Getting A Visa,  Wander Tips

Frequently Asked Questions on Getting a South Korean Tourist Visa for Filipinos

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FAQs on South Korean visa

Visa Announcement as of June 25, 2018

Company Alpha List no longer required during visa application from July 1, 2018

Visa Announcement as of May 29, 2018

Visa Application through Designated Travel Agency from July 1, 2018

From July 1, 2018, visa application will be processed through designated travel agencies only due to increased number of Korean visa applicants. Total number of visa applicants increased from 90,000 in the year 2015 to 120,000 by the end of 2016. In the year 2017, total number of visa applicants recorded was around 160,000.

This increase in number of visa applicants caused the applicants to stand in hot weather outside the embassy for hours to wait in line for their turn to apply for respective visas. To avoid such inconvenience, the embassy has designated 35 travel agencies to process temporary visitor’s visa application.

From July 1, 2018, walk-in applicants for temporary visitor’s visa will no longer be accepted. However, the embassy will allow walk-in applicants only for spouses and children of Koreans, holders of visa issuance number, government employees with official business trip, and for those with humanitarian reason to travel to Korea urgently.

List of designated travel agencies.

Tourist Visa FAQs

After knowing how to get a South Korean tourist visa for Filipinos, you find yourself still confused. You still have lots of questions left unanswered. (Or you know, TLDR. You’re too lazy to read the whole post and comments.) This blog post is for you! I compiled the most frequently asked questions and put them all here. I hope this helps future travelers to South Korea!

Please note that I am not affiliated nor work for the Embassy of South Korea. The following Q&As are only my recommendations. It is always best to contact the South Korean embassy for any clarifications. 

This blog post will be periodically updated as needed.

Basic Questions

When should I submit my application?

You may submit your application at the Consular Office from Monday to Friday at 8:30-11 am only. The embassy may be closed during South Korean holidays, so please call the embassy or do a quick Google search before going there.

What are the requirements?

Please click the links below to check the requirements needed:

For other classifications, please click this – Visa Requirements.

When should I submit my application?

You may submit your requirements up to 2 months to two weeks before your flight date. It takes 5 days for releasing of visa for first time travelers and 3 days for frequent travelers.

What is considered as a group application?

If you’re more than one person, then it’s a group.

Should everyone from the group application be present when submitting the application and requirements?

No. A representative can submit all the application for the group. Make sure that all the documents are complete and in the same order as the list of requirements.

We are applying as a family, are there additional documents to submit?

Please note that each applicant is treated as one application. So if you’re 3 siblings, each of you should present a copy of a birth certificate. If you’re a married couple, both of you should have a copy of your marriage contract.

  • Married Couple – a copy Marriage Contract
  • Siblings – a copy Birth Certificate
  • Cousins – a copy Birth Certificate of your parents that are siblings

Family Applications comprise of Father, Mother, Children (Siblings).

Filling Out the Application Form

Can I submit a computerized form?

Yes, you can. I recommend it. You cannot submit forms with erasures, so it’s best to hand in your application form with typewritten answers. REMEMBER: All answers must be in ALL CAPS.

Can I submit a handwritten form?

Yes, you can. But make sure that there are no erasures. Use a black ink. Write in ALL CAPS.

Should I write N/A on ‘this’ and ‘that’ part of the form?

Here’s a sample application form and use it as your guide. Pro-tip: If it needs to be checked, check 1 item and do not put N/A on the rest of choices. If it says FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY, it’s off limits. Do not put anything there.

What is ‘1.2 한자성명 漢字姓名’?

This is only applicable for those who have a Chinese name. Please put N/A here.

How about ‘1.7 국가신분증번호 National Identity No.’?

Put N/A here, too.

Section 8.1: Do you have anyone sponsoring you for a visa?

You answer with YES, if you have a Korean national that is sponsoring your travel. Otherwise, the answer is NO.

I have not booked a hotel/place to stay yet, what should I write in field 9.4 and 9.5?

  • 9.4 Address in Korea – Just write the name and address of the hotel where you intend to stay at.
  • 9.5 Contact in Korea – You may put N/A

What should I put in section 9.8, “Are you traveling to Korea with any family member?”

You should only type in the names of your immediate family member that are coming with you, i.e. your father, mother, siblings, spouse; if you’re traveling with relatives (i.e. cousins, aunts, uncles), you should type in N/A to all the fields.

How much money should I put on ‘10.1 Estimated travel costs in US Dollars?’

My estimate is usually $100/day. This is more than enough for a day, actually. But make sure that your money in the bank reflects this amount. If staying for 5 days, put $500.


Klook.com

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.

For OFWs

Do OFWs need to submit an ITR?

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.
Update:
According to the embassy, as long as you can submit a COE, you may skip submitting an ITR or certificate of non-filing.

Can a representative submit my requirements to the South Korean embassy in the Philippines while I am here in ______ country? (This case is when the OFW is still working abroad and will go home to the Philippines before the trip.)

Yes. Just make sure that all your requirements are complete.

For Self-Employed

I am running an online business and I do not have an ITR. What other documents should I submit?

If you are a business owner, may it be an online business, you should register your online business and pay your taxes.

I am a freelancer and I do not have an ITR. What other documents should I submit?

A freelancer should also pay for taxes, so please file your taxes at BIR. If you’re newly registered, you should be able to use a certificate

If you file your own ITR and receive an email confirmation from BIR.

You may submit the printed copy of the confirmation email from BIR.

For Unemployed

Can I get a Korean visa if I am unemployed?

This is a tricky question. The embassy would tell you, “No work, no visa.” That’s true in most cases, but if you’re married and your spouse is employed and is traveling with you, and can clearly support your travel, then by all means, apply for a visa. Having a Korean sponsor does not guarantee a visa. It’s a case to case basis.

Another scenario: You and your fiance are traveling together. Your fiance is employed and you are not. You may have your fiance as your sponsor for the trip, and you can submit his/her documents along with yours. A personal message was sent to me and confirmed that they were both granted a visa.

For Students

I just graduated and will be traveling to South Korea as a graduation present from my parents, what requirements should I submit?

Since you’re already a graduate, assuming that your travel period is not 6-months to 1-year after, you should be able to submit your school diploma as proof that you just graduated. This should serve as the School Certificate.

I am doing post-graduate studies, what should my requirements be?

Just follow the student’s requirements and get a certification from the school that you are getting your post-graduate studies.

My parents are not traveling with me, are there other documents that I need to present?

If not travelling together with parents, attach photocopy of passport or valid ID of parents.

For Working Students

My parents are senior citizens, so my brother is sponsoring my trip. However, I am also a working-student. What requirements should I submit?

According to the embassy, you may submit requirements as a student and attach your personal bank documents. You may also include your sibling’s documents who is funding your trip, but this is subject for approval. As for your senior citizen parent, submit their Senior ID and their personal bank documents.

For Minimum Wage Earners

I am a minimum wage earner and we are not required to pay taxes. What documents should we present to the embassy?

My recommendation is to prepare a cover letter stating the reason why you are unable to provide an ITR. Please submit documents to support your claim, such as recent payslips, a confirmation from your HR that no taxes are being paid, and similar documents to prove your claim.

General Questions

How much money should I have in the bank?

There is no exact amount that the embassy requires. In my opinion, you should have enough money to support the days of your stay in South Korea. You can set $100 X days of stay. If you’re staying for 5 days, then 5 x 100 = $500.

What is the average daily balance required by the South Korean embassy?

There’s no required ADB, but my advice is to have movement in your account, i.e. deposits/withdrawals.

Can I use my salary/payroll bank account?

Yes, you can use your payroll bank account.

How latest should be my bank documents?

In my experience, we submitted 1-month old bank documents.

What are the requirements for a child who is not yet a student?

It is the same as a student’s requirements, except there’s no School Certificate, and no School ID. You just need to add a Copy of an NSO Birth Certificate.

Can I apply for a visa if my bank account is less than 6-months old?

Ideally, it is best to have a 6-months old bank account, but yes, you can apply for a visa, as long as you can provide 3-months bank statement. It does not mean that you’re guaranteed a visa approval.

I just started my employment on my new job, do I have to submit an ITR?

The embassy will see in your COE that you’re newly employed, so you may skip providing an ITR. But just in case, bring a copy of your latest ITR.

<< Please read through all the Q&A before posting a new question in the comments section >>

What’s next?

Now that you have more knowledge on how to get a South Korean tourist visa, you’re ready for the next steps…planning your trip!

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883 thoughts on “Frequently Asked Questions on Getting a South Korean Tourist Visa for Filipinos

  1. Hello, nag apply kmi ng brother ko ng tourist visa for Korea. Nag woworry ako dahil ung birth certificate nya ay tinanggal nung korean na nag aassess. Binabalik ko and inexplain na family kmi. Sabi nya no need na daw. Pero ung birth certificate ko nman ay hnd nya tinanggal… Kinakabahan tuloy ako baka magkaproblema dahil don. Sabi kasi nila more chances daw kapag family ang application. Thanks

      1. Hi Dre, a follow up question regarding sa visa application. NagpaVisa Assistance kami sa isang agency last week.Yung kamasa ko Approved na pero yung application ko still “Application Recieved” parin. Nagchecheck kami online more than one week na ganun yung status. Ano kayang possible reason bakit ganun? May nkapagsabi kasi sakin na baka may nirerequire pang ibang docs yung sa immigration. Any idea? Thank you 🙂

  2. Hi!! as for the bank statement, what if my dad just transferred all his money from another bank account to his, is it okay? because he had to transfer all his money to my brother’s bank acc because of some misunderstanding. so he has 0 balance atm. but if we transfer it back again under his bank acc, do you think the consul will just accept it? i hope you’d respond soon. thank you! 🙂

  3. Hi I would just like to ask you. I am employed and my employer is my father because we have a family business. He will be the one to finance my trip as a gift. Whose financial documens (ITR, bank cert, bank stat) should I submit? Is it mine or my father’s? Thank you. Hoping you’ll reply soon 🙂

    1. Hi, Jhen. If you are employed, you need to submit your own requirements. Your father’s documents are just additional documents on your application. Good luck!

  4. Hello, pls help..Im unemployed, but will travel with my american fiance to korea and he will be the one to sponsor for our trip..Anong requirements ba ang mga i-provide nya for my visa application? Worried na ako kasi may ticket na kami. Pls help. Thank you po.

    1. Hi, Abi. Your fiance can sponsor your trip. You need documentation that you are indeed about to be married. If you have your own bank account with savings, that will also help your case. Good luck!

  5. Hello po, my friends and I are planning to go to korea next year.
    my problem is i dont have itr and coe…
    pero ang 2nd option ko po is, i will ask my dad to be my sponsor. (since he has complete documents, he owns po a business) if ever, pwede po bang mga documents nya ang ipasa ko for my visa application? and kapag po b aganun kailanagn po ng birth certificate namin both?
    thank you so much po, looking forward for ur answer

  6. hi, we are planning to visit korea this january. the group compromise of me, two cousins, her daughter, her partner (not married yet) and daughter ng isa pa cousin (minor). it will be sponsor by my aunt as a holiday gift kaso di sia kasama.. what docs are needed? thank you so much.

    1. You need to prepare documents as proof of relation, like birth certificates. The minor should have consent from her parents that she’s traveling with you. Your aunt should provide her COE, ITR, bank documents as well.

  7. Hello po 😊 what if household helper po ako isasama po ako boss ko sa Korea June 2017. BDO card holder po so Boss. Ano po ba mga requirements para sa akin. Required din po ba ako ng bank account statement? Thank you and God bless!

    1. Hi, Jo. Since you are employed. You should submit requirements as an employee. Yes, you still need to submit your bank documents, tapos i-add ang documents ng boss mo as supporting documents kung siya ang mag-finance ng travel. Good luck!

  8. Hi there!

    If I will be travelling with my child – 6yrs old, do I need to have my husband’s ITR and COE as well? or mine is enough for both of us?

    THanks

  9. Hello,just wanna ask kung alam nyo kung tumatanggap ang korean embassy ng affidavit of discrepancy.pag nagapply kc ako ng visa.2 kami ng mom ko.eh sa birth cert.ko mali ung nkatype na middle name ng mom ko.thanks

  10. Hi My aunt is married to a Korean and is financing my stay there. She was planning to send me an invitation letter however she told me that the invitation letter is only valid for a month, that is when she send me the invitation, i need to leave in a month, is it true? Or can I just put her name in the portion who will finance my stay?

    1. Hi, Jing. I apologize but I am unfamiliar with the process for a Korean sponsor. I am unsure about the validity of an invitation letter. It’s best to contact the embassy directly.

      1. HI DR. DRE I AM PLANNING TO APPLY A GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT APPLICATION IN KOREA .. I HAVE A CREDIT CARD DEBTH HERE IN PHILIPPINES IS THERE A POSSIBLITY IT COULD AFFECT MY APPLICATION? IN TERMS OF RELEASING MY WORKING VISA?

  11. Hello po..balak ko po sana mag apply ng visa this coming january kasama anak ko 18 mons old..gusto ko po sana isama asawa ko pero po di po kami kasal kc kasal po sya dun s una nyang asawa..ano po ba magndang gawin? Pareho po kami may trabaho.

    1. Hi, Sam. Please present legal papers that show the name of your child’s father on the documents, like the birth certificate. If you are traveling with your partner, you can apply as employees. Then you will be the mother of the child. Good luck!

  12. hi my question is that regarding the bank statement, im recently based here in riyadh and all my accounts are here, can i pass my bank statement and bank certificate issued from here to the k embassy in the philippines or do i need to open an account there? Will there be no problem even if its a new account? Thanks in advance

    1. Hi, Kea. From what I remember, someone mentioned that you must submit your bank account based from the Philippines. However, you may submit your application from the K embassy based in Riyadh and submit your bank accounts based there. If you’re planning to open an account in the Philippines, it should at least be 6-mos old prior to applying for a visa. Good luck!

  13. Hi! I’ll be applying for a Korean Visa again this February 2018. It will be my 2nd time to apply for a visa (I got my first one last November 2017, which I used for my Dec 2017 trip). Do I still have to submit my ITR?

    Thanks!

  14. Hi,

    I will be applying for a Korean Visa for the 2nd time this Feb and I was approved one last year and I was able to use it May 2017. Is the Korean Visa considered as a part of the OECD visa or no? Also, same requirements pa din ba pinapasa? Thank you. 🙂

    1. Hi, Jane. If you’re an employee, the requirements are the same, except you can consider not submitting an ITR, as it is your second time. In my 2nd application, I submitted all the requirements for an employee. Yes, South Korea is an OECD country, but they consider OTHER countries and not South Korea, since you are applying a visa to their country. My advise is to submit the same requirements as you did the first time.

  15. Hello. May tanong lang po ako. Maaapprove po ba ang visa ko khit walang laman yung bank account ko? yung account ko po kc in and out ang pera.. every sahod, kinukuha ko so walang natitira na pera sa account ko..

    1. Hi, Elena. There should be money on your account on the day you get your bank documents, so your bank certificates will show that there’s money in your account.

      1. I borrowed money to my mom in law to put in my bank account then I will get my bank statement and bank certificate next week. Magrereflect po ba yun? kc parang kailangan ata 6 months dapat may laman ang bank account. Yung bank account kc na yun, in an out ang money. Every sweldo winiwidraw ko so wala talagang natitira.

        1. In the bank statement, everything will be reflected from the in and out of money. The embassy wants to see if the account is not stagnant, so it is important that there’s in and movement from your bank account.

          1. So its okay kung hihiram nalang ako ng money sa mom in law ko para lng may laman ung bank account ko.. I am using this bank account since 2015, yun nga lng, walang natitirang money kc pagkasweldo, kinukuha ko lahat..

          2. One more thing, since I was a freelancer, working online. I don’t have ITR or COE. What should I do regarding this? Thank you.

          3. This has been answered in the FAQs. If you’re a freelancer, you are still required to file your taxes. As for COE, you may provide proof of work from your freelance jobs.

  16. Hello po can i ask panu po kasi mag aaply kmi visa ng mother ko senior at brother ko me work dn namn kaso aq unemployed , ngaalala aq baka d maaproved visa ko kasi unemployed aq me mag sponsor smin ni mama kuya ko sa kuwait anu ba kelngan . Supporting documents tapos ung kuya q na isa ksma namin sya nlng support sa srili nia or mas better din ba me sponsor kming 3.

    1. Hi, May. They are quite strict with “no work = no visa”. Unless you are a student or husband/wife (given that your spouse is employed), you may get a higher chance in getting an approved visa. For your mother, she needs to bring her senior ID and bank documents along with the documents from your brother in Kuwait (COE, bank documents). Your employed brother should submit requirements as an Employee. He can indicate that he is being sponsored by himself and his sibling, and also include your brother’s documents. As for you, currently, there are no requirements for unemployed, but try to follow “Employee” requirements, excluding work-related documents, then add your brother’s documents, as he will be your sponsor. Additional documents for family is birth certificate. So all of you, including your brother in Kuwait, should provide a birth certificate. Good luck!

  17. Hi, Dre and everyone

    My fiancé and I got our results today. I got approved but unfortunately he was denied. Reason was “You failed to qualify to the visa category that you have applied for.” Can anyone enlighten us kung bakit may ganito?

    Just some info
    -fiancé is a seafarer. Kung passport stamps lang din naman or how frequent the person travels, bongga sya. We event go out of the country 2-3 times a year for leisure
    -show money isn’t a problem. We both have 6 digits in our account and we declared that we’ll stay in SK for 5D4N
    -submitted the complete requirements as per the website and other travel blogs.

    Honeymoon pa naman sana to huhu 🙁 WE NEED ENLIGHTENMENT AND CLOSURE hahahahaha. Para din when we reapply hindi na to maulit. Thanks everyone!

    1. Hi, Lorraine. I am so sorry that your fiance got denied. Did he submit complete requirements? If he is employed, did he apply as an Employee? If you really need the reason, you may call the embassy to confirm. Just let them know that you need to know so that you can reapply after 6-mos.

  18. Hi! My family plans on bringing my best friend when we go to SK later this year, however, she is currently unemployed. What do you think we should do to get more chances of her visa approval? Thank you!

    1. Hi, Mei Lee. The embassy is quite strict on “no work = no visa”. However, if your best friend has her own bank account, she might have a good chance, and if the one funding her travel has enough money to support her, there may be a chance, but it’s not guaranteed. Good luck!

  19. Hi. I’m going to SK with my mom this March. I have a questions regarding Visa application.

    1.My mom is a plain housewife ano po ilalagay sa Employment nia? Is it Unemployed or Others and ilalagay na lang po na housewife?

    2. Since housewife po si mama, sa father ko pong COE ggmitin. He’s an OFW po and walang ITR, okay lang po ba yun? Indicated sa COE nia na Exempted sa tax ang father ko.

    3. Last question, ang ggmitin pong Bank acct and Bank cert ni mama ay kanya since wala pong bank acct si papa dahil seaman po sia and dretso sa bank acct ni mama ang allotment nia every month, okay lang po ba yun? and if oo po, ano ilalagay sa funding details nia? name ni papa (source of income) or mama since under sa name nia yung acct?

    1. Hi, AJ.
      1) Unemployed
      2) As mentioned in the post, OFW needs to file a “CERTIFICATE OF NON-FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN“. Make sure that at BIR, you are tagged as an OFW.
      3) Provide proof of remittance from your father.

  20. Hello! I’m travelling alone and I have no one who will sponsor me. I’m currently a college student and I have bank account. I save up all my allowance for this trip. Since i’m a student and present them my own bank account certificate. Will they require itr?

    1. Hi, Ian. You should follow the Students requirements. A student does not have their own ITR or COE. You should, however, submit your parent’s bank documents, COE, ITR. You can attach your own bank account, as you will be funding your own travel. I hope that makes it clear. Good luck!

  21. Hi.i just got my nso married certificate last dec.I have been using my maiden name in all my legal documents except for my passport.I already change name.Is it ok if my passport is with my husband’s surname and ill be using it for the application form.

  22. Hi, I am unemployed and is invited by a friend who’s married to a Korean, I and another friend will be staying in their house, the rest of budget will be of mine and the other friend (kkb ika nga), my husband is employed but will not tag along. Do I need to pass his employment docs to support my travel visa?
    One more thing, does the visa has time duration from release to date of travel, as we figure to seek for a visa first before scouting for a promo tiket and fly by Oct pa of this year. Thank you 🙂

    1. Hi, Girlie. Visa is valid 59-days from date of approval. Since you are a housewife, you have to submit requirements as a housewife. You should submit your husband’s documents as he will act as your guarantor as well, to prove that you have ties back home. You can attach your own bank account in addition to your husband’s. I hope that helps. Good luck!

  23. hi i just want to thank you for your awesome blog. I tried to backread as much as I can and it gave me so many insights. Today, we were granted visas and I was so nervous that my aunt would be denied because she is unemployed and single. Your comments were a great help!

