung financial documents nung mom ng friend ko na kasama sa trip?

            Grabe super duler laking tulong mo huhuhu thank you so much!!

  426. Hi Ms Dre,

    I’m planning to bring my family po to South Korea next Feb 2018. Problem is ako lang po ang magshoulder ng expenses nila. Pano po mag aapply ng visa if ako lang po ang may financial docs na issubmit? Ano po kaya ang chance ng approval given n isa lang po ako n magsupport, 5 po kmi..
    Second po, isasama ko po ung nephew ko which is a minor. Ano po kaya ang mga requirements na need ko isubmit for him? Meron na po kming DSWD clearance & parents consent kasi naisama na po namin xa before sa Singapore. Btw, i’m an OFW po.
    Thanks Ms Dre.

    1. Hi, Julie. Just make sure that your savings in the bank is enough to accommodate the expenses for 5 people. Your financial documents should be attached for each person you are going to support. If there are employees within your family, they still need to apply as an employee and your financial docs is additional to their own documents. As for the minor, they might ask for the latest clearance and parents’ consent.

  427. Hi Dre! I’m currently a student and my mom’s sponsoring my trip this February. If she’s gonna pay for everything, where do I put her name: on the sponsor category or on the support category?

    감사합니다!

  428. Hi dre I would like to ask if I can go back to korean embassy next week because they didn’t accept my documents because my husband’s bank account is international. What will I do? Will I be able to come back asap? Should I bring remittance from him?

  429. Hi Dre and sa ibang makababasa.

    Good Afternoon! 🙂

    Question po. I have unpaid bill po kasi sa globe. Nag stop ako magbayad sknla kasi over sila magcharge. 2 years po ang contract sknla pero nka 1 year lang ako. Supposedly Nov 2017 ang end ng contract pero march 2017 palang nag stop na sila magpadala ng bill. May nkpag sabi din sakin na basta maka 1 year na bayad di na sila maghahabol. Ang concern ko po maapektuhan kaya nito pag apply ko ng VISA? may possibilty kaya ma deny ako? Thank you so much!

      1. Thank you so much Ms. Dre 🙂 May nabasa kasi ako na mag ssubmit na ng client info ang globe sa credit information corp. kaya kinabahan lang ako. Pero plan ko na rin kontakin si globe and iclear yung debt ko. Thank you so much po 🙂

          1. Hi, Can I put myself and my bestfriend sa funding details? I’m a student and I will be submitting my mom’s documents pero ang magssponsor po ng trip ko is my bestfriend possible po ba?

            Also, sa passbook pwede original po ba talaga yung ipapasa pag kinuha ng embassy di na irereturn yung original na Passbook? wala na po kasing chance makabalik kami sa bank para makahingi ng bank statement kasi this monday na po kami magaapply.

          2. Hi, Cyril. You cannot submit your passbook. They will not return that and it is not part of the requirements. You need to submit the bank documents instead. For the funding details, if your best friend is the one who will fund you, then you should put your best friend’s name.

          3. Ahh okay po nakalagay kasi sa website na original or certified true copy of Bank Statement/Passbook for the last 3 months.

            Anyway, kahit po documents ng parents ko yunh isusubmit ko okay lang po na Bestfriend ko yung magfund? Thank You.

          4. Certified true copy, which means, you need to ask the bank for those documents, kasi “copy” lang. If you give your passbook, that’s the original and not the “copy”. Yes, you still need to submit your parents’ documents because you’re a student. If possible, you need a permission to travel if you are a minor.

          5. Hi Ms Dre, okay thank you po! Since student po ako and documents po ng parents ko isusubmit ko pero best friend ko po ang mag fund sakin di ko na po need mag provide ng documents ng bestfriend ko?

          6. Last na po, since bestfriend ko po magfund sakin ano din po pala maganda ilagay kong relationship sa funding details and sa type of support din po? Thank you po.