    1. Hi, Jikook! That’s great news! I am so glad that everyone was granted visa, even your aunt. Can you give us insights on what she did differently? Like what other documents she presented, etc? Anyway, I am so glad that I was able to help somehow. 🙂

      1. I sponsored her but she has her own bank account. We passed our documents as a group and I included in her application my documents as well. For reference we applied here in Cebu. I passed an explanation letter, affidavit of support, hotel booking and itinerary too. All were accepted.

      1. Hi Louise, I sponsored my aunt. She just passed her application form, passport and bank documents. The rest of the needed requirements are from me. I also made sure I have enough balance on my bank account for the two of us since I passed an affidavit of support stating I will be the one funding her.The rest of the other documents I passed are stated above.

        1. Hi! We will be applying for visa this coming march. I’m currently employed and have all the requirements for visa application. I’ll be travelling with my aunt and uncle, they are both unemployed. Is it ok to submit the documents of their children (COE,ITR and BANK DOCUMENTS) as supporting documents since they are both unemployed. They have their bank account and surely that they have enough balance to fund their travel. I’m worried since they will not travelling with their children (my cousins) and we will be submitting their documents as a proof of income and support. Kindly advise if is their any possible documents that we can submit to have a possible chance that we will be approved. In addition they have an ongoing business and all they have for now is a barangay business permit since other documents for their business is still ongoing. Thank you

          1. Hi, Janine. Your uncle and aunt can submit their children’s documents, notarized affidavit of support, and present their business permit and documents that the other documents are in process. I hope that helps. Good luck!

  24. Hello! I’m want to apply for a visa because my dad and I are planning to go to Korea. It’s actually my graduation gift but I’ve graduated last June 2017 pa. It’s late cause my dad’s really busy with work.

    The problem po is I’m unemployed and I’m scared they’ll deny my application because of that. Pano po kaya yun?

    Do I just include my dad’s documents too since he’ll fund my travel?

    Thank you ^^

    1. Hi, Louise. Are you traveling with your dad? Please submit an affidavit of support along with your father’s documents. That may help you with getting a visa. Good luck!

  25. Hello Dre, kakaregister ko lang sa BIR. Since hindi ko pa makukuha yung ITR ko, okay lang kaya na isubmit ko sa Korean Embassy yung Certificate of Registration ko galing BIR.

    Thanks.

  26. Hi,

    Ask ko lang po. I’ll be travelling to korea this April 2018 with my mother. Pero dpo sya pede sa requirements under housewife kase matagal na sila hiwalay ng tatay ko but in papers they are still married. My mother is using her maiden name in all her documents specially passport. She also have her own bank account but she is not employed. I am employed and will be sponsoring her. Nabasa ko need magrequest ng affidavit of support. San po un nirerequest? Malaki po ba chance maapprove ang visa nia based on the situation I have mentioned? Is it okay that she is using her maiden name? What other documents must I provide to ensure that her visa will be approved?

    1. Hi, Jeraldine. Just go to Notary Public and have the affidavit drafted and notarized. Your mother should still pass the requirements as a housewife, but she may use your bank documents along with hers to submit. In the funding information, she will indicate your name and information as the one funding the trip. As for your mother’s status, in my opinion, she is still legally married. She can prepare a document and have it notarized that she’s been separated from her husband that’s why she’s been using her maiden name. For more information regarding that, please try to contact the embassy or ask for legal help. Good luck!

      1. Hi, tanong ko lang po para sure Dutch passport at Philippine passport ako hindi na need ng visa yon diba? By the way, isa po ako sa mga kasama ni Jeraldine punta ng Korea this April pamangkin ko siya. And about sa situation ng mother niya mas madali ba kung siya mag sponsor for the papers o baka pwede ako baka mas madali? Thank you!

        1. Hi, Terrie. If you’re siblings with the mother, then it is easier. Just present both your birth certificates as proof of relation. If Dutch passports are visa-free to Korea, then yes, no visa needed for you. I hope that helps.

          1. Hello po.. Ask ko lang po kung accurate po ba ung korea visa portal.. I checked my visa application status at nakalagay po dun na approved. Pero hindi po ako kampante since sa monday ko pa maclaim yung passport ko.

  27. Hi,

    Thanks for the very informative blog. May question lang po regarding sa Bank related documents. I have 2 bank accounts kasi. Kinuhaan ko na ng bank cert and statements. Would this be enough/ok?

    BANK 1: (opened last July2014)
    Current Balance 36,000
    ADB 13,500

    BANK 2: (opened last Oct2017)
    Current Balance 32,000
    ADB 30,000

    Thanks po 🙂

  28. Hi Mam ,

    Thank you for this po.. Re the Korea visa portal , may I ask if familiar po kayo dito? Legit po kaya ito ? Yung name ko kasi pag sinearch no result found,, medyo nakakaba lang kasi ung name ng friend ko na search naman.. Thank you in advance 🙂

  29. Hello! Question lang po paano po kung ang pinsan ko po ang mag fund or mag sponsor sa lahat ng expenses ko papuntang Korea which is kasama ko din po sya pumunta ng korea. Do I need to submit Affidavit of support? Then need ko parin po ba mag pasa ng birth certificate ng mother ko at ng mother po ng pinsan ko para po ma prove na mag pinsan kame? Or kahit birth cert na lang po namin dalawa ng pinsan ko.

    Thanks in advance po. ^_^

      1. Hi! I’m a fresh graduate. Clear ko lang if I will still check the student or unemployed? And is it okay na bank statement ng grandparents ko yung isusubmit ko since sila naman magsponsor ng trip ko? Thank youuu!

        1. Hi, Anje. Yes, you are unemployed once you graduate. Since you’re already a graduate, assuming that your travel period is not 6-months to 1-year after, you should be able to submit your school diploma as proof that you just graduated. This should serve as the School Certificate. Yes, you can submit your grandparent’s bank documents in addition to your parent’s other documents. Please include a photocopy of their senior cards to show that they are retired senior citizens. I hope that helps. Good luck!

          1. I grew up with my grandparents only. Possible po ba na hindi na po ako magsubmit ng documents ng parents? Should I make a cover letter stating that my korea trip is a grad gift and need ko rin po bang i-add na yung travel ko is prior sa board exam review ko?

          2. Hi, Anje. Get a notarized affidavit na yung grandparents mo ang legal guardian mo, then you don’t have to submit your parents’ documents. You can attach a cover letter, too. I think that would also help. 🙂

      2. Hi Ms. Dre! Need ko rin po ba magpasa ng explanation letter? Then explanation letter ko po ba or ng pinsan ko na mag fund saken, stating that she’ll be the one who sponsored all the expenses?

        1. It should be stated on your application form already that your cousin is funding your trip. No need for an explanation letter. Just ensure that your documents are complete and valid.

          1. Hi Dre! Employed ako pero hindi kataasan ang sahod and (3 mos palang sa work) need ko pa ba ng itr? Pero may enough money ako sa bank account (savings and grad gifts) mas okay ba na maglagay pa rin ako ng magfufund ng trip ko like my grandfather kasama ng own savings ko?

          2. Hi, Anje. If you’re new at work, it is understood that you can’t submit an ITR. You can include the bank documents of someone else funding your trip and add it to your own bank documents.

  30. Hi, i plan on travelling to korea sa november with my brother. Student pa lang po sya at ako po ang masponsor ng trip namin. I have a steady job for 4years already. Tanong ko lang po kung anong requirements ang need nya ipasa. My mom is working as an ofw and yung father ko naman po is unemployed. Thank you po in advance.

    1. Hi, Kaye. Please check the requirements for students. Please attach your bank documents, COE, and ITR if you are sponsoring him. If your brother is a minor, please make sure there’s consent to travel that is notarized. Include your birth certificates as proof of relation. I hope that helps. Good luck!

  31. Hello po may question ako im currently unemployed 3 months ago I have korean boyfriend we are planning to visit korea to meet his family he will sponsor my trip is it possible na maapprove since nabasa ko kasi strict sila sa no work no visa, Anong mga documents need ko i provide for myself as unemployed and documents for sponsorship? Thank you so much po! Godbless.

    1. Hi, Eunice! Provide documents that you are invited by the family in Korea. Even if you’re unemployed, if you have a bank account, you can provide those as well.
      * If personally invited by Korean
      . Invitation Letter
      . Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)

          1. Okay thank you ulit! Yung invitation letter nabasa ko kasi sa ibang list of documents nakalagay it should be notarized in korea. Andito kasi sya sa ph pano kaya yun?

  32. Hi, Kailangan po ba parehas n mother and father yung magprovide ng Requirements for student? kasi po yung Father ko is Farmer so wala po syang mapoprovide na Itr. Thank youuu

      1. hi po.. my brother will be providing my trip to korea pero hindi po sya kasama magkorea.. is it possible for me to get a visa? thanks po.

        1. Hi, Maybelle. Are you a student or employed? It is possible to get a visa as long as you can provide complete and valid documents to support your application.

  33. Hi, plan po ng grandmother ko at ng brother ko mag punta ng SK this vacation. Yung grandmother ko po meron na po siya multiple visa yung brother ko naman po student and sa lola na po kami lumaki and first time travel niya po to. Question ko po need pa po ba niya ipasa yung COE and ITR ng parents namin since yung grandmother naman po namin ang mag sponsor sakanya? At ano pa po need niya ipasa?
    Thank you po! 😊

      1. Dati po kasi nag apply din po ako together sa lola ko pero im 20yrs old na noon. Documents niya po pinasa ko. Wala na po coe and itr. And na approved naman. Pero kasi madami na po ako travel. Worry ko minor po yung kapatid ko and wala pa travel. Pero may dswd naman po siya. Kasi hiwalay po parents namin kaya sa lola na po kami lumaki.

        1. Pag family trip naman, they encourage it. He’s a student naman, as long as the guardian/sponsor can guarantee support during travel, there should be no problems.

          1. Ed ok lang din po kahit hindi ako mag pasa ng coe and itr ng parents namin. Basta po documents lang ng lola namin na senior at requirements for student. Ma approve po siya?

          2. I can’t guarantee that he will be approved, kasi embassy ang magdedecide nun. Just ensure that he has complete and valid documents.

  34. Hello, I’ve read your FAQs before I post a question. I would like to ask po sana because we are planning to visit south korea this year (Around May or June) – Unemployed po kasi ako for almost a year na because of Family reason. hindi na rin po ako fresh graduate kasi nakapag work na rin po ako before.

    Ang mag ffund ng whole trip ko ay yung sister ko po who is an ofw, kumbaga isasama niya po ako sakanyang pag visit sa Korea. Saan po kaya akong “visa requirement” mag ffall? Kung mga May/June po namin balak mag travel, okay na po ba na mag pasa g requiremnents ngayong February? Salamat po sa tulong.

    1. Hi, Alexa. Korean visa is only valid for 90-days from date of approval, so it is ideal to apply 1-2 months before your flight date. You can follow the Employee requirements and submit the COE, Certificate of Non-filing, and bank documents of your sister. Enclose affidavit of support from your sister as well. If you have your own bank account, please include that as well. I hope that helps.

      1. Thank you, Miss Dre.

        Does my sister have to produce multiple copies of her bank statement, bank certificate, COE, etc.? because there are 3 of us that she will be sponsoring (Me and her two daughters – a student and a 2-year-old). I will be the one who’s going to file/prepare the requirements for us 3 since my sister is still working abroad and she will just go to the korean consulate office in her country to apply visa for herself.

  35. Hi po! Tanong ko lang kasi balak ko magSK after grad pero kukuha ako ng visa ng april kasi may yug graduation so im still in padin sa category na student diba po?? Kasi junr ko pa naman balak mag SK. And also, pano po yun if kaibigan ng mommy ko yung magsponsor ng trip ko? Ano pong mga kelangan na ipasa? Hope you reply po huhuhu

    1. Hi, Janine. Just make sure that when you apply for a visa, it is within 2-mos from your flight date. For example, your flight is on June 5, you should apply from April 6 onward. And if you haven’t graduated during that period, you are considered as a student. You should pass the requirements for a student, but for the documents of your financial sponsor, you have to present your mother’s friend’s ITR, COE, bank documents. This is in addition to your parents’ documents (marriage certificate, etc.)

      1. Pero di ko na need magpasa ng itr at proof of employment ng parents ko since di naman sila yung magsposponsor ng trip ko? All i need documents like marriage cert at birth certificate ng parents ko? The rest ng proof of employment na ipapakita ko is yung sa kaibigan ng mommy ko. Reply ka po ulit hehe

  36. Hi! My brother and I are planning to go to Korea this April, however, my brother is still unemployed. I am already working in our company for 9 years and i have funds in my bank account that can support both of us for this trip. However, im worried if my brother’s visa application will be approved since he will not be able to submit COE and ITR. Would you know if since I will be sponsoring him, do i need to provide 2 original copies of my Bank statement and COE (1 for me and 1 for him) for his application? Thanks!

  37. Hi Dre,

    Ask lang po, nung nag request kami ng bank certificate namin, hindi daw sila nag po-provide ng ADB which is actually stated po sa requirements. Sabi ng bank, okay rin daw kasi sa bank statement, makikita din po dun ung balance as well as other transactions indicating na my movement ung account. Then my ilang tao din nag request sa kanila ng bank certificates for South Korea visa at ndi rin naibigay sa kanila ung ADB. Ask lang po if okay ba talaga un? Okay na sa bank statement na lang po e basehan ng balance instead of the actual ADB? Thanks po!

    Joseph

    1. Hi, Joseph. When I asked for a bank certificate before, I specially told them to include the ADB, because that is required. But there are some who passed their bank certificates without the ADB but were still granted a visa. I hope that answers your questions.

  38. Hello po! Im a student and Im planning on going to SK this sem break but my parents are both unemployed. However, my uncle is sponsoring my trip. Documents ng uncle ko kailangan e pass ko? thank you

    1. Hi, Adrian. The documents that your uncle will pass are the following: Bank documents, ITR, COE. The rest will be from your parents, like their marriage certificate.

  39. good day. ask ko lang po kung pwedeng kunin yung passport sa embassy not on the said date sa claim stub? i need the answers asap thank you. 😄

      1. Hi Gud pm! Ask ko lang po pano kung yung asawa ko yung mag i sponsor skn na nasa Sokor, eps worker po sya. Ano po mga kelangan na docs? Thanks po.

  40. Hi Dre, ask ko lang po kung kailangan ko pa mag pasa ng COE at ITR ng parents ko since yung senior citizen na lola ko naman po ang mag sponsor sa trip ko.

    1. Hi, Christine. If your parents are employed, you should submit their documents. Your lola’s bank documents and a photocopy of her senior ID card should just be added to your application. If they are unemployed, no need for COE and ITR. I hope that answers your question.

      1. Kailangan ko pa po ba mag submit din ng notarized travel consent kasi minor pa po ako at kailangan po ba both parents? And kailangan ko din po ba mag submit ng notarized of support to travel na galing sa lola ko? Kasi diba po nakalagay naman sa application kung sino mag sponsor.

        1. Yes, if you’re a minor you need a notarized consent to travel from your parents or one of them. For funding naman, just submit your lola’s documents that I mentioned earlier. Maybe a document of proof of relation to your lola, too.

          1. Hindi po ba magiging problem yun kung hindi employed yung parents ko which is hindi po ako makapag submit ng ITR and COE nila. At bank documents lang ng po ng lola ko na senior citizen ang ipasa ko po?

      1. Thank u ms Dre..i just came from the consulate(cebu) they give me back my requirements becoz my form 2316 need to be authenticated

  41. Hello, Miss Drei

    I just want to ask something kasi ang mag ssponsor ng korea trip ko ay sister ko who is an OFW, so yung bank account niya ay international (kung saang country siya nag wwork) magiging problem kaya yun kapag yun ang sinubmit ko sa korea embassy?

    1. Hi, Jim. May nag-mention before na what they need is a local bank account, however I’m not really sure about that. Please contact the embassy just to be sure.

      1. Thanks for the reply miss dre, I really I appreciate. I will just call the embassy nalang din po tomorrow.

        If ever na totoo na ang need nila ay local bank nga, do you think my mom (who is already a retiree and a senior citizen) can be my sponsor?, though, sa plan naman talaga ay kasama ko siya. I’m just thinking if possible na siya ang gawin na sponsor since may personal bank account naman siya which I think enough naman po yung amount and she has multiple entry visa to USA? I’m just thinking lang po of another option kasi yung sister ko po doon na siya sa korean consulate office sa country na pinag wworkan niya mag aapply ng visa.

        Thank you again.

        1. Just to give you an idea, Miss Drei. I’m currently unemployed but not fresh graduate and has travel history pero mostly asian countries without Visa pa lang po ang napupuntahan while my mom is a retiree and a senior citizen na rin (with a senior ID) and she also travelled to USA 3-4 times I think? and valid parin po yung visa niya since it’s a multiple entry visa.

          1. Hi, Jim. If your mother will be coming with you and can support your travel expenses as well, you have 50/50 chance of getting approved. They are really strict with “no work = no visa”. You can attach your mother’s bank documents with senior ID and your sister’s documents as well to strengthen your stand to get a visa. Don’t forget to submit your birth certificates for proof of relation. If you have your own bank account, that would also help your case. Good luck!

          2. Miss dre,

            Thank you again for replying. Almost done na po ako sa requirements, pero may kulang pa po ako na nirerequire ng Travel Agency which is the “Tax Exemption Certificate from BIR” since yung mag ssponsor ay OFW. Do you have any idea how to I get that? like the requirements? Thank you so much.

  42. Hi! Question, I’m going to travel to Korea with my friends, so my parents will sponsor my whole trip (pocket money etc). Pero wala pa akong personal bank account. Paano po iyon?

    Thanks!

    1. (pahabol questions):

      1. Since I just graduated, do I submit my ORIGINAL diploma?? Or okay na po ang photocopy?
      2. Also, may kailangan pa po ba isubmit na other documents since I’m not traveling with my parents and just with my friends?

      Thank you so muuuch!

      1. Hi again!
        1) Just a photocopy is needed. They don’t return original copies.
        2) If you’re a minor, you need a consent to travel. Otherwise, just their ITR, COE, your birth cert, their bank documents should be included. If you have your own savings account, attach that, too.

    2. Hi, D. If you’re employed, you may use your payroll bank account. You may also submit proof of payment from work, like payslips. Then add your parent’s documents.

      1. My friend’s not employed yet. Student palang siya and wala siyang own bank account or anything. Will the parents’ bank documents be enough??

        Thank you again!!! I really appreciate it ❤️

  43. Hi Dre, mag aapply ako for SK visa. I’m just worried kasi about sa bank cert na naibigay skin ng Landbank na walang ADB at account opening date. Possible parin ba na maaprove ung application ko?

    1. Hi, Bii. As per the SK embassy requirements, it is required to show the ADB and opening date. When I applied for bank documents, I specifically ask them to add those and let them know that is for an SK visa. However, there are some people who lack the ADB info but still got a visa. Good luck!

      1. Hi Bii! We have the same problem! Same with BPI, they issued a bank cert stating only the current balance. Btw, did you also submit a bank statement or only a bank certificate?

  44. Hi! Me and my friends just passed a bank certificate and no bank statement as per advised by the agency that processed our documents. In our said bank certificate no ADB nor when the account was opened is stated but only the balance since the bank said that is their new rules for the bank certificate. But upon reading blogs online it seems that everyone passed both the bank statement and bank certificate and it makes me very nervous of our chances of getting a SK visa. Has anyone had this case? How was the outcome? Help plssss

    1. Hi, Ella. I am unsure about that, since it is required based on South Korea’s list of requirements. Whenever I ask for a bank document, I specifically ask them to include those information and let them know that it is for South Korean visa.

      1. Thank you for the reply! As of now the agency is still checking our requirments and maybe will send the requirements next week. Don’t you think its better for us to ask another set of bank certificate with the said details? Do we also need to submit a bank statement?

        1. In my opinion, you should have applied for yourselves. It’s free. I am unsure why the agency said that the bank statement is not needed when it is part of the requirements from the SK embassy website. If I were you, I would submit all the required documents stated by the embassy.

          1. It’s hard for us since we are from Visayas and Cebu is also far for us so we just got an agency to process our documents. Anyways i’ll talk to the agency that we’ll submit the lacking bank documents. Thank you for your help!!

  45. Hello Miss Drei.. Can i ask for clarification.. Plan po lc nmin ng friend q this year to go for a trip in Sokor.. We’re both OFW in Taiwan.. Im still confused pa rin po kc okay lng po b n gmitin nmin ung passbook nmin d2 plus ung savings account nmin din n naopen d2 s taiwan. About the coe is it okay n mag pass kmi ng contract? We have option dn kc to get a tour package.. is it more secured to get a visa pag may tour package or same lng din.. Thank you

    1. Hi, Rose. You can apply for a visa in the South Korean embassy in Taiwan. As for the bank accounts, it was mentioned before that you can only use local accounts when applying in the Philippines, I can’t be sure, but it’s best to contact the embassy for that. For the COE, please get this from your employer. A copy of your contract may be used as additional document. Getting a tour package with visa is only secure when processed by a credible agency. We usually process our visa personally at the embassy.

  46. Hi Dre,

    Is the korean embassy strict with the paper size? Is letter size okay for all the requirements to be submitted?

    1. The application form should be A4. The rest can be any size depending on how it was given to you. For example, an ITR can be letter sized.

  47. Hi Ms. Dre, magpapasa po kami ng Visa Application ngayong katapusan ng March. Question lang po yung pinsan ko po kasi na mag sponsor samin ay OECD sya. The rest po ay first time traveler na. We’re planning na mag pass as a group then may nabasa po ako na ganito “Note that there are separate windows for those with and without past OECD visas.” Yung pinsan ko po ang representative namin paano po yun? Magkaiba po bang window pupuntahan nya para saknya at yung samin or kahit OECD po sya pwede nya isama yung mga application namin sknya?

    Then sa pagpasa po ba namin ng Visa Application namin dapat po ba naka folder per person? Thank you po.

    1. Hi, Carla. The second time we applied, I was with my sister and my bro-in-law who has a US visa. They removed my application and had theirs submitted to Window 3, mine at Window 2. I am unsure if they will also do that to your group application. It would be best if someone is with her, just in case she has to pass in both windows, kasi pag tinawag number mo, dapat magpunta ka na agad sa window. As for the application: Remove any folder, passport holders, paper clips on your documents. Arrange the documents as listed from their website.

      1. Salamat po sa pag sagot Ms. Dre. By the way, question lang po ulit about sa ITR ko naman po. Paano po masasabing Authenticated yung ITR na binigay sakin ng Employer ko? Binigay po sya sakin last month po January 2018. May nabasa po kasi ko na hinold yung application nya kasi yung ITR po nya ay hindi Authenticated. Salamat po ulit.

          1. Ah I see po. Eh Ms. Dre, paano po kung yung binigay saken ng Company ko na COE wala pongHR Landline Number? Email address lang po ang nilagay nila. Since ang sabi po sakin wala na daw po kasing contact ang HR sa ngayon daw po. Okay lang po ba na kahit email address na lang?

          2. Someone mentioned before that they were not able to include a landline number for the COE and they still got a visa, so they may accept yours, too.

  48. hi,can i ask po, im going with my tita for tour in SoKor. but i dont have for now work. but i have my bank account and have enough money to travel. is it possible to just pass po that bank account only? we are in group. we will just put with the files of my aunt and with her friends files. thanks

    1. Please add an affidavit of support or guarantee letter from your tita. The embassy is strict with “no work = no visa”. It would be better if your tita acts as the one who can also fund your trip. Good luck!

      1. thankie for the reply. question pa po. may idea po kayo if how much must be your bank account when my aunt is a business woman. thanks

        1. Rule of thumb is that the amount of money in the bank account should be enough for your length of stay. If your aunt is sponsoring you, it should be double the amount. I usually do $100/day, so if you’re staying for 5-days, your bank account should have $500USD equivalent to pesos.

      2. one last, or can i just put my father as my sponsor. he is a senior citizen and currently a kagawad in our barangay and mother has a sari sari store. can i just put there documents or better my aunt is my sponsor?

  49. Hi! Good day. I am currently unemployed for 3 months already and will travel with my friend by April. I have all the requirements and enough funds needed except lang yung COE since it is needed. We are planning to submit all the requirements by the end of the month. Is there anybpossibilities na madenied? What could be possible replacement for COE kung sakali? Thank you!

    1. Hi, Eunice. The embassy has strict policies regarding “no work = no visa”, but they do take consideration to other applicants. You should show that you have enough ties back in the Philippines. Maybe prepare an explanation letter as to why you are unemployed. Have an additional person to fund your travel, like your parents. If you are currently looking for jobs, explain that in your letter, or show proof that you are looking. Good luck!

  50. Hi..Good day,
    I’m just a little bit confuse on Section 8.1. Do you have anyone sponsoring you for Visa? I should answer No if my sponsor in not a Korean , Right?
    Where shall I write the information of my spoinsor. ?

    Thanks

    Edgar

    1. Hi, Edgar. Yes, that is correct. That’s for Korean sponsors only. If you are referring to a sponsor who will fund your trip, then that is for Section 10.

  51. Hi! I am traveling with my family (Mom, Sister and Brother) to Seoul this last week of May. And I have a few questions 🙂

    1. My brother is still a college student, which means he needs financial support, can I be the one who’ll support him since I have more savings and earn more than my mom who is a government employee?
    2. I’m a practising CPA and I have my own office. I can only present my BIR Certificate of Registration and Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) as my Business Registration and Permit. I don’t have a Mayor’s Permit since its indicated in our law that practising professionals are not required to obtain Mayor’s Permit because the PTR is ‘local business tax’ and I don’t have a DTI since I’m using my own name as a tradename (own name printed on my Official Receipt). Is my PTR enough as a ‘business permit’? Should I include a letter of explanation for this matter?

    Thanks!

    1. Hi, Jesusa!
      1) Yes, you may do that.
      2) As per using the PTR, I am unsure about that. It would be best to contact the embassy to confirm this.
      Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre! Thank you for your immediate response.

        I have a few clarification.
        1. So my brother will submit his visa requirements for a student including our mom’s COE and 2316, our father’s ITR and Business Permit and my ITR and bank certificate and statement. Is this correct?
        Should he include our father’s ITR, DTI and Mayor’s Permit even though our father won’t be going with us?

        Thanks again!

        1. Yes, your brother can submit your father’s documents as well, even if he won’t be joining the trip. Don’t forget to include both your birth certificates as proof of relation. Your parent’s marriage certificate as well. 🙂

  52. hi me and my family just travelled to SoKor last feb. 1, 2018 and we want to go back this april is it possible to apply tourist visa again this march even if the validity of our tourist visa i ending on april 17, 2018?

    1. If your tourist visa is single entry only, then yes, you have to apply for a visa again. If it is a multiple-entry visa, then no need to reapply.

  53. Hi, Ms. Dre! I’m going to travel with my mom and siblings. My mom is a housewife while my dad is an OFW and I’m currently unemployed. Is there a chance I could secure a visa given that my dad will pay for the entire trip? We’ve been to a few Asian countries already, will that help also? Lastly, can I just provide an explanation letter why I’m unemployed? Hope to hear from you soon, thanks! 🙂

    1. Your chance is 50/50, to be honest. An explanation letter might help your case. Your father’s bank account should show that he can really shoulder all expenses for the trip. Good luck!

  54. Ask ko lang po i am unemployed and d pa din po ako graduate dahil hinihintay ko na lang po ung visa ko papunta ng us kaya d na ako nagaral dito sa pinas. And plan po namin magtravel sa sk. Tito ko po ang magsponsor sa akin. Considered as student pa din po ba ung mga requirements na ipapasa ko?

    1. Hi, Rey. You are considered as a student if you are enrolled at school, especially during the school year period. You may include an explanation letter as to why you are currently out of school and still provide student requirements.

      1. Thanks po. So even nagstop ako this sem i am still a student? Magbibigay lang po ako ng letter kung bakit po ako nagstop?

  55. Hi po.. ask ko lang, my chance po ba maapprove ung appli ko, kasi tatlo kami magkakapatid magtravel sa sokor, but nung march 2 ngapply na sila ng visa, di na ko naisabay kasi nagcocomply pa ko ng reqs, so nung march 6 lang po ko nakapag apply, di na po nafile ung appli ko na travelling as family kahit ininform ung consul, di po sya nagnote, nilagay ko dn po na employed ako, but iisponspran rin ako ng ate ko, then binalik po ung docs ng ate ko, nabobother po kasi ko kasi di ako nakasabay as family appli, tapos po walang supporting docs na iisponsoran dn ako ng ate ko…

    1. Plus 6 mos lang po ako sa work then almost 3 mos palang po ung bank acc ko, nahuli po kasi ko magapply ng visa kasi kakafile ko lang dn po ng leave, sa march 22-26 na po ung travel sana namin. Nagwoworry po kasi ko, di ako nakasabay as family application although nakalagay naman sa form na may kasama naman ako magtravel, and ung docs dn ng ate ko binalik, plus ung affidavit of support.. employed po ako, but ung sa visa form nilagay ko dn name ng ate ko sa funding details. Un lang po nagpapatunay na kasama ko sila, pero ung docs ng sister ko di naman nila kinuha…

    2. Hi, Dhen. Did you include the names of your family in your application form? If yes, then they can check the documents of your family that is already with them. There really are instances where the consul removes extra documents. Just wait for your results. Good luck!

    1. Hi, Cheng. You should follow the requirements for an employee. Additional documents that you can submit as a government employee is a permit to travel.

  56. Hi po.my question is. May anak po kami. Hindi kami kasal. So ang plano is invitation visa para samin ng anak ko. Need po ba ng bank account? Wala pa kaso so need ko ba mag open and ok lang ba yun na kahit kakaopen ko lang gagamitin ko na agad. Mas may chance ba na maaprrove since may anak kami.naka apelyido sakanya.

      1. He is a Korean, since hindi kami kasal, hindi naasikaso bago sya umalis. Need pa kasi DNA pag hindi kasal so nauna na siya. Kaya ang plan na lang ngayon is visitation visa na lang muna kunin. Need pa din ba ng bank account. Kung mag oopen ako. Pwede na ba gamitin yun agad kung sakali. Thanks fo sa napaka useful na information. Salamat sa sagot

        1. Hi, Marina. If he’s a Korean national, he needs to provide the following:
          . Invitation Letter
          . copy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)
          I am not sure about the legalities, pero kung anak niyo ay registered as his child, he can provide additional documents for proof of relation.
          A bank account should be 6-mos old before you can use it for an application.

  57. Hi. Very useful tips. 🙂

    Ask ko lang po, does the 3months bank statement po ba needs transactions? Planning to apply for visa this april and the fl Ght i booked was in june. Like i have a savings account for a year already but august 2017 pa last transactions ko. I have enough balance pa nman kasi 100k yung maintaining balance niya. Ty in advance for replying …

  58. Hi. I was so glad that I found your blog about this. I’m having a hard time preparing my requirements. I just want to ask, unemployed ako since 3 months ago and currently hindi din ako naghahanap ng work, I’m planning to go to Korea with some friends anong kailangan kong ipass in replacement of COE? Ako lang din mag fund sa vacation ko since may savings naman ako. Thanks so much in advance. 😘

    1. Hi, Honey. They are quite strict with “no work = no visa”. Unless you are married to an employed person, you may submit his COE, ITR, and bank documents. Otherwise, prepare an explanation letter of your unemployment. If you can get a relative to stand as your sponsor, I think that might help, too. Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre. Thank you for answering my question. 😊 Is there a requirement needed for my relative who will be my sponsor? What if my sponsor (sibling) is working abroad do I need to present his bank account details there?

  59. Hi Ms. Dre, we will be applying for visa this Thursday and I just have few questions about filling up the application form. BTW I am travelling with my partner (not married) and some friends. My partner and I have a joint account which is what we will be using, do we have to put each other’s name in the sponsor part of the form? We requested 2 copies of bank statement and certificate. Also I can’t find the contact number of the hotel that we will be staying in, can we just put N/A? I tried to contact the hotel but the number that they are proving shows x – Contact number : +xx x-xxxx-xxxx.

    Thanks in advance.

    1. Hi, R. If both your names are on the bank account, then no need to say you’re sponsoring each other on the funding details. You need separate copies of bank documents. For the hotel contact info, just put N/A.

  60. Hi Dre,

    Mag apply na po ko ng visa tom, March 13. Is it an advantage or disadvantage to include airline ticket, hotel booking and itinerary in the requirements? Or should I stick to these:
    1. Application Form
    2. Passport
    3. Passport bio page xerox
    4. COE
    5. Bank Certificate
    6. Bank Statement
    7. ITR

    Hoping for your quick response😊

      1. Hi Dre,

        Thanks for the response. Nagpunta na ko kanina sa embassy. Dumating ako mga 8:15 kaso sadly cut off na daw ng 7:50. Sobrang dame pa ng waiting sa labas. 283 lng daw pinapasok nila. Nagtry padin ako magwait gang 10am, wala talaga. Mga 9:30 nagtawag ung guard nagpapasok pero thru agency daw 800 ung payment. Nakakalungkot lang. Kaya bukas babalik ako dapat before 5am andun na ko pero sabi nung mga guard 3 or 4am daw dapat andun na. Meron po kau personal email? Can I send my application form. Ipapareview ko po sana? If okay lng

        1. Hi, Jeraldine. Unfortunately, a lot of would-be tourists are going to the embassy right now to apply for a visa. Please check the sample visa form that I provided on this blog post and compare it with yours.

          1. Thanks Dre.
            I have a question on section 3, 4, 9 and 10.
            In 3.7 a, I put N/A beside Passport Type field.
            In 4.1 current residential field what is better ‘N/A’ or ‘Same as Above’?
            In 4.6 c, I put ‘N/A’ since my emergency contact info doesnt have a telephone # but has a cellphone #.
            In 9.4 we are staying in 2 hotels one in seoul & busan. Is it okay to write only one or both?
            In 9.5 I put contact # that are from the hotels site
            In 10.2 a, c, d I provided my name & other details.
            In 10.2 b, I put ‘Myself’. Is that okay?

          2. All fields that are not applicable should have N/A in it, just N/A.
            4.6 You may put a cellphone number, just make sure it starts with +63.
            9.4 You may write the first hotel you are staying at.
            9.5 Yes
            10.2 If you’re funding yourself, then put N/A.
            10.2 b Yes
            I hope that helps!

          3. Regarding the hotel, if I only put the hotel in seoul our booking there is april 19 to 20 and 23 to 26. April 21 to 23 will be in a hotel in busan. Is it still okay to only write one hotel? What if the embassy call the hotel and check our booking dates?
            For 10.2 a, c, d: If i write N/A then would it be okay to put ‘Myself’ in the 10.2 b? It seems to me that it does not match. Kindly help me more. Thanks for helping😊

          4. Hi Dre,

            Thank you so much for all your help. Approved na po visa ko sa wakas as per checking online. Legit nman po un noh? Bukas pa kase ung release tlaga. Oks lng po kaya dko makuha sa mismong release date?

  61. Good evening, Ms. Dre! Thanks for this very helpful blog. Although, I still want to clarify a few things:

    1) My Form 2316 is already pending for release but the HR manager told me that it isn’t BIR-stamped/sealed since BIR doesn’t authenticate each employees’ form 2316. Any thoughts on this? Should I head to the nearest BIR office and have it stamped/sealed?

    2) I already have my bank cert and statement with me. The question is, PNB doesn’t inlcude anymore the ADB on the bank cert since it isn’t required anymore as per their management. They only add it if the client will be applying for a Schengen visa. I even insisted that it needs to be there but even their bank manager told me that it’s not needed and it would be fine (since as per them, a lot have been requesting for bank certs/statements for a Korean visa). Any thoughts on this?

    Would really appreciate your inputs! God speed! 🙂

    1. Hi, Emilia!
      1) Yes, please have your ITR authenticated by BIR.
      2) There are some instances where banks don’t include the ADB, and some have mentioned that they still got a visa.
      Good luck!

  62. Hi po! Ask ko lang po if magkaiba pa yung details of sponsor and yung funding details? Kasi yung mother ko po ang mag ffund sakin, well kasama ko din po sya. Thanks po!

  63. Please ignore my first question about the similarity of details of sponsor and the funding details. Hehe. I’d just like to ask what requirements should I pass if I will be funded by my mother whom will I be travelling with and should I make a letter why am I unemployed and not looking for a job? I’ve never been employed.

    1. I’ve been saying this a lot because the embassy is quite strict with the unemployed, I guess, an explanation letter would suffice. If your mother is employed, you would need to submit her COE, ITR, bank documents, your birth certificate as well. I hope that helps.

  64. Hello po! I’m planning to apply for a visa on august pero the thing is wala akong passbook acct. Biglaan kasi lahat 🙁 Pero i have my atm payroll acct na savings acct din (landbank) and bpi atm savings acct. I’m planning to open a passbook acct next week pero yung adb nya is less than 6 months. In your opinion, okay na kaya na payroll acct ko ang gamitin ko or mag open ba ako ng passbook savings acct? Or yung bpi atm pwede na rin ba yun? My payroll is nasa 1 yr na tapos yung bpi savings atm ko is 5 or 6 yrs na sguro? Since yun ang gamit ko ever since college. Tho mas ‘active’ and payroll acct ko ngayon.. thanks! 🙂

  65. Hi Dre, ask ko lang po if ok lang po na hindi naka indicate sa COE yung position, salary and yung date kung kelan mag travel? Kasi yun pong binigay na COE sa tita ko wala and nag rerequest po kami na palitan sana and ipalagay yun ayaw po ng HR kasi yun daw po talaga ang COE na binibigay nila. Sa tingin niyo po ba magiging problem yun sa application ng tita ko at anak niya na minor. Balak po kasi namin siya isama kami po may visa na sila po kasi ngayon lang na complete yung requirements kaya hindi po naisabay sa pag apply nung application namin. Thank you po.

    1. The position and salary should be there and date of hire. Just make sure that the contact number of the company is indicated so the embassy can contact them for clarifications.

  66. Hi Ms. Dre, Mag aapply po ako ng visa tomorrow, but late ko nabasa itong blog.mo, would it be okay if I already put N/A even i already put NO(√)? Thank you

      1. I came to Korean.Embassy today, I woke up 4:30am and arrive there maybe 7am because I came from Laguna. Sobrang aga nila nag cucut off. 😭😭😭 Sa monday babalik ako 3am para mas sure.

        1. Naexperience ko din yan..nkakaiyak. 1st attempt ko din 8am ako dumating cut off na(Tuesday). 2nd attempt andun nko bago mag 5am(Thursday). Nkaabot nman pero pang 205 na ko. That time 250 ata pinapasok nila. Pero nun tuesday 238 lng. Kaya kung kaya mag overnyt. PUSH na.

          1. Opo tyaga lang po tlga. Baka dun na po ako matulog sunday sa manila para 3am andon na ko pipila ko, kasi pag galing po ako laguna wala pang byahe non kaya di aabot. Haysss sana makapasok na by monday

          1. Nagpunta po ako ng Korean Embassy today, 2:30am ako andon. May pila na pang 74 ako. Tapos yung mga dumadating ng 5am umabot na yung pila hanggang petron. Grabe. Nakakaawa yung ibang maaga din pero hindi nakapasok. Yung nasa window 2 kinuha nya requirements ko tiningnan tapos binigyan na ko ng claim stub. Monday malalaman ko na result. Hopefully na maapproved po ako. 🙏🙏

  67. Naka indicate po yung position and date of hired pero yung salary po hindi. Makikita naman po yun sa ITR diba po. Pwede na po ba yung COE na yun kahit wala salary ang ipasa ko?

    1. If ganon talaga ang format ng HR nila, I guess, you can’t do anything about it. Yes, the ITR shows the salary, so that would suffice.

  68. Hello Ms Dre, i hope you are doing well. Would like to ask for your opinion on this situation. I have two bank certs, one was issued last feb 23, the other was today (3/16) and I am planning to apply for a visa this 3/19. Problem is, for the bank statement that was issued today, there’s no adb and date opened. The bank insist(talked with the manager) that they don’t issue bank statements with those infos. I showed them my Feb 23 bank cert (issued by the same bank different people) that contains all the info that I needed and they informed that that was a mistake. Problem is, which one will i submit? I am thinking of submitting the two then provide an explanation letter but they have different total balance, today’s higher. Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi, Chris. If the difference in the balance is not too high, just use the first one. But if you’re more conscious of the ending balance, you can use the last one. Ang weird lang ng mga banks ngayon that they don’t provide those information when it’s yours to begin with. 🙂

      1. Couldn’t agree more Ms. Dre haaay but just to update you I ended up sa agency magpaayos kasi last time na pumunta ako, I was there before 6am (sa korean embassy) kaso di ako inabot ng cut off. Plus wala na akong time bumalik ulit haha thank you for your advice, your blog is really helpful 🙂

  69. Ano naman po pwede ko ipasang supporting documents since ang kasama po mag travel ng tita ko (asawa po ng tito ko) at ng anak nila e yung lola (biyanan po niya) at kapatid ko pero they already have visa? Ngayon lang po sila magpapavisa kasi ngayon lang po na complete yung requirements. Ano po pwedeng proof na family tour po yun?

  70. hi ms dre or someone here. can i just ask. is there a chance to get my visa approve even im an ex abroad. i just go home for good last year from qatar. but my aunt will sponsor my travel because i dont have job now. thanks

  71. hi ms dre or someone here. can i just ask. is there a chance to get my visa approve even im an ex abroad. i just go home for good last year from qatar. but my aunt will sponsor my travel because i dont have job now. thanks

    1. Hi, Candice. There’s a 50/50 chance. Provide valid documents, you can show your previous contract. Ensure that you establish proper ties in the Philippines, because they are very strict when it comes to the unemployed. Good luck!

        1. You may show the following:
          – Ownership of real property (real estate) and/or highly valuable tangible property
          – Ownership of a business/investment/etc.
          – Relationships to people (e.g.: family, spouse, children, community, etc.)
          – Responsibilities (e.g.: professional job, student, caring for parents/children, community leader, etc.)