  430. Hello po. Papa-advice lang po sana ako sa inyo. Kukuha po sana ako ng visa sa Jan. next year. Ang problema lang po ay unemployed ako, nag fi-freelancer po ako pero di pa ganun katagal -(mga 6-8 months palang siguro), kaya wala po ako ma-isa-submitt na COE at ITR. -Pero plan ko gumawa ng explanation letter para dito.
    About financial naman po, ia-accept manlang po kaya nila yung document ko kung mag papasa lang ako ng bank statement ko, plus bank statement ni bf, COE, ITR, affidavit of support at iba nya pang docs -(foreigner po sya). Sya po kasi gagastos sa lahat e. Nag travel na din po kami sa Malaysia nung nakaraang Feb 2017 lang, sinundo nya din po ako dito sa pinas nun. Malaki po ba ang chance kong ma-deny? Thanks po.

    1. Hi, Annie. Even if you’re a freelancer, you should be able to get a COE if you’re more than 6-mos with your employer. For financial documents, you need a bank certificate and bank statement. Your boyfriend’s documents are additional to your own documents, if he will stand as your financier. You will need to put his information in Section 10. The embassy will review your overall application. Make sure they are complete. If they find that your application is valid and complete, there’s a good chance that your visa will be granted. Good luck!

  431. Hi po, ask ko lng po if ok po ba na mag apply din ako ng visa for my boyfriend pero wala po xang bank accont, unemployed po xa tas ako mismo ung ilalagay kong mgfufund sa trip nya for korea? Ok lang ba un? Actually tumatanggap sya ng remittance pero wala xang saving? Is there any chance that he will get approve?

    1. Hi, Dj. The embassy is very strict when it comes to “No Work = No Visa”. When you are unemployed and does not have enough requirements to show, it will be hard to be granted a visa.

  432. Hi Dre, ask lang po kung ano ilalagay ko na address sa 4.1 Current Residential Address –
    problem kasi eh dito me sa Saudi and P.O Box usually ang gamit na addrerss dito. Wala naman sila Street Number and exact addrerss.

    Ano po ang ilalagay ko dun.. pwede ba na same na lang din sa home country (Pinas).

    Sa Pinas po ako mag-apply ng VISA. Thanks 😀

    1. Hi, Tommy. If you are applying from the Philippines, it’s best to put your Philippine address, otherwise, you need to state your real current address.

      1. Thank you so much sa reply Dre 🙂

        But im still a little confuse dito.

        4.1 Address in your home country : …. yes address sa Pinas.
        4.2 Current Residential Address : should i write N/A kasi same sa 4.1 or PO Box 565, ABC Company, Dammam, 31421, Saudia Arabia (which is my working/residential address here in Saudi).

        9.7 Travelled Outside your country: Should I include the country where im currently working (Saudi Arabia).

        pasensya na Dre, sa makulit na question ..hehehe… susubmit na namin application next week.. kaya just making sure na tama mga sagot namin.

        1. Hi, Tommy. Saang location ng embassy ka ba mag-apply? Kung sa South Korean embassy sa Saudi ka mag-aapply, then use your Saudi address for the current address. Kung talagang PO Box lang ang format ng address niyo, that should be fine. Kung sa South Korean embassy ka sa Pinas mag-apply, you may use your address sa Pinas. For 9.7, yes, include Saudi, but your purpose of visit should be “Employment”. I hope that helps! I am not an expert or connected to SK embassy, but I try my best to give suggestions on what may be the best options for those asking questions. Good luck!

  433. Hi Dre! Itatanong ko lang po if both parents are senior citizens already and student palang po ako wala po akong mabibigay na COE or ITR. okay lang po ba yun? Pero may invitation letter po from Korean University.