    1. Hi, Stephanie. Somebody mentioned before that the embassy’s only accepts local bank accounts. I am unsure if they accept from foreign banks, but you can contact them to verify.

  72. Hi i just want to know po yung 2316 ko po if walang stamp is it possible magpasa nalang ng trasnmittal / receiving copy from the bir? galing sa hr ko? they endorsed it sa bir thru cd po. wala kasing alphalist yung hr namin

    1. Hi, ganto rin po yung akin Transmittal Form with BIR STAMP and Sworn Declaration lang po yung binigay since naipasa na daw sa BIR yung DVD copy ng list ng employee namin.

      1. Based on their announcement, they do need the Form 1604, otherwise submit an explanation letter. I think they’ve become very strict with this.

  73. I’m still a student and I want to go to korea after my 18th birthday but my mother died already and my parents doesn’t have a marriage contract and I want to travel alone. Is it posible to apply wothout the Marriage contract of my parents?

    1. Hi, Monette. Ask your remaining parent to get a affidavit of support. Your father’s name should reflect on your birth certificate.

  74. Hi ms. Dre! Ask ko lang po diba may bagong requirement ang korea embassy na need ng company alphalist if employed or bir form with payment receipt sa authorized bank if self employed. E student po ako at friend ni mommy yung magsposponsor ng trip ko. Ask ko lang if need pa ba yuny bagong requirements ng friend ng mommy ko? Thank you in advance!

  75. hi ms. dre! nakakuha na po kasi ako ng bank certificate last march 14, kaso dapat pala 2months before pa ng departure date dapat magapply ng visa. kailangan ko pa ba ulit kumuha ng panibagong bank certificate, coe and bank statement? sa july 23 pa po kasi yung flight date ko. thanks for the response

  76. Miss Dre, ask ko lng po if okay lng na magsubmit ng 2 bank certificates. Yung isa po dun payroll account ko, yung isa savings nmn po. Kaya lng di ko nanatransfer yung money ko from payroll to savings.

  77. Is there someone who encountered na hindi mareleasan ng 1604-CF (Alphalist) because of confidentiality? I have read na matagal na po ito requirement sa Cebu and ngayon lang maiimplement sa Manila. Planning to submit an explanation letter but still it’s not an assurance.

    1. Hi, nakapag apply ka na po ba? Di rin kasi ako mabigyan ng company namin ng alphalist since DVD copy yung pinasa ng company namin sa BIR

  78. Hi Ms. Dre. Ask ko lang, based on your experience maaga na ba if dumating sa Korean Embassy ng 7:30am? May napanuod kasi akong video sabi 7am palang nag cut off na sila. I’m from province pa kasi, I’m afraid na pagdating ko dun cut off na sila even before 8:30am. Thanks

    1. Hi Hany,

      1st time ko pumunta embassy March 13, 2018 8am ako dumating, dna ko umabot kase cut off na. 2nd time march 15 before 5am ako dumating, nkaabot naman pang205 na ko nun. Swerte lng 250 pinapasok nila that time. Kase minsan 200 lang. Tapos ung friend ko pumunta sya kanina lang before 4am andun na sya pero inabot pdin sya ng cut off.

      1. So sad to hear that. I was planning to submit my requirements this week at worried ako na maabutan ako ng cut off. Hoping na di ganun karami ang tao this week.

        1. Worth it din namn pagod atleast approved na😊
          Bka dina ganun kahaba pila dahil sa bago nila requirements. Goodluck, aja!

  79. Hi po bale po ofw ako so kakauwi ko galing bakasyon hindi po ako nkakuha ng coe sa company nmin or any supporting document anu po kaya ang pwede kong ipakita..

  80. Hi Dre, ask ko lang po may idea po ba kayo dun sa new requirements ng korean embassy na Company alphalist? Saan po ba pwede kumuha nun kasi nag ask ako sa employer hindi daw po sila nag rerelease nun. Form 2316 lang daw po.

    1. Please try going to your nearest BIR and ask if they can provide a copy. But ideally, your employer should give you a copy. Maybe have your employer provide a certification that you are part of the alphalist.

      1. Hi Dre. Are you familiar about the company alphalist? Kasi nagrequest ako sa employer ko and they sent me copy of “List of scanned BIR form 2316 for the year 2017” hindi ako sure if that’s the same BIR form 1604 na bagong requirement. Thanks.

  81. Idedenied po ba talaga nila yung application pag wala noon. In case na hindi po talaga ako makakuha ng copy or certification. Complete naman po lahat ng requirements ko yun lang po talaga kulang.

  82. Meron pa po bang ibang alternative documents na pwede ipasa. Kasi nag ask po ako sa employer ko na kahit certification po mabigyan nila ako kaso hindi daw po sila nag bibigay talaga tinanong ko din po kung pwede kung sa bir ako kumuha sabi po nila hindi din daw po magbibigay ang bir nun.

  83. Hi good day! ask ko lang po since naglabas na sila ng names ng agencies hndi na po ba talaga pede mag walk in sa embassy to submit requirements?

  84. Good day Ms. Dre ask ko lang po kung ano mga ibibigay ko sa embassy kasi po my brother and sister will sponsor my trip. I’m still a student po but my parent’s doesn’t have an Itr nor Coe but me and my parents have bank account . Pwede ko po ba pakita nalang sa kanila yung Itr and Coe ng brother and sister ko? Thank you ma’am

  85. Good day! Mam, Dre my cousin planning to apply Korean Visa. Pinattanong po nya kung pd daw po 1700 ITR ang isubmit nya.

  86. Hi Ms Dre, ask ko lang po ok lang po ba kung yung ipapasa kong COE e 2 months palang po ako sa company na yun? Pero may OECD at tree times ko na po balik sa korea.

  87. Hi Miss Dre, ask ko lang po. What if wala po akong bank account. Boss ko po mag sponsor ng trip at kasama ko po sya. Ma de denied po ba ako? Yong friend ko po kasi kinuhaan sya ng Boss nya sa Friday na alis nila. Wala rin po sya bank account approved sya hindi nya lang po alam kung paano na process ng boss nya house helper po kami pareho. Thank you po!

  88. Hi Ms Dre, my boyfriend want to go with me to travel korea. He is working but the problem is he has a bank account in bpi 3 months palang po and wala po siyang naisasave just the maintaning balance lang po and he has a payroll account in metrobank mag one year na po malaki naman po ang sinasahod niya monthly because he is working in bpo pero wala lang po naisasave. Complete documents naman po siya and nakapag travel na kami sa hong kong, singapore and malaysia. The only problem is the bank cert and bank statement. Pwede po ba na ako ang mag provide sakanya nun then yung Coe,ITR niya ang ipapasa. Just the bank cert and bank statement lang po sakin. And pwede din po ba ipasa niya yung payroll account and bpi savings account niya? And ano pa po documents ang ipapasa namin like proof of relationship? Thank you.

    1. As mentioned in my FAQs, he can submit his payroll bank account. He can also include his BPI account, just try to put money in it in increments. You can stand as his financial sponsor and attach your bank documents as well. Just ensure that your balance can support both of you.

  89. Hello, my sister is planning to sponsor me and my two children for our trip to Korea as I am unemployed. My sister is an American citizen and lives in the US. What documents do we need from my sister?

    1. Hi, Jas. Your sister needs to provide her bank documents, ITR, COE. You also need both your birth certificates for proof of relation. If you’re a housewife, you need to submit your husband’s documents as well.

  90. Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    Hi Dre,

    I’m planning to submit my requirements for visa application next week. Kumuha ako ng Bank Certification and Bank Statement from Eastwest kaso yung sa Bank Statement di raw nakaindicate yung ADB and opening date kasi ganun yung format daw nila. Need ko pa bang gumawa ng explanation letter for that?

    Also pwede bang isubmit yung BIR 2316 last year from previous company. Kakalipat ko lang kasi sa ibang company last year May and magsusumbit palang daw yung current employer ko this April. Nagwoworry lang kasi ako just incase makahingi ako ng Company Alphalist from current employeer is iba din yung nkaindicate sa sinabmit kong BIR2316

    Thanks in advance.

    1. Hi, Che. Yes, you may include an explanation letter for both scenarios. Since you’re new from the company, you can just state you just moved to a new company, so you don’t have an ITR yet. They will see when you started on your COE, anyway.

  91. Hi po. My parents wanted to visit Korea, and they asked me to join them. They are both retired. The problem is I am currently unemployed pero I have my own savings naman. I’m not confident sa pag apply kasi nga unemployed ako, though the trip will be sponsored by them. Ok lang po kaya yun if retired parents un mag sponsor ng trip? Hindi pa kasi ako nakaencounter ng ganito case sa mga blogs, usually kasi nakikita ko employed un isa. Also, in addition to affidavit of support, bank cert of parents, my birth cert. ano pa po docs kaya needed? Hope you can give your insight on this. Thanks po.

    1. Hi, Leen. Add an explanation letter as to why you are currently unemployed. If both your parents have enough money to support, there’s a chance that you can be approved, but it is not guaranteed, as you are unemployed.

  92. Hi dre! Mag aapply ako ng tourist visa this month kasama ang baby ko 1.8 yr old. Unemployed po ako pero sponsor po korean father ng baby ko. Kaoopen ko lang din ng bank account ko nitong march lang. may chance ba maapprove kami?
    Please reply namon po.

    1. Hi, Irish. As long as you can provide all the necessary requirements, especially from the father, there’s a chance that you will be approved.

  93. My boyfriend is Yemen and he want to visit Korea
    But he is tourist visa in Malaysia so he don’t have bank statement
    I am student in Taiwan and I am Korean
    How could I be a financial sponsor to him

  94. Hi, Dre!

    I would just like to ask if you know ho to get CERTIFICATE OF NON-FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN? My father and my brother are OFWs. They are travelling with me to Korea along with my mother. Thanks a lot! 🙂

  95. Hi!

    I’m planning to apply for a korea visa. I have stayed in Japan for a year and I just got back here in Ph so I’m currently unemployed. I’ve also been to Jeju Island. My sister who is working in Japan would be sponsoring my trip. What documents from her do I need? Do I also need an affidavit of support? And as for the ITR since I have been to Japan I believe it’s okay not to submit that anymore, right?

    1. And since she’s in Japan… the documents would be in Japanese so what should i do with the documents? Should I have it translated in English?

    2. Hi, Saki. For the ITR, they only allow not submitting this if you stayed in Japan as a tourist. Otherwise, you need to submit this if you are employed. If you were an OFW in Japan, you may present documents that you just finished your contract that’s why you are currently unemployed. Yes, you need an affidavit of support from your sister.

      1. Hi Dre!

        Thank you for replying.

        I went there as tourist. As for the affidavit of support, does she still need to go to the consul to have it done? Or can she just write a letter stating that she will be supporting my trip and then I’ll just have a lawyer here to notarize it? Also what about the coe and bank req?

        1. For the affidavit of support, just find a template online, use it, and have it notarized. COE and Bank Documents will come from your sister if she will sponsor you. It will also help if you have an explanation letter as to why you are unemployed.

          1. Thanks Dre!

            As for the letter, can I also attach a copy of an email I received when I applied for the university I’m planning to attend as a proof that I’ll be going back to school this year?

  96. Hello,

    my problem is my company cannot provide a 1604 cf with bir stamp.

    they give me a copy of company asphalt but only my name have a record, all names are they are no details just only mine and no stamp.

    according to my company the BIR they not stamp bec, it is online submission.

    1. Hi, Robert. They only need your information, so it should be okay that your name is the only one with information. As for the BIR stamp on it, that could pose a problem as they need it authenticated. Go to your nearest BIR, maybe get a document that can prove that the document is valid.

      1. hi dre.

        my company give me a letter of explanation that no bir stamp.
        my ITR is have a stamp also.

        that it is ok?

  97. Hi Dre.

    my GF is now on canada,

    how is the process if she sponsor her parents and sister?
    1.Father (senior Citizen)
    2.mother (house wife)
    3.sister (new work) that cannot provide a ITR and 1604 cf.

    we are all same travel date to korea and my GF will come to korea.

    1. As mentioned in the post, new employees need not submit an ITR. The embassy will see that on her COE. The father will submit the requirements as a retiree, and add the financial documents of their daughter. The mother will submit the requirements as a housewife, and also submit the financial documents of their daughter. If the daughter is an OFW, then you need a certificate of non-filing from BIR.

  98. Hi Dre,

    I am an OFW form Dubai and will take my vacation this coming May, we wanted to visit SK with my sister (student-incoming freshman in college) pero the problem is my mom don’t have any savings account and my father have no job. pwede bang bank account and employment certificate ko na lang yung gamitin para sa sister ko since ako naman ang mag ssponsor sa kanya sa mga expenses nya and kasama naman nya ako to travel?

    Hoping for your reply.

    Thank you 🙂

    1. Hi, Claire. Yes, she can submit your documents. Don’t forget to submit both your birth certificates as proof of relation, and follow the students requirements. Just replace the financial docs to yours. If she’s a minor, please don’t forget to get a notarized ‘Affidavit of Parental Consent to Travel’ as well, and if she’s traveling during school term, make sure the school has provided certification that she is permitted to go. I hope that helps 🙂

  99. Hello po! Just a question lang po. My husband is working onshore/offshore– parang project based lang, like their company would reach out to them if there are projects. My problem is, yung HR nila might not be able to provide the certificate of employment kasi parang third party lang sila, parang manpower agency lang. Their main office is in Malaysia so it’s hard to communicate with the HR. I’m worried this might cause problems during application of visa. What should I do? My husband is basically the one paying for the trip so mas believable yung salary nya compared to mine.

  100. Hi, I’m just a bit confused with the alphalist. I was able to travel to Korea last year, and I know that it is an OECD member country. Am I exempted from submitting this requirement?

      1. Yeah, but I travelled last year submitting only the Form 2316 without the alphalist.. Was alphalist a recently added requirement?

  101. Hi Dre!

    It’s me again.

    I only have emails stating that they have already received my application. The result won’t be out until June. Also, it’s actually a school in Japan so I’m a bit skeptical cause it does kind of show that I won’t overstay but since it’s a school in another country it doesn’t really prove my strong tie to our home country. Should I still include that?

    Thanks a lot Dre! You’re really a big help!

    1. Hi, Saki! In my opinion, it is better to let them know that you will be a student again, whether it is in another country or not. It is proof that you are still a student. Good luck!

  102. Hello Mam Dre, ano po requirement ng student? Di po ba school end na, ibig sabhin hindi na pwd ang cert of enrollment.

    1. Hi, Cheng. I am sure there’s a school certificate that can prove that you go to that school. I think the certificate of enrollment is different from a school certificate. The school just needs to provide a document that you are part of the school with a dry seal.

      1. Hi miss Dre so okay lang po ba na kahit di pa ko enroll sa next school ko basta meron po akong school certificate kung saan ako grumaduate? kakagraduate ko lang po kasi and next month pako mag eenroll pero plan ko po kumuha ng visa this month thank you po 🙂

        1. Hi, Yowww. A diploma should serve as a school certificate, I assume high school diploma? So it should be understood that you are in between breaks until you’re in college. Congratulations on your graduation 🙂

          1. Yes highschool graduate 🙂 Thank you very much Ma’am and thank you for always answering our question God Bless

  103. Hi! Thank you for this informative blog. I have a question. What if I’m a student and my aunt is sponsoring my trip? I’m currently living with my single mom and she’s unemployed. All the financial documents is from my aunt and I only have to submit my mom’s birth certificate? Since she doesn’t have a marriage certificate. Hoping for your immediate answer. Thank you 🙂

      1. Hello Dre. 🙂 I completed the requirements na for a student applying for a korean visa except my parent’s bank statement and certificate. May I ask if they’ll accept my brother’s bank certificate and statement? If yes, what other documents should I bring?

        1. That means your brother will stand as your financial sponsor. Yes you can submit those from your brother. Add both your birth certificates for proof of relation.

          1. Oh. But actually my dad will give me financial support and I alsao have an invitation letter, I just needed his bank account because my parents don’t have one. Is it okay if I don’t change what i already put in my application form?

  104. Hello!

    I am now unemployed but I recently enrolled for a short term course ar an Arts Academy and the classes will start at June. Am I considered as a student then? Do I follow the requirements under the student category? Also my korean boyfriend will sponsor the trip. If so do I really need to submit my parent’s documents? Or can my boyfriend just provide those documents instead, since siya naman yung sponsor?

    1. Hi, Dez. If you can provide the requirements for a student, like a school certificate, then you may follow the student requirements. As for your sponsor, he has to provide the financial documents, COE, ITR. However, it would seem like he is your invitor to Korea, so he also needs to provide requirements for that. Please confirm this with the embassy. Your Korean boyfriend can also help you process this.

  105. hi. my bank issued my bank certificate without account type, opening date, and ADB, will they accept it? i already requested the certificate with the required data’s but they will released it on wednesday. im from the province and i already booked my flight on tuesday, and my flight back home is on the same day. do you think they will accept my application?

    1. Hi, tb. It seems that banks right now just provide bank documents according to their templates. So far, I haven’t received any additional comments saying that their application was rejected due to the bank certificate lacking those information, so it might be alright.

  106. hi again.. is it okay if my certificate employment does not indicate my salary, but I attached my employment service record where that is indicated?

    1. Hi, Leo. I guess that should be okay, as long as your company officially provided you that document. Otherwise, it is best to get a new copy of your COE. 🙂

  107. Hello Dre,

    What are the requirements for visa (family)

    1.) Senior Citizen (ex OFW)
    2.) housewife (a small sari2x store)
    3.) new employee (cannot provide a ITR and 1604cf)

    kindly specific,
    thank you so much

    1. Hi, Ben. The requirements are mentioned under Basic Questions > What are the requirements?
      Please click the links to get the specific requirements.

  108. Hi Ms. Dre, question lang po. Mag file po kami ng Visa Application this coming thursday. May kasama po kaming infant at children. Paano po yung pag fill up nila sa Visa Application Form same lang po ba ng katulad sa adult? Kase po dba ang mangyayare sa application nila halos lahat N/A po ang ilalagay. Tama po ba?

    Then about naman po saken. Paano po kung di nakapag bigay saken yung company namin ng Alphalist? Is it okay na yung transmittal na lang po ng 2316 namin ang ibibigay???
    Thanks in advance po.

    1. Hi, Judie. Yes, you may fill out the forms for your kids and put N/A on those not applicable. For the alphalist, it has been mentioned that they will not accept applications without it, unless you provide an explanation letter, however, it does not guarantee an approved visa.

      1. Hi Ms. Dre, nakausap ko po HR namin hindi daw po nila ako mabibigyan ng alphalist since masyado daw po yung confidential. Bale ang naibigay lang po nila saken is yung Sworn Declaration. I asked HR if the Sworn Declaration and Transmittal Received from BIR is the same and they said yes. Tama po ba? And is it okay na yung Sworn Declaration lang po ang ipasa ko, with my 2316?

        PS: Bukas na po kami mag file ng visa application. Kaya wait ko po sagot nyo now. Thank you so much po.

  109. Hello Ms. Dre

    I am planning on enrolling this coming sem but i am not enrolled for 1 year so my school can’t give me a school certificate. my flight is at may and our enrollment is still at june. Thank you in advance!

    1. Hi, Mikaella. Please provide an LOA from your school. That may be used as an alternative, but that’s just my opinion. Please go to your school and try to secure some sort of document that you can present to the embassy. Good luck!

      1. Also my Grandmother is my legal guardian since i am a child. Is it okay for me to just submit a legal guardianship letter?

  110. Hi Dre,

    Ask ko lang.. Before when I was a student, my dad sponsor my trip to Korea. It was a field trip from my university (2015) and since he was an ofw, I did not submit anymore his ITR and instead I submit his COE and luckily, my visa was approved. And now, we are planning to get a visa this June 2018, the requirements for my mom (housewife) and youngest sister (student) includes ITR of my dad. Is it okay if we just submit only his COE and bank statement and bank cert and no ITR? Is it really necessary to file for his “certificate of non filing for income tax return”?

    Also, do I have to give copy of my visa before (2015) when submitting my requirements on JUne 2018?

    Last one, the company that my eldest sister works in cannot give her a company alphalist, what is the chance of being denied when she only submits the letter of explanation?

    Thanks a lot!

    1. Hi, Mae. It seems that the embassy has become stricter now, so it is best to provide those extra documents from your OFW dad. As for the alphalist, there’s really no guarantee that they will accept the application without this, but an explanation letter was suggested by the embassy to be submitted in replacement for the alphalist. Without those documents, the application will not be accepted. (This was posted on the embassy website.)

      1. Hi Dre,

        Appreciate your reply. I would just like to ask on where can I see from the site that states that if OFW, it needs to submit a “certificate of non filing for income tax return” ? I just wanna make sure before I filed for my dad’s. It’s actually hard to communicate to him since he’s a seaman and he has very limited access to internet in case I need his authorization when filing.

        Thank you so much! 🙂

        1. If you cannot provide that, you can submit: COE (includes Date Hired, Comp&Ben/Salary, Office Address, HR landline number and email address), Explanation Letter for no ITR, copy of Residence Card, and Philippine-based bank documents.

          1. Hi Ms. Dre,

            I emailed the embassy and got a reply last April 20, 2018. They said that since my father is an OFW and will be sponsoring my mom and my youngest sister, no need for the “certificate of non-filing for income tax return” and just submit his COE. 🙂 Wala lang share ko lang po thanks! 🙂

  111. Good afternoon Ms. Dre! I am hesitating if I will pursue my korean visa application because I am currently not working but is on leave in my Masteral program. I am planning to return next term which is in August. Do I still follow the student requirements for this? I don’t know if I can even get a school certificate. The trip sponsored by aunt and she’s going with me too, do I need to provide the birth certificate of my mom to show that they are sisters?

    1. Hi, Lin. If you can get an LOA from where you are taking your Masteral program, then that should help. For proof of relation, yes, please provide your mother’s birth certificate along with your aunt’s. Good luck!

      1. Hello Ms. Dre! Do I have to provide my mother’s birth cert even though I am of legal age already?

        Thank you very much!

          1. Ahh I see. Okay noted Ms. Dre!

            One last, since I am a student that is on leave, I will have to follow the student requirements and one of them is the parents docs like ITR and COE. Do I still need to provide those even if I am 25 and also we are not in contact for so long so I doubt I can get them 🙁

            Thank you for your patience!

  112. Hello po Ms. Dre. We’re planning to go in Korea this coming May at may balak na po kame mag file ng visa this week. Yung mom ko po kase ay self employed. May DTI at ITR na po sya ang wala lang po sa kanya ay Business Permit/Mayors Permit since franchise lang po yung business nya. Okay lang po ba na DTI at ITR lang po ang ipasa nya, or kailangan pa po namin gumawa ng explanation letter kung bakit wala po syang Permit. Thanks in advance po Ms. Dre.

    1. Hi, Kim. Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question, as I do not have professional knowledge when it comes to what requirements you need for a franchise business. As far as I know, you still need a business/mayor’s permit to operate one. However, it would be best to contact the embassy directly for this question. Good luck!

  113. Hi good evening. Ms. Dre i want to ask if okay lang po ba yung bingay sakin ng HR namin na company alphalist is yung name ko lang. Yun lang daw po kasi maipoprovide nila since malaking company po kasi sila madaming employees. Pero may certified true copy naman po nila yun. And just the list of may name wala po yung Form 1604. And kailangan ko pa po ba ipareceived yun sa bir? E may certified true copy naman po ng company?

  114. Hi Good Morning,

    I went to the Korean Embassy but they immediately shut me off because I am currently not employed even if I showed them my contract with the agency in the US, and showed bank statements of my sponsor for this trip.

    I am planning to come back as a employed person thru travel agency. However, what alternative can I give the embassy since my company cannot provide me an alpha list and ITR since I am a fresh graduate and that I only started last January in their company. Also I have a US visa but my last travel was 2008. And that I also have an inivitation letter from my friend in Korea

    1. Hi, Andy. They will see that in your COE, that you’re new. It is understood that you cannot provide an ITR or alphalist. However, you may provide an explanation letter that you’re just newly hired and cannot provide an ITR or alphalist. Your Korean friend must also provide the following:
      . Invitation Letter
      . Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)

  115. Last question po mam pwede po ba kahit wala ng tatak ng BIR yung company alphalist na binigay sakin pero may certified true copy naman po ng employer.

    1. To be honest, I am not sure. But if it’s certified true copy from your employer, then I guess, it should be okay. It would be best to ask the embassy for this.

  116. Hi ask ko lang, we’re planning to go to Korea April next year. Usually nagpa-file kami ng itr ng January. According to our disbursing hindi daw sure kung makakakuha agad ng copy. Pwede kaya itr and 1604 cf ng 2017? Thanks

  117. Hi! 🙂 Im planning to go to korea this December. The problem is I might not be able to pass a Company Alphalist as I just started working for my present employer last month. I found out that companies only file their alphalist on or before Jan 31 of the following year. Can you help me how to address this issue? Thanks!

    1. Hi, Mae. As mentioned in the Q&A, if you’re new at your job, they will see that in your COE. That means you may skip submitting your ITR and alphalist. Just attach a cover letter explaining why you don’t have those documents.

      1. But I have my form 2316 from my past employer (1st job) for 2017. Can I just pass that? Also, sa kanila din ako hihingi ng alphalist if ever kasi kasama ako sa finile nila for 2017 which is the latest din naman right? Thanks so much.

          1. Uhm actually pala I’ve been to Korea na last year but I applied my visa as a student since I just graduated that time. So I wont be considered na as a first time traveller na ba hence I dont need to pass an alphalist? Thanks and sorry if i ask a lot 🙁

          2. You still need to submit, because they only consider those who traveled to OTHER OECD member countries, excluding Korea.

  118. Hi dre… ask ko lang kapag pre school kakagraduate lang ng nursery ng anak ko and nxt school yr sa ibanh school na mag aaral ng kinder garden.. pedi ba yung graduation certificate niya ipasa sa embassy?

      1. Thank you, dre 😊

        If came from japan last yr which one of the oecd countries. No need to submit the itr and alphalist,right?

  119. Hi, how about po for minimum wage earner ? Are there other supporting documents would be pass together with the letter of explanation ?

    1. Hi, Vina. You should still submit the requirements for an employee. If you are exempted from tax, get a certificate from BIR for tax exemption. Good luck!

    2. Hi! A Minimum Wage Earner should also have BIR 2316, its indicated in the 2316 that the taxpayer is a minimum wage earner and the tax due is zero. You should ask your employer for your stamped Alphalist (highlight your name) and BIR 2316.

  120. Hi. Do you have an idea kung pano ung process sa pag extend ng tourist visa? My sister invited me here in korea. I would like to know the process hoping for a response. Thank you. 🙂

    1. Hi, Jake. Unfortunately, I don’t know. It would be best to contact the embassy for that. I believe it’s a different kind of visa.

  121. Hi what if a student is currently on summer vacation? Should we write a letter of explanation or just include previous year’s school id?

    1. Hi, Janine. Please provide a cover letter explaining your situation and attach supporting documents to your claim, like the previous school ID and a copy of the report card. If there’s a recognition day certificate, you can also provide a copy.

  122. Magandang araw po! Plano po ng mga pinsan ko na magpunta ng SoKor ngayong May at gusto po nila akong kasama. Sa ngayon po sa small business ako ng tita ko nagttrabaho na sapat lang po ang aking sweldo bilang bread winner ng family namin. Wala po akong ITR at savings. Pero magsponsor po sa akin ang tita ko sa pagpunta namin sa korea. Kailangan ko pa din po ba magprovide ng Coe ko at tax exemption? Salamat at Mabuhay po!

      1. Hi dre –

        I would just like to confirm something. Sabi ng HR namin di daw nila nilalagay yung landline # sa COE. Auto generated lang kasi COE namin 🙁

  123. Hi.. question lang po.. me, not employed and my 3 kids 11 yrs old 5 yrs old and 1.10 yr old wants to apply for korean visa and our trip will sponsor by my brother kasama din sya sa tour.. anu po mga need na requirements? Thanks in advance

    1. Follow the requirements for housewife, then replace your husband’s bank documents for your brother’s + COE + ITR + Alphalist.

          1. Hi dre, pinapasa namin sa embassy docs nmin kasama sa brother ku through representative..As a housewife at sponsored ni brother nilagay q coe itr at bank cert ni bro. Pero hindi daw tinanggap.. y kaya? 🙁

  124. Hi Ms. Dre!
    My friends and I are invented to our Korean friend’s wedding. I’m a student and our korean friend will sponsor the 4 of us. My question is do I still have to provide my mother’s (who is an OFW) documents (COE and bank documents)?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi, Alecx. If you are students, you still need to submit student requirements. Your Korean friend’s documents are secondary. Your friend must provide an Invitation letter and Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card.

      1. I already have those requirements but i don’t have my mother’s documents since she’s working abroad.

        My korean friend will also fund for us. As i read through your replies here, you said that whoever will fund the trip, then that person’s documents that you’ll have to provide. Am i right?

        1. For financial documents, yes, the one who funds should provide. NSO marriage certificate is still needed from your parents.

          1. Ahh ok got it!

            But my parents are not married, can i just bring my mother’s birth certificate?

          2. Your mother can provide a Solo Parent ID, if she has one. You can also bring your mother’s birth certificate. You may also add a cover letter explaining the situation. This is just my recommendation.

    2. As for the school certificate, can i just provide a statement of account which has a stamp of enrollment and signature from the school?

  125. Hi maam! Maam, I would like to ask po about sa ITR/Form 2316? Dba po hndi na required magbayad ng tax ang mga minimum wage earners. What can I pass po para pang comply sa ITR/Form 2316 na requirement? Personal po ba ako na pupunta sa BIR office for the form and magpa certify? I hope for your help po.

    Thank you 😊

    1. Kahit po Minimum Wage Earners ay may 2316. Required pa rin po kayong file-an ng employers. Naka indicate po sa 2316 na MWE kayo and the Tax Due is Zero.

      1. Sabi po kasi ng HR namin, hndi na xa nag file ng 2316 kasi nga hndi naman dw required na kasi minimum wage lng kmi.. can I file it personally sa BIR?

        1. Please provide a cover letter as to why you cannot provide BIR ITR forms. You can provide additional supporting documents such as copies of your recent payslips and confirmation from your HR that taxes are not being paid to prove your claim. This is just my recommendation on your case.

          1. Thank you po 😊 another question po pala maam. Ano po ang considered na authenticated ITR? Dapat po may BIR received stamp? What if po ITR with no BIR stamp lng but mag pass din ako ng Alphalist na mero namang BIR received stamp? Accepted kaya yun maam? Thank you😊

          2. With BIR stamp. In my opinion, kung merong stamp ang alphalist, pwede na yun. It’s still best to check with the embassy for confirmation.

          3. Thank you po maam 😊 Hoping na sana ma approve kami ng mother ko 😊🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

      2. Hello po Maam jesusa! Pwede pa rin po kaya ako mag file ng form 2316? And may I ask if what is the process po? Pwede po ba na mag download lng ako ng form and mag fill up and then bring it to the BIR office for certification? Hope you’ll reply po. Thank you😊

  126. Hi Ms. Dre. Kaka hired lang po sakin ngayong May 2. Ask ko lang po if ung ITR or 2316 na gagamitin ko is from previous employer? And Regarding Company Alphalist din po ba sa previous employer? Mag apply po kasi kami ng visa sa May 21. Tas diba po sa agency na kami mag aapply na? Hope you can answer po. Thank you!!

    1. Hi, Joydel. If your previous employer can provide those for you, you may submit them. Otherwise, it was mentioned before that you may skip the submission if you are newly hired. Ensure that your COE indicates your hire date. As for applying via agency, they will announce the designated agencies by May 14, 2018.

      1. Hi po. Thank you for answer. However, I emailed the Korea Embassy regarding my case. Sabi po nila eto, “Please be informed that you are required to submit you documents from your current company”

        I am confused po kasi ang ITR and Company Alphalist every Jan lang po talaga 🙁

        1. If they said that you need to submit from your current company, then there’s nothing to submit since you’re new. My recommendation is to add a cover letter that explains your situation, provide your recent payslip (if available), and maybe your HR can vouch for you.

          1. Hi Ms. Dre. This blog is so helpful. Thank you so much 🙁 I am nervous but I am hoping for the best. I will contact you once I am done with the visa. Thank you very much

          2. Hi Ms. Dre. I already have my COE from my current company. Lahat naman po ng nasa list ng embassy kung ano ang kailangan na andoon ay nakalagay naman po. Pero wala pong nakalagay for visa purpose, nakalagay lang po na for whatever legal purposes this may serve. Okay na po ba yon?

          3. To be honest, you can just try to ask them for another chance to review the application. Ang consul talaga ang magde-decide ng results. I am really sorry that they were denied. They can try again in 6-months.

  127. Hi, Ms. Dre, ask ko lang pwede po ba mag request sa embassy na ireview ulit yung application ng tita at cousin ko. Kasi na denied po sila tapos ang reason po nakalagay e the purpose of entry has not been explained in detail. Paano po yun?

  128. Hi, Ms. Dre, ask ko lang pwede po ba mag request sa embassy na ireview ulit yung application ng tita at cousin ko. Kasi na denied po sila tapos ang reason po nakalagay e the purpose of entry has not been explained in detail. Pero naka indicate naman po sa COE, application and cover letter niya na for tourism po ang purpose nila. Bakit po kaya ganun? Paano po yun?

    1. Hi, Christine. Depends sa consul. Try to send an email or make a call. Pero from what I know, final decision. But you can try.

  129. Do you have an idea po ba kung ano pa po possible reason bakit sila na denied na yun po yung nilagay nila reason?

    1. Overall application kasi tinitignan eh. I’m not sure kung anong nakita sa application documents nila ang nag-resulta sa ganong desisyon ng consul.

  130. Hi! I’m going to korea this june with my family for a vacation. I have a question sana regarding the school certificate required for students. I am still a student and I go to UST. However, I did not enroll this school year, so technically even if i ask for a certificate from my university, I won’t be eligible for one. In my case, can I still apply for a korean visa?

    1. If you have filed an LOA, that can help. Prepare an explanation letter as to why you did not enroll for the school year.

  131. Hi!Ms.Dre ask ko lang po kung saan ako makakakuha ng sample ng sworn declaration? Hinde po kasi makakaprovide ng alphalist yung company ng husband ko. Thanks Po.

    1. Ganun din po Maam Dre ung problem ko. 😢My company cant provide me a copy of my form 2316 dahil nga daw hndi nag file ang HR namin kasi hndi naman dw xa required ng BIR for we are minimum wage earners. Can I download a copy for form 2316 and have it certified anytime sa BIR by myself? Also ung Form 2316 ko prob din kasi hndi din ng file dahil hndi nga daw required. The only alphalist we have is the one attached sa form 2601-C ( the only advised form na binigay ng BIR na dapat lng i-comply ni HR) na company made and may company letterhead lng. I’m thinking of making a sworn declaration na lng po. Saan pwede po makuha ang sample? Mentioned this kanina sa HR and sabi nya lng is kumuha lng dw ako ng abogado. She did not mention na dapat sa kanya ako kumuha ng sample of sworn declaration. Pupunta lng po ba ako sa abogado at magpapagawa ng sworn declaration? I really have no idea po kasi on the process 😢 Hope you can give me some advice po. THank you..

  132. Me and my youngest sister and father are planning to go to South Korea
    on June 5 to 8, 2018 to visit tourist spots there. Our grandmother who
    is a US Citizen, with 2 credit cards and fat bank account, will be
    going to finance our whole trip. My question is, do we need to
    present financial documents too or my grandmother’s financial
    documents are enough?

    1. Hi, Karmela. Your grandmother’s financial documents is just secondary to yours. This means, you will add her documents in addition to yours. If you and your father are employees, you should still follow the requirements for those. Good luck!

  133. I’m planning to get a tourist visa next week because I’m going to attend the Asia Student Summit on July 16th-20th. I already have some of the requirements since I’m working as an ESL Instructor. However, my parents don’t have bank account and I don’t have as well because I only get my salary through our Accounting Department (cash basis). I just opened an account on BPI this week, is it okay to get both bank certificate and statement and submit it as my requirement?

    If not, should I get a sponsor who has a bank account that has more than 3 months of transaction? I will just a provide a letter that he/she is my sponsor.

    1. Hi, Joehanie. Please prepare a cover letter as to why you do not have a bank account. You can provide additional documents, like your payslips as an ESL instructor. If your school is sending you to that summit, please ask them to provide a document that you are a delegate of such summit. It would be best to get a sponsor who will act as your guarantor for the trip. Good luck!

  134. Hi dre, pinapasa namin sa embassy docs nmin kasama sa brother ku through representative..As a housewife at sponsored ni brother nilagay q coe itr at bank cert ni bro dahil wala ako nito. Pero hindi daw tinanggap instead binigay yung requirements for housewife.. y po kaya? Any idea? Thanks sa reply in advance 😊

    1. Hi, Samshai. You should follow the requirements for a housewife, then add your brother’s documents as secondary to your husband’s files. In the event that your husband cannot provide those, please attach a cover letter explaining the situation.

  135. Good Pm po Ms. Dre, ask ko lang po if original school diploma ang ippasa or if photocopy lang po sa embassy. Thank you po in advance!

      1. Thank you po! Also, is it advisable for my mom to file for her ITR this month if we plan to go to korea on July?

  136. Hi Ms.Dre! Gusto ko lng po magtanong ulit about po sa form 2316.. okay lng po na for year 2017 ang i-submit na 2316 st alpha list kahit na october 2018 pa ang planned date of tour to SK? Also po, gaano po ba ka importante po ung form 2316? Basis din po ba sya ng consulate if afford kong mag SK? I have someone na to file my 2316 for me kasi our company doesnt file it pala for us. Kaso she said na if based sa time ng employment ko, maliit lng dw yung income tax return ko (i started being a regular employee sept.2017 kasi po). So 4 months lng po xa if sept.2017-dec.2017, and basic salary lng po ako kaya po cguro mababa dw. Baka daw po hndi ako ma approve ng embassy… so she told me that we can adjust na lng my employment date to Jan.2017 para dw lumaki din ung income tax ko for the year. Basis nga po ba tlaga ung form 2316/ITR po? Also, for my alpha list,1601-C lng ung meron ung company ko. Yun lng dw po ang required ng BIR na i-file ng compamy namin eh.dun lng din po ina-attach ung alpah list namin.Oct.2017 nga lang po ung date.okay lng po kaya yun? Thank you po.😊

    1. Please do not alter your employment date. The ITR, in my opinion, is to ensure that you are paying taxes. Please submit valid documents. As for the 1601-C file, please confirm with the embassy.

  137. Hi Ms. Dre I wonder if you’ve answer this already. My mom is retired but has a pension and allowance from my lola. She’ll be sponsoring my brother who is a student. So my question is, what will she need for the visa application. Will there be a problem kaya? Hope you can give me tips on this. May mga travel background naman na kami. Thank you.

    1. Hi, Dee. Is the pension named after your mother? If so, she needs to provide documents that she’s a retiree. If she’s a senior citizen, provide a copy of her Senior ID. That means, those will replace the COE, ITR. This is just my recommendation. I hope that helps.

  138. Hello Ms. Dre,

    I am currently working abroad (OFW) and uuwi po sa Pilipinas to apply visit visa. Since wala po akong ITR, parehas din po ba na ma-skip yun “COMPANY ALPHALIST (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp)” ?

  139. Hello!

    Are there any cases you’ve heard that they deny minimum wage earners? Yan kasi ang category ko and I’m getting worried na. Me and my friends are going to apply next week. Complete naman ang requirements ko (I have 2316, 1604CF and COE.) though my bank is just 6 months old. I make sure naman to deposit regularly and na-reach ko yung desire amount ko for my 6 days trip (higher than 600USD ang laman ng bank ko ngayon, and kakabigay lang din sa akin ni bank ng credit card – will this reflect too?). I double check my application to make sure na tama lahat ang info and there’s no erasures.

    I’m not sure if we’ll go for agency kasi ang sabi ng friend ko, the embassy no longer accepts walk-in applicants. Madami kasi akong nababasa na na-deny through agency.

    1. Hi, Yana. Yes, they will post accredited agencies, so please apply though them. As for minimum wage earners, my sister was a minimum wage earner when we applied before and she got a visa. As long as you have complete and valid documents plus prayers, you can be approved. Good luck!

      1. Thank you Dre! 🙂

        According to my friend, (her friend went yesterday to the embassy to file theirs, and to confirm as well) the embassy still accepts walk-in applicants. So we’ll be going there next week. Wish us all luck.

  140. Hi dre, ask q lang po ang situition q,employed aq,at iniinvite po aq ng asawa ng tita q sa korea,korean national po yong husband nya tapos sponsor nya lahat ng expences q don..
    Kailangan q pa po bang mag pasa ng bank statement?

  141. Hi Dre. I am planning to go to Korea this June for a 4 day-trip. Gagagraduate pa lang ako this June as post grad. My sister will be sponsoring my travel. Pero sa abu dhabi siya nagwwork. Pwede bang COE nya ang ibigay ko pero Bank cert at bank statement ng mom ko? Wala kasing Coe at ITR mom ko since hindi namn sya full time nagwwork ang tumatanggap lang siya basically ng remittance from my dad and ate. Pero pwede po kaya yun na Coe ng sister ko pero banc acct at bank statement ng mom ko?

    1. Hi, Mae. I think you need to provide a cover letter and explain. You might also need to provide proof of remittance na pumapasok sa account ng mommy mo.

  142. Hi Ms. Dre, ask ko lang po my mom is a housewife then my dad is an OFW so he cannot provide an ITR. Yung tita ko po ang magssponsor sa akin sa lahat ng magagastos ko for travelling to SouthKorea. Will that mean na sa tita ko yung ipapasa kong documents in terms of the financial docs sa embassy? Then, birth certificate ng mom ko? Is that correct? Thank you.