  434. Hi, Dre! Sa Tuesday, December 26 ang flight ko pero makakapag apply palang ako ng visa sa Friday, December 15. Since it will take 5 working days, I could claim my passport on Friday, December 22. However, I saw in their list of holidays that it is the Presidential Election Day in Korea on Wednesday, December 20… and of course, Monday, December 25 is also a holiday… 🙁

    What will happen to my application now? I lack bank statement and bank certificate. 🙁

    Can I submit an alternative document for that? To prove my financial capability, I am planning to submit my original passbook and my summary of monthly down payments to the property developer of the condominium unit I purchased during its pre-selling stage? It’s okay even if any of the documents I mentioned would not be returned to me. I really hope I could submit those two…

    1. Hi, R. Getting bank certificate and statement should not take 1-day. I am unsure if they will accept those alternative documents. As per your issue with time, why not apply today? I am unsure if they will speed up their process. You can actually apply 1-2 months before your flight date, or 2-weeks before. I hope you don’t get your visa too late. Otherwise, you might have to rebook your flight. Good luck!

  435. Hi Dre!

    I’ve submitted my requirements last December 21 yet I can’t help but be nervous regarding my application. Here’s my case:

    I am a student from a school in Manila. For the application, I submitted three bank statements and certifications: one from me, and two from my mother. My account has around 55k at the time of submission, while my Mom’s were just less than 10k for both accounts (since she withdraws regularly the money in the bank). My planned stay would be 5 days, 4 nights, and for the financial section, I placed my me and my Mom (since she’s the one responsible for placing the amount in my bank account).

    When I applied, the woman from Counter 2 removed the following: Marriage Cert, Affidavit of Support, Mom’s Birth Cert, and Mom’s PRC and Government IDs.

    Do you think I have a strong chance of getting approved? I’m really, really nervous since my Mom’s accounts are not that much, and of all the three accounts, mine’s the oldest (4 years). The bank accounts have regular cashflow, but then I’m still scared since some people have had 100k in their bank accounts but still got rejected in the embassy. Removing the affidavit and PRC IDs also had me on a question mark, but they did the same thing with my friend’s application (although his was conference visa sponsored by a university).

    I’ll really wait for your insights on this.

    Thank you so much and have a happy holidays!

    1. Hi! They do that sometimes. They check the documents and remove the others after checking. They review the application as a whole, so don’t be discouraged. It’s not always about the financial ability travel. Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre!!

        Thank you so much for your insights. I’ve been approved! Really thankful for this website I swear, half the credit goes to you and all the people who’ve commented in this platform.

        Happy New Year!

  436. Hello po. Ask ko lang po me and my cousins are planning to go to korea this coming April. Currently employed po ako ngayon. Maipapasa ko po lahat ng requirements na kailangan like COE and ITR. Ang problem ko lang po is Bank Cert and Bank Statement since wala po ako ng mga yun. Pero may mag sponsor naman po saken sa lahat ng expenses ko papuntang korea. Yung mag sponsor po na yun saken ay kasama ko din po sa tour na yan. Pwede po kaya na iisang bank cert and bank statement lang po ang ipresent nya? Kase kame po lahat na pupunta which is 5 adults and 2 childrens ay sya ang mag fund. Thanks in advance po.

    1. Hi, Ivy. If you’re an employee, bank documents are required. You may use your payroll account for this application. The sponsor’s documents is just an additional requirement that you can attach to your application.

      1. Hi Ms. Dre. kahit po ba walang laman yung payroll ko kase ATM po sya okay lang po ba yun? Walang balance na natitira at nasa minimum wage lang po ako. Baka kase ayun po ang maging dahilan baka di ma approved application ko kase wala naman po laman na malaking pera. At yung sa sponsor ko lang po sana yung ipapakita namen. If ever man po na payroll ang gamitin ko bibigyan po ba ko ni BPI ng bank cert and bank statement?