    1. Hi, Claire. Your parents should provide all the requirements, then add your tita’s COE, ITR, bank documents. Please provide proof of relation to your tita. I suggest adding a cover letter explaining your situation. Good luck!

    2. Hi Miss Dre… ask ko lng po,… kagagaling q lng po nang korea a week ago,sponsored by my Aussie fiance working in korea… can i apply korean visa for the second time 1 month after i come back here in philippines?.. we just want living together in korea.. thank you

          1. Ask ko lng po ulit… 😊. Do i still need to submit ITR when its my second time applying for visa? Thank you po

        1. Hi Ms. Dre,

          I just recently resigned from my work. I received a two week contract from a company to be part of an event in Korea. My bank account was just opened last april 2 but the amount is sufficient. Can I just ask for a sponsorship from my brother working abroad? Can i just pass his passport, contract with compensation and latest remittance? Also, can I pass the itr from my previous company or just skip it? I’m now a freelancer.

          Thank you!

          1. Hi, Kimmy. It would also help if you can provide a document that you were invited for an event in Korea. You can still present your own documents and add your brother’s to act as your sponsor. I think you can skip the ITR since you are unemployed at the moment. This is just my recommendation. Good luck!

  143. Hi Ms, nagplan kami nang family vacation for South Korea by the end of the year, then yung brother ko is a seafarer (he’s still out of the country) but he will join since mag-end yung contract niya by august
    but he’s under an agency pero yung nasa contract of employment niya ang principal company na naghire sa kanya ay sa Greece. Ang nasa kanya po na supporting documents ay contract of employment lang since contratual po siya, seaman’s book, bank account at exempted po siya sa tax. Medyo nacoconfuse po kami sa docs na nipapass sa embassy at ano pong category siya dapat?

    1. Hi, Crest. My recommendation is to pass requirements for employees, however, if he is technically unemployed at that time, it would be best to prepare an explanation letter about his situation and present documents to support his claim. Please contact the embassy for further assistance.

  144. Hi Ms. Dre, I changed jobs a year ago. Would you know if I’m needed to submit other requirements than my ITR?

    I already have the Schengen and Japan visas but I just wanted to make sure that I have all requirements.

    Thanks! Frances

  145. Hello po Miss Dre! My student’s parents will be sponsoring my trip to Korea po including my roundtrip fare, accomodation, food, transportation and other expenses during my 7 days stay. Do I still need to provide a proof of my financial stability? Wouldn’t it defeat the purpose of having a sponsor? I am employed by the way. Thank you!

    1. Hi, Jeny. Yes, you still need to submit requirements for Employees. Your sponsor’s documents will serve as secondary documents to yours.

      1. thanks for the reply Ms Dre. I have another question po. Is it required po na may laman talaga ang bank acct for a few months prior to applying? cause I don’t have any savings yet. My boyfriend will just let me borrow 50k para may laman ang acct ko for my application. He will deposit the money tomorrow and I am planning to let it stay for about a week before I apply for Visa. My target date is on June 22.

        1. Yes, it is required that you have money in the bank. It lets them know that you can support your travel. The money should not be deposited one time. Deposit in increments. They will see that the money was just deposited at once and will look like you just put the money there for the visa. This is just my recommendation!

          1. OMG. That’s my dilemma right now. I don’t put my savings kasi sa account ko cause I invest it in Bitcoin. I was thinking kasi na maybe it’s not that necessary to prepare a big amount since I have sponsor naman. 🙁

          2. There’s no set amount for the bank account, but ideally 30k would do. Having money on your bank account is one of the main requirements of most visas. If you plan to go to Japan, you will be asked for the same thing. 🙂

          3. Were there any instances or anybody here had experienced na kakadeposit lang ng money, lets say a week before applying then na approve ang visa?

          4. Thank you so much Ms. Dre for being so responsive! I’ll update you nalang with my application. (Keeping my fingers crossed)

      1. Hi Ms. Dre,

        Please be advised of my situation:

        • I resigned from my previous work. Last day is May 31.
        • My new work will start on June 4.
        • My ITR is only from my previous company and doesn’t have BIR stamp. I cannot request for an alpha list.
        • For bank statement, My metrobank account is from my payroll account but I already resigned.
        • I have an account in BDO but it was just opened last April 2. Is it okay to use this? I have sufficient fund on it but I’m afraid since it’s just new. What can you suggest? Should I ask for an affidavit of support from my brother in Australia?
        • I have an invitation letter from a korean company and their company reg.
        • my new company will issue a coe, should i include my previous coe as reference?

        Thank you in advance!

        1. Hi, Kimberly.

          My recommendation is to prepare a cover letter regarding your ITR. Explain that you just transferred to a new job so you cannot provide an ITR, but I suggest having your previous one as a backup. Your Metrobank account can still be used as long as it is active. You may present more than one bank account. Your new COE should suffice. For the invitation letter, ensure that you also provide the invitation letter and company business permit.

          1. Your post is tremendously helpful, Ms. Dre!
            I’m replying under this thread because I am in the exact situation as OP (recent transfer to new company; no ITR from current company; and no alphalist from previous company) and we share the same name too (now I’m second guessing myself if I ghost wrote the comment lol)
            I was wondering if I should still request a company alphalist from my previous company or should I just forego this considering my current circumstances and explain everything in the accompanying explanation letter.
            I am planning to just submit my latest ITR (last year’s from previous company) without the alphalist of either my current and previous company.
            I am submitting my visa requirements to the Consulate here in Cebu City.
            Hope you can give me some sound advice on this.
            Thanks!

  146. Hi, I’m currently unemployed I just finished my contract in Japan last year. My boyfriend is an EPS worker in korea he wanted me to visit him this december..I have my own bank account.What documents do I need to present? Thanks

    1. Hi, Anna. Currently, there are no known requirements for unemployed. However, you may follow Employee’s requirements and submit your boyfriend’s financial documents, COE. You might need to prepare a cover letter explaining your situation. The consul must see that you can support yourself and has strong ties to your home country. This is just my recommendation. Good luck!

          1. Hi Ms. Dre, In case that I wrote 30days on my intended period of stay in visa application but I stayed longer than that but not exceed in 59 days. Is it ok? thankyou

          2. Gud eve, pano po kung yung COE po namin sa japan is may format hndi po cla ngbbigay ng may number and email add.. Is it ok lng po ba na sa agency ko dito sa pinas ako kumuha ng COE and ung mga certificate ko po sa japan ay supporting nlng kc wla pong contacts? Thankyou

          3. Thankyou Ms. Dre, you are a big help. Balitaan ko nlng po kau sa mgiging apply ko ng visa. Thanks 😊

  147. nag salary increase ako this year and hndi pa sya naKareflect sa latest ITR ko. do i still need to attach explanation letter?

  148. Hi Ms. Dre, thank you for the tips. Would like to ask if mga anong araw po kaya pinopost ng embassy sa site nila if approve ka or hindi? Before po ba ng date na kukuhain mo ung visa? Thank you po

    1. Hi, Ashley. Just go to the assigned date for the passport pickup. But some have mentioned there’s a website where they announce it, however, I don’t know the URL.

  149. Hi po. Im student pa po. And my sister is the one who is sponsoring me. She is currently in dubai. Do I still need to provide itr if may binigay naman yung ate ko na COE nya galing Dubai? Galing po ko embassy and hindi ko na po inindicate yung itr then the one who is in the counter 2 just encircle my student certificate hindi na po nya binulugan yung itr

  150. hi po… first time traveler po… what if wala kaming itr kasing minimum wage earner lng po kami? what sahll we do. tia.

    1. Hi, Sai. My recommendation is to prepare a cover letter stating the reason why you are unable to provide an ITR. Please submit documents, such as recent payslips, a confirmation from your HR that no taxes are being paid, and similar documents to prove your claim.

  151. Hi! (sorry if double ung post I can’t see my comment when I refreshed po) ask ko lang po if it is possible na ung cousin ko po ung magsesend ng affidavit of support as well as her bank docus as I am a student and she is the one supporting me financially for our visit. Medyo gipit po kasi sa oras as na book na po ung flight and hindi na po aabot kung ipapadala pa po sa OFW mom ko ung docus. 😭

    1. Hi, Diane. I think this is possible, as long as you can provide the other documents required for students, such as your birth certificate, your parents marriage certificate. I suggest adding a cover letter explaining the situation (why you cannot provide your parents’ documents.)

      1. Hi Dre, is it possible if I am the one to write the letter stating that I am sponsoring my cousin’s whole trip? She will go with me.

        1. Hi, JCQ. If you are traveling together, just have your cousin state your name on the Section 10. No need for an explanation letter for that, in my opinion. Good luck!

  152. Hi Dre. First of all super thank you sa lahat ng tips mo. And APPROVED VISA KO 😭❤️ THANK YOU MS DRE!!!

    1. That’s fantastic!! Yehey! Enjoy your future trip 😊 Don’t forget to check out my other blogs about South Korea for more tips, itinerary, etc. (If you’d like, please LIKE our Facebook page!) 💕💕

  153. Hi po ms.Dre! Ask lng po sana ako if may idea po kayo if paano po yung order ng documents?in my case po kasi, i have no form 1604-CF. 1601-C lng po with alpha list meron ako. Im planning to write an explanation letter din po. Should my explanation letter come before or after po ng 1601-C + alpha list? Also po, pwede po ba na staplered ang documents?Ung 1601-C ko po kasi 2 pages. 1st page is form 1601-C with BIR stamp and 2nd page is my company alpahlist. I heard po kasi na other embassys dont want the documents staplered. Also, with the passport picture po glued xa or staplered lng po? I also heard din kasi na other embassys prefer staplered while others prefer glued. Thank you po😊

    1. I think the cover letter should be first. Do not staple your documents. Glue your photo, but make sure you write your name at the back. 😊

          1. Hello po… if second time na po bang nag apply nag apply nang visa … malaki po bang chance ma approve?… same requirements to be submitted po… thank you po.😊

          2. Hi, Yen. Yes, the requirements are the same if you apply for the same category again. For example, your first time as an employee, then for the second time, still an employee. There’s no guarantee that you have a higher chance, as long as you can provide complete and valid documents, you should be okay.

  154. We’re planning to apply but my son is currently in school vacation status and incoming grade 4 student. IDs was already been surrendered to the school and ended first week of May. How can we get school certificate when the enrollment is still this coming June? Can there be an alternative for the school certificate or ID?

    1. You may present last school year’s report card. Attach a cover letter explaining wby there’s no school ID or school certificate.

  155. Hello! Thank you so much for the tips— they’re super appreciated. I have a question! My boyfriend resigned to manage the business he and I own but the DTI is under my name. How should we go about this? Do I issue an employment certificate instead with him stated as the manager? Or is there a way to prove he’s a co-owner?

    Thank you so much in advance!

    1. Hi, Tasha. If he works for you, then you need to provide his COE. If he is really a co-owner, then his name should be included under the DTI registration. It’s best to stick with being the employee. Good luck!

      1. Thank you so much for the response! I guess a COE from me will suffice, since he’ll be the manager and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to register his name with mine in the DTI. We didn’t really think it through until I realized that we’ll be traveling and that he’ll be needing some sort of documentation. Thanks again!

          1. I have an additional question. Would you happen to know if they issue Multiple Entry visas to Supplementary BDO Gold card holders?

  156. Hi.

    What if someone will sponsor my trip what are the requirements? Should i still submit lahat like ITR, Bank statement kahit may mag ssponsor? Thank you. I hope you could help me. ☺️

    1. Hi, Lyka. If you’re an employee, you still need to follow the same requirements. Then add your sponsor’s financial docs, ITR, COE. That’s just my recommendation. I hope that helps!

      1. Hi! I have the same concern. Me and my mom are applying for Korean visa (family application) – my mom as my sponsor and I’m employed. When you said that it’s just your recommendation, does that mean it’s ok not to pass my COE and ITR anymore? I’ve only submitted my application form, affidavit of support (just in case), and birth certificate then just attached my mom’s ITR, COE, Bank cert and statements.

        Hope to hear from you soon! I’ll actually be applying tomorrow haha

        1. Hi, Carla. If you are employed, you still need to submit your COE and ITR. Your sponsor’s documents are just in addition to yours. I hope that’s clear. 🙂

  157. Hi there Ms. Dre, what if i was invited by my fiance to visit korea? Would i still provide the general requirements for applying a visa? or just an invitation letter from him? and how high are the chances to be approved if sponsored by Korean Fiance? Thank you

    1. Hi, Jeanalyn. You still need to provide the general requirements depending on your status – employee, student, etc. – your fiance needs to provide additional requirements: invitation letter and Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card.

  158. Hi Ms. Dre. Ask ko lang po if ever mag resign ako sa work ko after ko po mag apply (approved) visa, okay lang po kaya yun? Wala naman po magiging problem? Thank you!

  159. Hi Ms. Dre, okay lang po ba if scanned documents ang ipass namin for our sponsor’s documents? Kasi wala sya dito sa philippines.

  160. HI Ms.Dre! Tanong lng po sana ako about the amount of money that you should have in the bank account. Via agency po kasi kami nag apply ng tour to korea. They stated na at least Php 100,000 daw po ang savings sa account ang required. Im planning to pass my requirements by end of july. I only have 52,000 in my account today.if ill follow po na dapat php 100,000, baka nga po mag question ang consul kasi large amount agad ang maipapasok sa account ko to reach 100,000. Should I really reach for 100,000 po ba? Or okay na kahit 70,000 lng po ang money? Maybe it will be around 70,000 pa lng if ill pass on july.😢 October po kasi ang planned tour namin.

    1. I never had that amount when I applied. There’s no set amount na sinabi ang embassy. I don’t know why the agency said that.

      1. Yun nga po eh 😢 Baka tuluyang hndi ako ma approve if large increments agad ang ipasok ko. Thank you po 😊

  161. Hi Ms.

    I HAVE A QUESTION’S. I have korean Boyfriend and his inviting me to visit him in korea. Meron na akong savings account but im still unemployed. What should i do ? By the way sya gagastos lahat ng expenses if ever. Thank you Ms.

    1. Hi, Anna. It will be hard for you to get a visa, to be very honest since you’re unemployed. It would be best if your Korean boyfriend extends his help to you in acquiring a visa. Good luck!

  162. Hi, Dre. My sister and I are planning to travel to South Korea. Along with my eldest sister and her husband, both living in the UK, who will be sponsoring the trip. My sister and I are still students. As per checking the visa requirements, there is that part requiring ‘Parents Documents’ where employment, bank accounts, and marriage certificates are asked. However, as I’ve mentioned, my eldest sister and her husband are sponsoring the whole trip. Do we still need to provide both my parents’ employment/financial documents? Or will my sister and her husband’s financial documents are enough to suffice this part of the requirement?

  163. Hi, Dre.

    I tried to post a question in the past two days, and it seemed like it didn’t appear.

    Anyway, I’m dying to know the answer if do I still need to comply the “Parents’ Documents” (i.e. employment, bank, marriage certificates) in applying a tourist visa for students, if my sister and her husband (both living in the UK) are sponsoring the trip? Or is it enough if I’ll just have my sister and her husband’s financial documents in place of my theirs?

    Would love to hear from you, as soon as you can. Thanks!

    -Tree

    1. Hi, Treen. It hasn’t appeared yet because it hasn’t been approved. I’ve been sick, so I haven’t been replying to comments. Anyway, your sister’s documents should act as a back up for your sponsorship. You still need to provide the basic requirements, like marriage certificate. Also prepare a proof of relationship to your sister, like a birth certificate. You may provide one set of ITR, COE, bank documents of your working parent. Your sister should provide the same and state their name as your financial sponsor. This is just my recommendation. Good luck.!

  164. Hi Ms. Dre!

    Thank you for this blog which very helpful for us who are planning to go to Korea 🙂 I have read the previous Q&As and i don’t see same situation with mine. So here is my question:

    1. My 2 friends and I planning to go to SK by end of Sept. and got in mind to include my mom in our trip. I’m planning to sponsor her trip – she will fall under the housewife category – shes a widow since my father past away. Instead of my father – all the necessary document will be coming from me. Do you think that would be ok?

    2. Sa flight date – mauuna po kame, ang plan is mom will go after 4 days, pero sabay nmn kame pauwi – okay lang nman po yun noh? Do I need to explain pdin ba yun?

    Thank you in advance for the reply 🙂

    1. Hi, Tami.

      1) Please prepare an explanation letter that your mother is a widow and you’re sponsoring her trip.

      2) Just put the same dates of entry on your mother’s application form. That should be fine.

      Good luck!

  165. Hi Ms.Dre! Sorry po.😄✌🏻 Nandito na naman po ulit ako.hehe. You have the most helpful and active blog po kasi.. thank you so much talaga po for your patience in answering all our questions..😊Maam,tanong ko lang po sana. If nakapag travel na po to other places like Hongkong and Macau (pero sa old passport pa ung travel stamp), still need to pass po ba the old passport as proof na nakapag travel na nga? If yes po,ung buong old passport po ba ipapasa or ung photocopied page lng kung nasaan sng travel stamp po? And right after ng anong document po siya isisingit when passing na po of documents for application? Thank you so much po talaga maam 😊

  166. Hi good rainy day po- i decided to apply for korean visa tomorrow kaso may local election pala bukas sa sokor baka walang ofc sila, anyway, here are my requirements- COE, BPI gold master card, Xerox page 2 passport, OECD stamp orig, and xerox, additional stamp from my previous travel, Billing statement of my Gold master card and application form, ok na po ba ito? baka June 14 ako pumunta if ever. A4 size po ba lahat including the xerox copy and long brown envelope? thanks in advance

    1. Hi, djkit. Here’s a quick checklist and ensure you have all of these.
      1. Application Form
      2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (Please attach on the application form)
      3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
      4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
      5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
      6. 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)
      7. Original Personal Bank Certificate
      (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
      8. Bank Statement
      (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
      9. ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp / please highlight your name)
      10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

      1. Hi! Planning to go to SoKor with my daughter (high school student) in May 2019 and will be applying for our visas in March. As for her School Certificate, will it be okay if it was issued in February then our intended date of stay in SoKor will still be in May? Baka kasi isipin ng embassy na hindi na sya enrolled by the time na magta-travel na kami sa May.

        The end of current school year will be on the last week of March. Enrollment for the next school year will still be on the 3rd week of April. I feel it will be too late if we still wait to apply for our visas after her enrollment.

        I hope you reply. Thank you. 😊

        1. Hi, Ruth. I think you can also include a photocopy of your daughter’s report card. But please inquire from the agency that will process your applications for more info.

  167. Hi Goodafternoon! ask ko lang po na kailangan po ba maiprovide lahat ng documents such as Sworn Declaration, Transmittal form and Explanation letter kapag walang maiprovide si company ng Company Alphalist? kasi explanation letter lang po ang ginawa ko. Next week po kasi iapply na Tourist Visa ko. thanks po sa immediate response.

      1. Hello. Nakaangasawa ung sister in law ko ng korean national. Andon na sila ngaun. She wants my husband and my in laws na magvisit sa korea.
        Ask ko lang kung maaari din ba ko isama sa invitation.? Usual kasi sa nababasa ko mga in laws lang nung korean national e.

      1. last question po, nagkuha ako ng bank cert from BPI sabi nila hndi na sila nagbbgay ng bank cert na meron opening date , account type and adb , okay lang po ba kaya un? thanks. pinagpilitan ko palitan ayaw nila I paid 100

      2. I just got hired in my new workplace this year, so my current employer can’t provide an Alphalist. I have tried to contact my former employer for the document but they won’t respond. So what I did was write the sincerest letter that I could and explained my current situation. Then to support my statement I have included a screenshot of my email conversation with our HR (her saying they can’t provide the docs since I am a new hire) and a copy of my Certificate of Clearance from my former employer. I actually have no idea if that would help my case, but I added the clearance thinking that it would prove that I indeed have a former employer and that it just happens that I just switch companies that’s why I can’t provide an Alphalist. I really don’t know tbh. This is the best I could produce so I just blindly marched to the embassy hoping for the worst.

        Earlier before I went to the embassy, I checked their site for my application status and FSF;SDALFS;A THE STATUS WAS “APPROVED”. I can’t believe I got approved! :'(

        I don’t know if this would be of help to anybody but my tip is be honest on your explanation letter. As long as you have VALID and CLEAR documents, the results will be on your favor. Thanks a lot for your help Dre! And goodluck to all visa applicants 😀

        1. That is wonderful, Nat! This can definitely help other applicants. Congratulations on getting a visa!
          Don’t forget to checkout my other Korea blogs to help you get started on your trip 🙂

          (And if you have time, please don’t forget to ‘Like’ our Facebook page! <3

  168. Me and my boyfriend had relationship for almost 3yrs na po. Gusto nya P.O. sama ako ininvite sa Korea but Wala Po akong itr kasi sinusuportahan nya ba po since 2016. At ung atm card nya po ay nasakin may chance Po ba na maapproved ako kung bbgyan nya ako ng invitation letter

    1. Hi, Cj. To be honest, it will be hard for you to get a visa if you’re just invited by your boyfriend and you’re unemployed. Unless you can establish a strong case, you need to show the embassy that you have strong ties to the Philippines. Good luck!

  169. asked ko lang po kung ang bank statement ko puro withdrawals and deposit may time na onti lang ung natitira pera aside kasis a work ginagamit ko sa online business pera nxweek mag apply ako ng visa sa monday ko ipapasok ung pera from my seller medyu big amount ok lang ba un pero kung sa statement naman madami ako transaction as in deposit wdraw madami history ung papasok na kita ko sa monday aroun 32k tuesday ako mag reques ng bank cert oky lang un? 5yrs active na payroll account ko thanks, this is the active blog ive ever seen.. thanks looking forward sa response nyo po. papatagalin ko sana pera kaso sabi agency need ko na ipasa requirement ko wednesday, sayang naman kasi kung dko magamit pera sa business kya iniikot ko. 4days stay in KR kung magka visa

  170. Hi I just want to ask the following:

    1. Is 1701 w/ BIR stamp already valid for Korean Visa application since I’m a mixed earner last year (salary + professional tax) ; or do I still to submit 2316 and 1604CF from my employeer;

    2. Is it okay if i submit a Certified Photocopy of bank certificate and statement since my husband will be financing our trip (the original one is attached to my husband’s application)

    Thanks.

    1. Hi, Dalia.
      Here’s my recommendation:
      1) You need to provide your latest ITR, so if your current ITR is with your current employer, you still need to submit 2316 with alphalist.
      2) Based on my experience, you need to provide original copies for bank documents.

  171. Hi, as for the 2316 and alphalist w/ BIR Stamp; my Alpha List has no stamp since I’m under Schedule 7.4 ALPHA LIST OF EMPLOYEES AS OF DECEMBER 31 WITH PREVIOUS EMPLOYER/S WITHIN THE YEAR; the transmittal given to BIR (w/ stamp) together w/ the 2316 are those who fall under Schedule 7.3 ALPHALIST OF EMPLOYEES YEAR AS OF DECEMBER 31 WITH NO PREVIOUS EMPLOYER WITHIN THE YEAR only, what should i do?

    1. Hi, Ella. Both documents are used to certify that you paid your taxes. Please reach out to your HR department to provide you these documents.

  172. Hi Ms. Dre! 😊 Tanong lng po sana ako ulit.

    1.What if po kasama ko mother ko for our tour pa Korea and i’ll write her as my sponsor in my application?(eventhough Im employed). I have copies na rin of her documents na ipapasa nya. Do i still need to pass a copy of her visa application form? or documents nya lang ang i-pass ko? And paano po maam to categorize na ang documents are mine while the other ones are of my sponsor? Bawal naman daw po mag paper clip/staple to bind documents upon submission.

    2. I dont have a BIR stamped Form 2316, but I have a notarized Sworn Declaration. Okay na po ba maam na sworn declaration lang at walang transmittal form?

    Hoping for your advice po. Thank you 😊

    1. Hi, Salvie.
      1) No need to pass her application form. Just arrange the documents as written in the requirements, so if your bank documents and mother’s should be together, ITR should be together, etc.
      2) It would be better if you have the transmittal form.
      Good luck!

  173. Good morning.
    Mam Dre, ang pinsan ko po kasisimula lang ng work nung DEC 2017, wala pa po sya ITR. Nagwork din sya sa Middle East dumating Oct 2017.
    Sa cover letter na explanation NO ITR sino po ba ang dapat gumawa ang HR o ang employee. Kailangan pa po ba ito ipaNotarize?

    Maari na po kaya sya mag apply ng tourist visa s Korea?

    1. Hi, Cheng. If I am not mistaken, you don’t need to notarize the cover letter and the employee should create the cover letter. They will see proof of this from the COE that your cousin will submit. I hope that helps. Thank you!

  174. Hi Dre! This blog has been really helpful to me. I got to Korea thrice already. Thank you! But now my cousin needs assistance to obtain a korean visa. She is from Malaysia (an OFW) and will come from there to meet me in Seoul. The problem is when she went to the embassy in Malaysia, she was required to submit an invitation letter and letter of guarantee from a Korean (that is notarized) which we cannot provide since we don’t know anyone from there. We would just tour their country and hopefully watch a concert. Do you have an advise to what should we do? Can she just send her passport here in the Philippines and have our applications filed together?

    1. Hi, Win. I am unsure if it is safe to have her send her passport to the Philippines. I also don’t understand why she was required to submit an invite if she will just be a tourist. Please contact the embassy directly via email to consult on this. There may be different rules for those who are coming from Malaysia. Good luck!

  175. Hello po, kaka apply ko lang po ng visa, june 25, pinababalik po ako on july 2, is there anyway para makuha ko ung result on june 29? Can I ask them if puede na makuha ng june 29? Para di na ko mag antay ng june 2? Hirap po kasi dapat makaalis na ko ng july 1. Ehheeh. Thank you po for you reply.

    1. Hi, Noimee. Please retrieve your passport on the designated date. When you go on the 29th, your passport may not ready for pick up yet.

  176. Hello! My brother and I are planning to go to Sokor this November. I am newly employed but a minimum wage earner whereas my brother is being paid a good amount of money. So we decided na he will sponsor my trip na lang. Is it possible ba? And we are still not sure if ilang days kami mag sstay dun. We are thinking na baka 5 days yung lagay namin sa visa application but once ma approve, can we book a 14 day stay there? I mean baka maharang sa immigration pag ganun. Pls enlighten me.

      1. Basta within 30 days lang na pag stay dba? Okay lang yun? Another question po do i still need to pass my itr? Or okay na nasa brother ko na lang kasi he will sponsor our trip. I am a minimum wage earner eh and i just got my job this month lang

        1. Please include a cover letter stating your case, an explanation that you’re new to your job and unable to provide the latest ITR and alphalist. Your HR should be able to provide a document that states that you are not required to pay your taxes because of your salary bracket. Please get in touch with your HR.

  177. Hi maam, i would like to ask lang po sana regarding the ITR requirement. Im an employee po. I got hired as a regular employee last october 2017. And since then, there have been deductions in my salary for my taxes. But when i asked my HR that i would want a copy of my form 2316, she said that she doesnt file it. She also said that I should be the one who should file it because we’re a private company. Since I only asked it this May, if i’ll file for my own itr, then my penalty fee for late submission would be more than Php 5,000. Hindi nya man lang ako ininform na dapat pala ako ang mag file ng 2316 ko and for all I know, responsibility ng employer to file an ITR for an employee regardless if private or public man siya. What can you advice po for me to do? Should i make a letter na lng po ba to the embassy and state na binayaran naman taxes ko but i wasnt filed an itr? Meron din namang 1601-C, bank deposit at alpha list ang company ko and makikita din doon na binayaran nga ang taxes ko. 😢 hope you can help po. Thank you.

    1. Hi, Ma. Antoinette. This is very problematic. First of all, from what I know, if the employer is the one withholding your tax, then this means, they should be the one to file your taxes. Also, it doesn’t matter if it’s a public or private company. Usually the ones who files their own taxes are freelancers. I am unsure where you work, but…based on your comment, you should start looking for a new job that honestly pays their employees taxes. If your payslip reflects the deducted taxes, you can use that and inform your employer to pay for the taxes unfiled.

  178. hi,
    I’m a housewife (jobless) and my husband is an OFW in New Zealand,bank and itr are in NZ our remittance is tru western union , we dont have bank account here in the Philippines which is the major requirements. but my tour to Korea will be shoulder by my sister .if i will open a bank account now and the trip date is on October 19, will it be possible to include a 3 month old account? What should i do?

    1. Hi, Rose. You can apply as a housewife and follow the requirements. Prepare a cover letter that your husband is an OFW and ensure that you have supporting documents, like his COE. You may provide proof of remittance, current receipts from Western Union. Then you may add your sister’s documents, as she will be your sponsor. This will strengthen your case to get a visa. This is just my recommendation. I hope that helps. Good luck!

  179. Hello!
    I’m a student applying for a visa. Invited po kasi ako for an event in korea. Problem is, both of my parents aren’t working since yung siblings ko na yung nagwwork sa family namin, pwede po bang yung kanilang documents nalang ipasa ko instead of my parent’s (yung COE, ITR, etc.)? Kaso all of my siblings are ofw. Pano kaya yun? Pano po yung itr, saka yung company alphalist? Kaninong bank state,ent po kaya ang dapat kong isubmit? Sa mother ko (meron kasi siya for remittance) or sa sister ko na ofw?

    Thank youuu

    1. Hi, Dan. Make sure you have the proof of invite to go to Korea and present that as well to the embassy. If your parents are retired or senior citizens, provide a photocopy of their Senior ID or proof of retirement. You can also provide your mother’s bank documents that can act as proof of remittance. Since your siblings are OFWs, as mentioned in the blog post, they do not need to submit an ITR or Alphalist. It would be best to prepare a cover letter explaining that your sponsor is an OFW. You need a copy of their COE and bank documents. These are just my recommendation. Good luck!

  180. Hi po,

    I just submitted my visa application yesterday through RAKSO AGENCY here in Angeles, Kaso po may medyo concern lng po ako at ngwoworry, worry ko po is si ate girl sa agency sinabihn nya ako na ndi na daw pwede hand written ung visa application form so sya nalang nagedit on her part and pinrint nya na yung paper and sinabi ko Ate bakit wala pong N/A kayong nilgay sa mga di dapat lagyan and ang sagot nya kasi wala namn daw dapat ilagay don kaya okay lng kahit leave na blank. Pero nagwoworry ako!!!

    Malaking impact po ba to sa visa application ko? 🙁

    1. Hi, Angelica. Hopefully, the embassy will not mind having blanks on your application form. Just think positive and pray that you get your visa approved. Good luck!

    2. na deny din kme ng fiance ko, we secured all documents needed. wala ng apeal sa Bgc sa Cebu pa if u want to re apply no need to wait 6mos daw sa cebu we applied as a group kayo din ba? most of the applicants were denied same reason purpose was not explained in details. Sobra strict na ata starting July anyone na na approve ng July?

        1. nilagay ko tourism
          tulad ng nakikita ko sa online when they fil up the application, ano po ba tamang ilagay? im planning to re apply in cebu bka december

          1. That’s also what I chose for both my applications before. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit ganon ang reasoning nila for denying a visa, kasi wala namang option dun sa application to explain in detail.

  181. Hello! Im employed but minimum wage earner. Under pa rin ako employed category dba? But can my brother sponsor my trip? He’ll be going with me naman. Ok lang ba na it’s his bank cert and itr ang ipapasa?

    1. Yes, he can sponsor your trip. You still need to follow the employee requirements and add your brother’s documents to yours. Meaning, you still need to pass all the requirements PLUS your brother’s for the sponsorship. I hope that’s clear. 🙂

      1. So can i just use my brother’s financial docs na like bank cert and statement kasi he will be sponsoring naman eh ?

        1. Again, your own documents (bank, ITR, COE) PLUS your brother’s documents. This will make your case stronger, meaning, even though your brother will sponsor you, you are still capable to spend during your travel.

  182. Good day po! My daughter and i are planning to go to S.Korea this october. i would like to ask some questions.

    1. My husband and i would like to sponsor our daughter for the trip. What additional documents po ang dapat i-include sa papers ng anak ko? Employed din po anak ko and she’s passing her papers as an employee.(Ako lng po ang kasama ng anak ko for the trip.wala po si husband).
    2. I have a business and I have my bank account.but my BPI bank statement doesnt show the date opened and ADB. Is it okay lang po ba? Also, I’m planning to pass din a joint account of me and my husband from another bank,kaya lang nung april lang na open and 1 transaction lang sa bank statement. Dollar account po sya kasi ofw ung husband ko. Worth $20,000 po laman.Okay lang kaya yun? Complete details po xa as according po sa required na bank statement ng embassy.
    3.If joint account po, dapat ko rin po ba ipasa mga documents ng husband ko? Like ITR, COE, allotment slips, seamans book and passport? Should i include it din po sa papers ko and ng anak ko?
    4.I will be passing my documents ng business ko(DTI,Mayor’s permit, BIR),should i also inlude it sa anak ko since my husband and i are sponsoring her?

    Hoping for you advice po.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi, Rita 🙂

      Here are my answers/recommendation:
      1) She may add a copy of your bank documents, ITR, COE (if you are employed) – otherwise, submit business permits (same as business owner requirements); or a copy of your husband’s documents (same). OFWs need not submit ITR, but ensure that you have a copy of their work contract or COE.
      2) You may submit more than one bank account if it helps your case. The bank statement does not usually have the ADB or date opened, but the bank certificate should show those information. Bank Statement and Bank Certificate are two different documents.
      3) For joint account, please submit proof of relation for both you and your daughter. Provide marriage certificate and birth certificate for both. You may include those additional documents as back up documents.
      4) Yes.

      Good luck!

  183. Hi. Ms. Dre 🙂

    Thank you for answering my queries before. However, I have another follow up question:

    1. Sa Application form – sa intended period of stay – can we put in 5 days? pero since nkapag pa book na kame ng ticket – baka 10 days po kame. Pero mom ko hindi ko pa po na book ng ticket. Okay lang po ba yun? Hindi naman po sya naka indicate sa visa and lahat nman po 59days pag single entry. Iniisip ko lang po sa Immigration. Any advice po?

    Anyways, niremove napo nila yung Company Alphalist sa requirements effective July 1.

    Thank you in advance!

    1. Hi, Tami. Yes, it is okay to put 5-days for your intended length of stay. Thanks for letting me know about removing the company alpha list from the requirements. Good luck!

  184. Hi!I am planning to go to SoKor on November.My concern is that I am an ofw currently working here in Riyadh and my contract will end on September,I was planning to apply a Korean visa once I get back to Phil on October.Can I still used my COE from my employer here?is it still valid even though my contract ended already?

    1. Your COE is only valid if you’re still employed to the company, otherwise, it is invalid. Please provide a cover letter explaining your situation, where your contract just ended. Ensure that you have documents to back up your claim, such as a copy of your previous contract with your employer. You can state in your cover letter that since you just finished your contract as an OFW, you would like to spend your hard-earnings with a well-deserved vacation in South Korea. I hope this helps. Good luck!

  185. Hi, I’m going to Korea po this Oct31 to Nov7 for my birhday with my cousin kaso she has an american passport so ako nalang magapply, I do have a visa for australia kaso december pa po alis namin.

    1. I’m still a student po, however my mom’s business is under my brother’s name lahat po pati bank account basically wala pong proof of income yung mama ko only my brother. I have another brother and sister na may business din po and one sister who works abroad. All of them will sponsor since it’ll be a birthday trip. Kaninong documents po ibibigay ko?
    2. When is the earliest time na pwede po magapply ng visa? First week of nov po trip namin.
    3. Have you tried going to korea during fall po? How cold was it and gano po ka kapal layers nyo? Hehe first time ko pa po sa malamig na country I’ve only been to thailand hk & macau

    1. Hi, Klaude 🙂 Advanced happy birthday! Haha!

      1) You still need to present your parents’ documents (i.e. marriage certificate, etc.) If your mother’s business is under your brother’s name, there should be a documentation that should prove that, otherwise, it is basically your brother’s business. Your siblings can sponsor you, so you need to present their documents (please check requirements for business owners), bank documents, ITR, etc. They need to provide their birth certificate as well for proof of relation as your sponsor.
      2) My suggestion is to find an accredited agency near your area. You should apply for a visa at least 2-weeks before your flight, but the safest is 1-2 months before.
      3) Yes, I’ve been there during the fall season. It can get really cold, like 10°C at night. Make sure you have thermal wear, or the one from Uniqlo, Heattech, the regular one should suffice.

      Good luck!

  186. Hi Ms. Dre,

    Good day! I am currently employed and can provide all the docs (ITR, COE, Bank Statement, etc.) but I don’t think my bank account balance is sufficient to cover all the expenses. So, my sister-in-law (housewife) said that she will fund my trip. Is her bank statement sufficient to support my application? Thank you.

    1. Hi, Jam. I don’t think a housewife would be a good candidate to fund your trip. My suggestion is to get her to deposit money to your bank and then get another bank statement with a much better bank balance. Good luck!

  187. Hi Dre
    currently unemployed ako for almost a year pero meron aq iniintay na big opportunity sa cruise line im still waiting for my schedule sa initial interview ko, pede bako I sponsor ng mommy ko OFW sya, my tatak n dn passport ko my valid visa pa ako sa macau.

    1. Hi, Maya. Yes, your mother can sponsor you. Prepare an explanation letter on why you’ve been unemployed for a year and that your application on a cruise line is ongoing. Good luck!

  188. Hi! yung father ko po mag sponsor ng trip namin ng mother and sister ko. also yung sons ko (3&6 years old) pero hindi po kasama yung father ko sa trip. ano po yung requirements? yung mother ko po ay housewife. kami naman ng sister ko ay employee po.

  189. Hi Dre, my fiancee is 37 years old and still in college (he stopped kasi before and decided to resume 2 years ago). Both his parents are retired and cant give bank cert and itr etc since theyre just living on their monthly pension. I am the one financing our trip. Can i submit all my docs for him in lieu of his parents? Thank you!

    1. Hi, Jaime. He can submit the requirements for students and stand as his sponsor. Provide an explanation letter of his situation. If his parents are senior citizens, include their senior IDs or proof of retirement. These are just my recommendations. Good luck!

  190. Hi Ms. Dre! May concern din po ako regarding ITR. Employed po ako sa isang gov’t office as contract of service, so sariling sikap po lahat ng contributions namin even yung tax. First, nag register ako as self-employed sa mismong RDO namin, then after that lahat ng quarterly income tax namin or 1701Q, if I’m not mistaken, through online ko na pinapasa, even my Annual Income Tax Return (1701). So, wala pong stamp ang BIR sa ITR ko, what I have is the confirmation of the BIR through its e-mail that they have received my form 1701. Can I use that for my ITR, (my ITR without BIR stamp and confirmation of BIR through e-mail). Thank you so much for your help.

    P.S. Actually nakapag book na kmi ng flight namin for Korea this end of Sept to 1st week of Oct. Kinakabahan lang po ako, baka di ma-approve VISA ko because of the ITR. Thank you po ulit.

    1. Hi! I have the same problem with you. But I have emailed the embassy and they said that if there’s no stamp, you may send a printed copy of the confirmafion email from BIR 😊

        1. Hi Ms. Dre, I’m just confused regarding the ITR with stamp, based on what I read on the other blog, stamp is not neccessary. How true is that? 🙂

          1. Hi, Jacq. For most companies, they do not provide ITR with stamp. This is the same with my company. They weren’t too strict before so I was able to submit my ITR without stamp. As a backup, you can submit a Sworn Declaration coming from your HR.

  191. Hi ms dre! Sino po ba pwede pag sponsor samin ng kids ko? Housewife po ako. Yung husband ko my business at complete ang requirements pero konti Lang po money sa bank o yung father ko po business man din po at medyo malaki ang money sa bank? Kami Lang po ng kids ko ang magtratravel. Hindi sila dalawa kasama.

    1. Hi, Irra. I believe I already answered your question, but you can have more than one sponsor and your kids can be sponsored by their father and grandfather. Just present proof of relation, like birth certificate, etc.

  192. Hello. Should I put something on the “Intended Period of Stay and Entry” section even if our preferred dates are not yet fixed? Is this where the date of visa issuance and expiry will be based?

    1. Yes, at most, you should already have an idea about your intended dates of stay. The dates for the visa issuance will play along those dates of your entry.

  193. Hello! We are still not sure about sa duration ng stay namin whrn travelling to seoul. However we are sure sa intended date of arrival namin which is november 25. Pwede bang 5 days intended duration of stay lagay namin tapos if approved na, baka mag 2 weeks kami dun na vacation?

      1. So hopefully ma approve po yung visa, yung 59 days ba, start yun sa day ng pag arrive sa sokor or yung day ng pag approve ng visa?

  194. Hello! Can i ask a question about sa korean visa. My savings account is already a year old pero i started saving money for my korean trip just the end of july kasi naging regular employee na ako sa work just this june lang. As of this month i have 23k na. Gradual naman yu g paglagay ko ng money. Pero sa October na kasi ako mag aapply. My brother will sponsor my trip and he will go with me naman. Im scared na baka maging problema yung adb ko

    1. Hi, Cor. That should be fine. They require a bank account that is 6-mos old and up and 3-mos bank statement, so you should be fine for that. 🙂

  195. Hello!

    I have a question about my ITR, it doesn’t have a BIR received stamp but its from my employer and it has our HR head’s signature. Will that be okay?

    1. On my first two applications before, I only submitted what my employer provided as is, but now, my suggestion is to ask your employer to provide a copy of their sworn declaration. Good luck!