        1. Yes, a payroll account is considered a bank account, so BPI can provide bank certificate and bank statements. You are most likely to be denied if you don’t have a bank account even if you are employed. What you can do is, when you ask for a bank statement, don’t withdraw your money yet. So that when you get your bank statements, there’s money in the bank. Like I mentioned, you may attach your sponsor’s bank documents as an additional document to your application.

          1. Thank you so much Ms. Dre, I appreciate your reply. 🙂 Question po ulit, ilang working days po bago ma release ang bank statement and bank certificate sa BPI? Then ilang months po kaya validity ng mga yun?

          2. Since you can apply 1-2 months before your flight date, you should get your bank statement a week before your application date. If the person who signs for the bank docs is available, you can get it right away, otherwise, it can take a day or 2.

          3. Thank you so much po talaga sa pag reply lahat ng questions ko Ms. Dre

            But I’m still a little confuse po dito.

            Details of Sponsor
            8.1 Do you have anyone sponsoring you for Visa? : (Yes/No)
            Is this section is only for those who have a KOREAN citizen sponsoring them?

            9.8 Are you travelling to Korea with any family member? (Yes/No) Cousin.
            Should I consider my cousin as a family member?

            Pasensya na po kung madami questions. Pero super thankful po ako sa mga sagot nyo.

          4. Most of the questions are answered here, so feel free to browse through the FAQs. And check the comments section as well. If the answers are not there. Feel free to comment on that blog post. 🙂

  437. Hi 🙂

    I just wanna ask is it okay to present a bank account that’s 3 months old? The thing is, I have a personal account with BDO which I just opened last November 2017. I’m planning to apply for korean visa on February to reach its 3rd month (since a 3-month bank statement is a requirement). I’m not sure whether the korean embassy would consider it. But actually, before I opened the account with BDO, it was previously an account I had with AUB(as time deposit), so parang I just transferred/changed my bank. Should I make and submit a letter of explanation and attach a photocopied certificate of time deposit to prove that it’s just a fund transfer?

    And I also have a TD account with another bank but it’s a joint account and since it’s a TD, it doesn’t have much movement. Is it okay to submit 2 bank certificates?

    *I have no problems with regards to submitting the requirements. I’m a banker for 3 years already and I could present a COE and an ITR. I’m just really worried that they won’t accept a bank account that’s 3 month old and this is the first time I’m applying for a visa.

    Help? Thank you! 😀

    1. Hi, Jsy893. They do require 6-months old account. You may submit more than one bank account to present to the embassy. As long as it has your name, even if it’s a joint account, it is still counted as yours. You may attach thee certificate of time deposit as a back up document. Good luck!

      1. Hello po. Ask ko lang, okay lang ba if yung COE ko was issued last Dec 29, 2017 kasi we were supposed to apply on the 2nd week of January 2018. However, may hinihintay pa kaming ibang requirements ng mga tita ko so moved ang application date namin ng before end of January. Okay lang kaya yun?

        One more thing, kapag widowed, okay lang kaya na marriend pa rin i-check then sa name ng spouse indicate lang na deceased. And do we have to bring the death cert?

        Thanks in advance!

        1. Hi, Tep. Yes, you can still use that COE. For widowed, you may check ‘married’ option and indicate the information. You may add “Deceased” and attach a death certificate.

          1. Hi po! i just wanna ask po sana. Kasi po, mag ta-travel po kami next 3 weeks together with my family as a gift sa birthday ko. I’m with my mom and 2 other siblings. Me and my other sibling are both students. Our problem is that, my other sibling (who’s not a student) is now unemployed dahil kakauwi niya lang from abroad. My dad will sponsor our trip. What should we pass na requirements for my sister who’s unemployed? i grant ba nila yung visa namin?

            Thank you po for answering <3

          2. Hi, Strawbz. Was your sister an OFW? She can provide a document that she just finished her contract and also include an explanation letter that she wants to travel with the family and spend some of her savings. If you can provide more details about her status, that would be helpful.

  438. Hello!! Gusto ko lang po sanang itanong kung ano pong mga requirements para sa kagaya kong college student nakapagpabook na po kami ng flight ng kaibigan ko. salamat po

  439. Hi Dre,

    We were approved (multiple VISA) 😀 and had our trip last year Dec. 28 – Jan 3, 2018, all thanks to your help and replies sa mga questions ko.

    Ang saya and grabeh ANG LAMIG…. nagkasakit kami lahat pagbalik sa Pinas.. hahaha (huhuhu).

    Again thanks to your blog and God bless you more for helping out 😀

  440. Hello po I work po as a freelance but I’m having a problem sa ITR. pwede po kasi akong makakuha ng COE but yung itr wala po talaga ako. Pwede po kayang maginclude ng letter na nag eexplain kung bakit ako walang ITR and pwede po bang ireason na hndi ako nagbabayad ng tax? hehe Thank you po sa sagot

    1. Hi, Sarah. Freelancers are still required to pay taxes. You are considered as self-employed. Just go to BIR and start paying your taxes, then get a proof that you are now registered at BIR. Not paying taxes as a reason is not a good impression. Good luck!

  441. Hello, hope you can help me. My brother and I will be going to South Korea on June 2018. My Aunt and her family will be joining and will sponsor us. I read in other blogs that Family members are only sister, brother, mother and dad. I was wondering if I should write them in the “Are you travelling to Korea with any family member ?” section? The lines provided weren’t enough for all their names. (They are a family of 5). Hoping for your answer. Thank you!

    1. Hi, Em. That is correct, you can only put your brother’s name on that list. Your relatives are not your immediate family. But you can provide the birth certificate of your parent that is the sibling of your aunt to show proof of relation. Good luck!

  442. Hi Ms. Dre,

    Me and my uncle together with my cousin will be travelling to Korea on April 22,2018.
    My Uncle will be sponsoring all the expenses. He is from Canada and he will be coming home on March 24. But I plan to process my application 1st week of March. Is the Bank Certificate of Uncle needed on my application or I can submit just the Affidavit of Support and the certificate of my Mother and his certificate?
    I am an employee but I am hesitant because Im afraid to be denied. The last update of my account was on September 2017,I have deposited 12k this January so if I deposit February and March they might be thinking I only deposit for the sake of the visa purpose.

    So I asked my Uncle to stand as my sponsor for the tour. 🙂

    1. Hi, Janine. You may attach your uncle’s bank documents together with your affidavit of support and your mother’s documents. Those are in addition to your own bank documents. I hope that helps.

  443. Hi Ms. Dre,

    Ask ko lang, nakapag Korea na kami ng sister ko last year, na grant siya ng 3 years multiple visa dahil sa BDO Gold cc niya. Recently may nabasa akong blog na pwede daw supplementary card holder??? may idea po ba kayo kung totoo ito? ang if ever na pwede, okay lang po ba na pag nag apply ako (gagawin niya akong supplementary) okay lang na hindi ko siya kasama a (primary card holder) kasi no need na siya mag apply kasi multiple visa holder na siya?

    Thank You in advance! 🙂

    1. Hi, Joe. Unfortunately, I have no idea if that works, since I haven’t experienced it myself. Better ask the blogger who talked about this. 🙂

  444. Hi! Need help in filling up the applic form
    Im currently self employed with business permit etc
    Should i check the self employed then leave the name of employer blank OR self employed then write the details of my business then write owner in the position?
    Thank u! God bless

  445. Hi! Do you have ideas for the requirements of a seafarer and retired teacher? We’re going to Korea this April. Thanks!

      1. Hi, Dre! Got it. Additional question, sino ang okay na magsponsor for me, yung dad ko pero hindi siya kasama or uncle ko na kasama on this trip? I’m currently employed by the way. Thanks!

      2. Should we provide birth certifcate to show proof or relation? And also, do I need to include my own personal bank certificate and/or bank statement? I’m afraid kasi with the bank statement since the last time I deposited to my account was October 2017 pa.

        1. Yes, there should be a document for proof of relation. As for the bank account, why not deposit some money? Even if they are small increments. Additional bank account would help, so why not include it? That’s just my 2-cents. So your application should contain yours and your uncle’s bank documents.

  446. hello po ulit 🙂
    what if my father will sponsor my trip pero hindi ko sya kasama? pwede po ba yun? and ano pong mga documents kaya ang kakailanganin? May business po yung father ko and registered po ito sa BIR. maraming salamat po sa sagot, God bless po <3

      1. I am travelling with my uncle and he will be shouldering all the expenses what are the documents needed aside from my requirements?

          1. Thanks for the prompt reply Ms. Dre. My uncle dont have an ITR since he is an OFW. Is he exempted to pass the ITR?

          2. follow up question:
            Kelangan po ba original yung mga ipapass ko na documents ng uncle ko? or photocopy po?because we are applying for visa together po.

          3. As per the requirements, there are some that should be original, while some they just need a photocopy of. Please refer to this list: Employee Requirements. Your uncle should get two copies of each requirement para sa mga original na required documents.

  447. Hi! Pwede po ba magsama pag nagclaim ng passport? or kelangan isang tao lang ung may hawak ng claim stub ung pwede pumasok? Thanks po

      1. Thanks Dre! By the way, this is our second time. Do you have higher chance of approval if you already visited Korea? And does it still take 5 days for the processing?

          1. I see. Did you still attach the ITR? We will submit our requirements tomorrow. Please pray for us haha thanks!

  448. Hello Dre! I’m wondering if I can get a multiple entry visa if I apply the next time. I already traveled South Korea for 3 times. Once in 2016, then twice last 2017. And I heard they’ll give you a multiple type if you visited SoKor for 3 times or more within 2 years. I’m not so sure about this info though. If not, how can I get a multiple entry visa? Thank you! 🙂

    1. Hi, Chi. Based on my friend’s experience, when she applied for the 3rd time, she was given multiple-entry visa. Others say that if you have traveled at least 4 times in the last 2 years, you are eligible. The same process applies for the application. I think you just need to mention that you want a multiple-visa. Another option is to avail of the BDO/BPI promo.

      1. Thank you for answering that, Dre! Hope I get one. ^^

        Btw, can I ask also for my cousin.. She’s in Malaysia working right now and we’ll be together for my Seoul trip. She will be coming from Malaysia to Seoul and we’ll just meet there. Does she have to come back here in the PH to apply for a visa? Or should she go to the Philippine or Korean embassy there?

  449. Hi. If okay lang po sa inyo, would like to ask if how much po ung kelangan na nasa Bank statement/Bank Certificate? Kinda worried sa part na yan.

    1. There’s no set amount. But your best bet is to have money that can support your number of stay in South Korea. Although 20k should be safe for 5-days stay.

  450. Hi, ask ko lang po what documents po yung need i submit if my 2nd cousin sponsoring my travel to south korea? Actually po kasama ko po siya and for now unemployed po ako my chance po kaya na maapprove yung visa application ko kahit na 2nd cousin po yung mag sponsor sa trip?

    Thank you in advance po.

    1. Hi, Schenly. I’ve said this lots of times, the embassy is quite strict with “no work = no visa” policy. You may include an explanation letter on why you are currently unemployed. Your cousin needs to submit financial documents, ITR, COE. Good luck!

  451. hi! housewife po ako. yung husband ko po businessman. complete po lahat ng rquirements. pero hindi po malaki ang money niya sa bank. pwede po ba yung husband and father ko yung mag sponsor ng trip? o isa lang sakanila dapat? yung father ko po businessman din and malaki po yung money sa bank. pero both po sila hindi kasama sa trip. kami lang ng daughters ko mag apply ng visa.

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