  196. hello po im from the province po, do u think preferrable kumuha ng travel agency to submit our papers na lang po ba kesa mag pass personally to embassy? Im thinking kasi na i have to book plane tickets pa pauntang cebu or mnl to apply for korean visa pero pwede namang mag avail na lang sa travel agency. Kaso kinakabahan ako mag travel agency baka kasi di nila chinecheck yung docs before mag pass baka may mga kulang

    1. Hi, Alex. As mentioned at the beginning of this post:
      From July 1, 2018, visa application will be processed through designated travel agencies only due to increased number of Korean visa applicants.

      Find an agency in Cebu that can process your application. There’s a link in the embassy website where you can find the list.

  197. Hi po maam. Yung kapatid ko po kasi kasama ko sa trip to sokor and yung bank account nya is joint account ng gf nya. Siya yung primary owner. Need pa ba yung coe and itr nya sa pag apply ng brother ko ng visa kahit di naman sya kasama?

  198. Hi Ms. Dre, been reading your blogs. I have a question. Is having a previous used korean visa will guarantee an approval for my next application?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi, AJ. It doesn’t guarantee an approval, especially if your circumstances have changed (new job, bank info), but in my experience, I was approved consecutive years. Good luck!

      1. my car loan payment is auto debited in my bank account every month. I am afraid that it will affect my application. I have savings but I am still worried.

  199. Hi We will be applying as a family (me, husband, 5yo boy and 2 yo girl. We will be staying for 7 days. ok na po ba 200k show money or more? since ung 2 yo ko free nmn sya sa mga theme park and transpo. Then joint account ung isubmit nmin ni hubby tas ako dn kasi may work so both kami employee application.

      1. Thank you for your reply 🙂 Do I need to submit my old passport since there’s a question in the application form about prev countries. I recently updated my passport with my new last name so ung mga stamp nsa luma. do I need to submit it as well?

        and by the way yung first born ko kasi pinangank sya ndi pa kami kasal nung hubby ko. so yung nsa birth cert nya illegitimate sya will it matter or ang tinitignan lang ng embassy eh ung kami tlga ang parents nya?

        thank you

        1. Yes, please bring your old passport. If your old passport has visas from OECD countries, you need to photocopy those pages in color.

          From what I know, they only check if you are the parents based on the birth certificate.

  200. hello po employed naman po ako pero yung kuya ko po nagmasspponor po sakin yung bank acct nya ngayon is 140k po. Pero ngayong ni withdraw nya yung ibang money for emergency reasons at 60k na lang yung naiwan sa bank account niya. 3 days po kami sa seoul kinakabahan po ako na baka red flag po yung pag withdraw nya ng malaking money. Sa october pa naman kami mag aapply ng visa

    1. Hi, Christian. I don’t think it withdrawing a huge amount is a red flag. If you’re both employed, that should be an assurance that you’re both capable to travel. Also, you can always replenish the money withdrawn from the account. Good luck!

  201. Hi Ms.Dre! Thank you so much for your blog! It really helped me prepare my documents for my application. Thankfully,my visa was approved today!😊 Maraming salamat po! 😊

  202. Hi. Im in USA, permanent resident. Planning to go back to the Phils After ng job contract ko then go to SK. Magapply sana ko ng SK visa pagbalik ko ng manila but by that time, unemployed ako. I can only provide US ITR. Kelangan ko pa gumawa ng explanation letter why unemployed ako? And what are the chances kaya na maapprove ako? May enough savings ako but worried lang sa employment status ko. Jobless.

    1. Hi, Raffy. Prepare an explanation letter regarding your situation. If your application for a visa is within 1-2mos upon your arrival, I guess that should support your case as just wanting to spend your hard earned money for a vacation.

  203. Hello po, Ask ko lang po kung possible po ba na makapasa sa korean visa kahit kakaopen mo lang ng bank account this september, tapos magaapply ng visa ng october so bali 1 month old palang yung bank acc. may chance po kayang makapasa?

    1. Hi, Mics. It would be best to get a sponsor. Because they require at least 6-mos old account and you need to submit 3-mos worth of bank statement. That’s my suggestion. I hope that helps.

  204. I’m a student po and sponsored po ng korean boyfriend ko yung buong trip.. Ask ko lang po if need ko pa po mag submit ng financial documents ng parents ko?

  205. Hi Dre,

    Tanong lang po sana, mag apply kami ng visa sa September 20 through agency and kasama ko ang daughter ko na 6 years old (student). so ibig sabihin po tag isa kami ng application na dapat fill apan? and then dun under sa ‘funding details’ 10.1 estimated travel costs, ung ilalagay ko po is mga 600USD for 5 days, enough naman na siguro po yun? since ung laman naman ng bank account ko is 100k plus for us. and then dun sa daughter ko naman sa application nya ganun din po ilalagay ko? medyo nalilito ako sa part na yun kasi magkasama po kami. Thank you po

    1. Hi, Crizel.

      Yes, tig-isa po kayong application form. You should follow the requirements for Employee, then your daughter for Students. Sa daughter mo naman, sa funding details, lalagay mo yung fund na balak mo gastusin for her. Then sa details ng funds, ikaw ang nasa name and sa letter c) all expenses. I hope that helps. 😊

  206. Hi Ms. Dre! Nagbabalak kami mag korea april 2019 ang concern ko is unemployed ako for more than a year now pero tumulong ako sa business ng tita ko and sya din ang magsponsor sakin. yung parents ko di kasama sa trip. wala silang bank account or itr since tumutulong lang din sila tita ko so sya lang po yung may mga ganun documents na pwede magprovide. I am afraid baka madenied ako pag nagapply kami.

    1. If you’re employed by your tita, then might let her provide your COE, or prepare an explanation letter as to where your income is coming from. Ensure that you save your money on a bank account so that you can provide your own. I hope that answers your question.

      1. Hello Miss Dre 👋 i would appreciate if u would answer these several questions😊
        1. I will apply for a visa on 2nd week of Oct. is it ok to deposit a large amount of money a week before? Im worried they’ll see that im depositting money higher than my salary

        2. Im a minimun wage earner and my itr doesnt have a stamp. I asked my HR about the stamp, looks like they dont have any idea about it. Is that fine?

        3. I am invited by my korean friend and she will sponsor my trip, is it ok if i’ll not pass her docs?

        4. I’ve read some also na wag na daw i state na invited ako by a korean national kasi red flag daw un sa consuls. Is that true? Should i ask for an invite letter from my friend? My purpose of travel is tourism.

        I hope u can help me. Great thanks! 😊

        1. Hi, Carla.

          1) If it is not normal for you to deposit large amounts of money, please deposit in smaller amounts and not in one go.
          2) My friend submitted an ITR without a stamp, but our HR provided a Sworn Declaration. Ask your HR to provide a documentation that no tax is required for minimum wage earners.
          3) If invited, you need to pass an invitation letter and Photocopy of inviter’s Passport or Identification Card.
          4) I am not aware of this being a red flag. Your friend should really provide an invite letter.

          I hope that helps. Good luck!

          1. Question again about the invite letter Miss Dre✌️ Can the korean inviter just email it to me then i’ll be the one to print it? We have no idea how long will it take for a letter to be sent from korea to phil..

    2. Hi!

      I’ve been to South Korea last year but it was a company tour so I got my visa easily. Now, I am planning to visit Korea again with my tita. She will be sponsoring our trip but I am the only one who will apply for visa since she has her Swisspass. Sa Seoul na kami magkikita. Now, my problem is I’m a bit worried if maapprove yung visa application ko if I will only use my payroll account. I read in your article na I should have at least $500. My savings account kasi is no longer active. Advantage ba na I’ve been to Korea na? I’m afraid na madeny ako this time.

      Thank you so much in advance! 😊

      1. It’s not an advantage that you have been to Korea before, as your situation can change after your first visa approval. You may present your payroll account. Ensure that you also have your tita’s documents if she will sponsor you.

  207. hi ask ko lang kasi pupunta kme sa korea for a company retreat,
    my problem is I only have a payroll account and lagi ko wnwithdraw agad ung laman nun once na dumadating yung sahod. I’m afraid maddeny ako kasi wala naman akong savings. Pero company retreat naman yun, they will shoulder the airfare and accommodation. Ano kayang gagawin ko? Thank you!

  208. Hello… I am a nurse and a sales agent kaya i have my combined itr. May stamp na naman yung ITR ko. Kaso tanong ko if need pa ba yung receipt?

  209. Hello is it okay na magdeposit pa rin ako sa account ko like 1k to 5k until sa day ng pag apply ko ng visa? 3rd week of October kasi yung pag apply ko pero until now nagddeposit pa rin ako paunti unti. Like 5k ngayon then 1k to 2k next week. Please reply…

  210. Possible ba for me to apply for a visa kahit my sponsor (my mom) ay hindi sasama sa trip ko with my friends? I’m employed naman sa company niya but my account currently has few money on it rin kasi. Would it affect my application? Even if mom ko naman magbabayad? What do you suggest i submit?

    1. Hi, An. Yes, your mother can sponsor you even if she’s not coming. You still need to submit your requirements as an employee then add your mother’s documents to attach so your application.

  211. Hi my friend’s COE was issued nung August and we’re gonna apply for visa this month na. Do you think it’s okay naman kahit di same month ang pag issue?

  212. Hi Dre! Is it true that if you have more than 500k in your bank account, theres a possibility of visa denial? I read in other blog that if you have 500k in bank certificate, most likely your visa will get denied?

    1. Hi, Nicole. I am not sure about that as I have never heard or read about this. I guess, you can be denied of a visa if the 500k is stagnant in the bank account, meaning there’s no movement in the account.

  213. Hi Dre, wanted to ask a few questions, sana you could answer.

    My sister and I are planning to go to Korea this January 2019. My mom is employed but she’s a single parent. She has no single parent ID kasi QC Hall was having technicalities and can’t release it yet. She can provide her employee records but I’ll be the one to fund my sister the entire trip. I was adopted (through papers) by my grandparents, so I can’t file my sister’s name as my sister. I’d be her aunt. What papers do we need to provide so my sister can get her visa approved? Please let me now.

    Thank you so much!

    1. Hi, Julienne. You may add a cover letter explaining the situation. Ensure that both of you has their birth certificate, you may add a copy of your adoption papers for proof of relation. This is just my suggestion. Good luck!

  214. Dear po,
    Me and my boyfrien applied korean visa here in dubai embassy separately, naapprove po ako and my boyfriend was denied due to hindi po najustify yung amount nung pera nya sa travel po,after 6 mos pa po pwed mag apply, ok lang ba na ngayong uuwe kami ng pinas Nov is reapply ko in pinas kahit hindi pa six months? kasi dec 1 pa namn po ang travel date namin, can i reappeal and i will make sure that time na complete na documents nya?

    thaks po in advance

    1. Hi, Jonah. Yes, you may try re-appealing your boyfriend’s case for his visa. There’s no assurance for this, however, ensure that you have all the documents complete and have enough money to travel. Good luck!

  215. Hi yung sa place to stay ba sa application form need talaga na mag book ng hotel or can i just write a hotel na di naman ako nakapag book? And yung sa funding na part, my mom will be the one to shoulder my expenses kahit na employed na ako. Meron naman kaming affidavit of suppert. So if sa application ko yung lagay ko is 400usd, yung mom ko ba 800usd yung lagay nya kasi siya yung gagastos?

    1. As mentioned in my Q&A post,

      Just write the name and address of the hotel where you intend to stay at.

      So that means, you don’t have to book right away.

      As per the financial support, yes that is correct. 🙂

  216. Hi! Thank God you are active for answering questions po! Gusto ko lang po sana iask kasi kakagraduate ko lang po last saturday (Oct 6) then nagpa request ako ng certificate of graduation and kakakuha ko lang now. After 4 months pa po kasi namin makukuha yung diploma namin. Yon po sana ang ipapass ko sa pag apply ng visa since pwede naman po daw pag fresh graduate. Pero ang problem ko is nakalagay po na date sa certificate of grad ko is Aug 2018 dahil yon po daw ang date na natapos ako. I’m still unemployed po but im looking a job after po sana isubmit yung application ko for visa. So I’m worried po 🙁 but may mga documents naman po ako na support ako ng dad ko and all. This is a grad gift po kasi hehe and sa novemeber po ang travel period namin and plan to submit our requirements this saturday or next week. Possible po ba ma approve? Huhuhu

  217. Hello… sa part po na kasama ko po kapatid ko, yung nilagay ko pong relationship is sibling. Ok naman po yun? Or need na specify like brother or sister?

  218. Hi. I am currently unemployed and my sister were planning to invite me to go to Korea by the way she’s already a Korean Citizen and had 1 daughter. I’ve been to Japan 2016-2017. My sister will be my guarantor and she will finance all the expense.Is it possible for me to get higher chance of a visa?

    1. Hi, Marie. They will only call if they need to verify anything from you, so ensure that you can be reached using the contact info you put on your application.

  219. hi i just get the bank statement and bank certificate from UBP but the problem are
    1. the bank certificate doesn’t have ADB
    2. the bank statement given to me is just a printed form(black and white) of my online statement

    – do i need to request for special bank certificate ? and do i need to request to have my bank statement stamp as ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED TRUE COPY

  220. Hi Dre,

    1) Ask ko lang kung pwdng magsubmit ng 2 bank cert and statement?
    Dalawa kasi ung bank account ko:
    A) 1st is ung payroll account (East west which is 3 yrs na (kaso 10,000 lang ung
    laman kasi winiwithdraw ko siya agad at nilalagay sa 2nd bank ko )
    B) 2nd is ung saving account ko BDO is nov 2018 nacreate kaso pinalagay ko/ joint si
    fiance – nagbigay sila ng bagong passbook nakasulat (feb 2018) laman ng money
    dito is 150,000 PHP )

    2) Si fiance kasi walang siyang work ngaun inaantay niya kasi ung flight niya pa japan as student/ intern. So balak ko gumawa ng affidavit of support tingin mo need ko pa isulat na magintern siya sa Japan? or sulat ko nalang unemployed siya?

    3) Complete lahat ng requirements ko si fiance kahit isa wala (aside sa bank cert and statement) so ang balak ko is ixerox or ipadouble copy ko ung mga req ko at un ung ipapapass para kay fiance?

    4) Pwd kaya ung joint account name na nakasulat sa bank cert and bank statement? Or need kanya kanya/ single name per copy?

    pasensya kana sa maraming tanong ha. Worried lang ako na di kami ma approve
    (*nakapag travel na pla kami sa Hong kong this year din June).

    Waiting for your positive response.

    Thank you so much for your time.

    Warm Regards,

    Ann

    1. Hi, Ann.

      1) Yes, you can pass more than 1 set of bank accounts.
      2) Just mention that he is currently unemployed, but add an explanation letter or document that he is waiting for his papers for internship.
      3) Double copy, do not photocopy the requirements.
      4) Yes, joint account can be used (but have 2 original copies for each of you.)

      I hope that helps. Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre,

        Thanks for the reply. Nakapagpass na pala ako last saturday. Ang ginawa ko dalawang application form ung prinint ko sabi ko sa travel agency kayo na ung pumili kung unemployed or intern (sabi nila mas maganda ung intern nalang since flight nalang naman at visa ung inaantay niya – may explanation letter din plus ung photo copy ng ID nya sa tesda/company nila). Lahat ng mga may discrepancies like ung ITR (2017) at COE (2018) ko na di match ang annual income ko nilagayan ko ng explanation letters.

        Thanks ulit

        I hope maapprove <3

  221. Hi Dre, ang sister ko is OFW and we are planning to visit Korea next year. Walang syang bank account dito so what other documents can she present as an alt? Pwede ba ang bank acct nya sa ibang bansa? Sorry pero baka nagdouble yung query ko, not sure if the first one pushed thru. Thanksss a lotttt!!!

    1. Hi, Jennesy. Usually, if you apply in the Philippines, they will require a local bank account. But I suggest inquiring from a travel agency that you will use for your application. They might have other suggestions. Good luck!

  222. Hi po! Planning to apply po for KR visa this Nov. ask ko lang po kasi magtravel po kami as family and kasama naman po yung papa ko pero kami po nung brother ko ay currently enrolled dun po sa school’s certificate – dapat po ba yung certification talaga from school na kami ay enrolled this sem or pwede na po yung certificate of enrollment/registration form? Tsaka po dun sa application form ilalagay pa oo ba yung current school under dun sa Employment po na tab? Meron po kasi dun na category na student eh. Salamat po sa pagsagot!

    1. Hi, Lou. Dapat school’s certificate na galing mismo sa school niyo yun. Sa Employment Details, it clearly states there that you may enter your school name, so you should indicate the name of your school and other details required. 🙂

  223. Hello Ms. Dre.
    I just wanna ask kung ano pwede kung gawin to apply for korean tourist visa. I am planning to go to SoKor on Feb 2019 sana. I’m currently unemployed kase nag stop na ako ng school for almost 3 years. I will go to Dubai and live with my mom after my trip to Korean sana at magenroll na ulit ako doon to continue school by August. I have a korean boyfriend na mag ssponsor ng trip ko and bibigyan din ako ng mom ko, who is working abroad, for my extra expenses. Ano kaya kelangan kong gawin and isubmit for my application? Ma-approve kaya application ko kahit unemployed?
    Hope you can help me ^^ Thank you!

    1. Hi, Evie. Prepare an explanation letter regarding your situation, but it would be best if you consult a travel agency, the one that you are planning to use to submit your application. You must establish a strong case that you are capable of traveling, as they are very strict with unemployed applications. Good luck!

  224. hi. im planning to go to korea sa april with my cousin and his husband (businessman/woman) for 7 days. im employed for 2 years na sa alorica. then im planning to use my payroll acct since wala akong own savings account.
    my questions are…

    1. if ever ba na payroll yung gagamitin ko for my trip sa korea, how much dapat yung andon? and kasi malikot yung account ko dun since doon nga pumapasok paycheck ko (every 2 weeks may pumapasok na paycheck), nawiwithdraw ko lang sya madalas, pero balak ko kasi na magstart na magtira ng money dun from my paycheck.. so konting amount lang wiwithdraw ko from paycheck. ok lang ba yun as long as may natitirang pera like mga 5-6k per 2 weeks hanggang sa mag apply ako ng visa?

    2. since wala akong tiwala sa sarili kong payroll account since deposit/withdraw-deposit/withdraw lang siya (heheeh) baka madeny lang sya upon visa approval, ok lang ba na ideclare ko as sponsor yung kasama kong pinsan ko (half of my trip)? kumbaga, half of my trip is expenses ko and half of it, sa pinsan ko na kasama ko? mas maaapprove ba yun??

    thank you hopefully masagot 🙂

    1. Hi, Bea. As per my suggestion, if you’re traveling for 7 days, then do the math $100/day. You may also have your cousin be a sponsor as long as your cousin’s bank account shows that it has the capacity to shoulder the expenses for both of you. Good luck!

  225. Hello Ms. Dre
    I’m planning to apply for korea tourist visa this December. I’m unemployed for 4years already. My korean boyfriend will send me an invitation and affidavit of support since he will be handling mostly of my expenses there while I go Kor but ofcourse my parents will also give me money to travel. Ano pa ba other documents na pwede ipasa to add chances of not being denied? and also after my trip to Korea, I will be going back to Philippines then I’ll be going to Dubai to live with my parents. Is it okay if I submit my e-ticket going to Dubai?
    Thank you!

    1. Hi, Hazel. It would be best to consult with a travel agency regarding your situation. Being unemployed usually equal to having your visa denied, but creating a strong set of documents to back you up can help. A detailed explanation letter about your situation, maybe add details on what you have been doing the past 4-years. It’s best to consult the travel agency that you will submit your documents to. Good luck!

  226. Hello, Ms. Dre!

    How recent should the COE and bank certificate and statement be? Because I got my COE on September 6th, but since my cousin doesn’t have her documents yet, I have to wait for her. I am planning to pass the requirements on November 12. Do you think it’s okay? Or Do I need to get a newer one? But it is stated in my COE that the purpose of getting it is for visa application. Thank you so much!

  227. Question po, Seaman po kasi ung boyfriend ko. On-board sya ngayon and I already booked our Ticket to Korea.
    Ask ko lang sna what are the requirements na need nya isubmit. So far kasi wla pa akong kilalang seaman na nakapag apply ng korean visa and naapproved.
    He’ll be back on May or June 2019, and our flight is also last week of June.

    1. If he’s a seaman, he’s tagged as an employee. So he needs to submit requirements as an employee. He is also an OFW, so he need not submit an ITR. For additional documents, some submit a copy of their contract. Please consult with your desired agency that will process your visa. Good luck!

  228. Hi po! I just want to ask po, I’m a fresh grad po kasi (actually last April 2018 po) and I took the board exam last Sept 2018, and the NMAT last Oct 2018. I will enroll in med school po kasi next school year, Aug 2019. My parents will support me naman po on my trip. Question ko po is, do I need to provide a cover letter, explaining that I just graduated from college and will enrol in med school next school year, it being the reason I’m currently unemployed for the last 6-7mos I think. I’m worried po kasi na baka ma-question sa embassy na April pa ko grumaduate and still unemployed pa po. Are there other documents that I need to present? hoping for your reply po ☹️☹️

    1. Hi, Jessie. Provide additional documents showing that you did take the board exam and NMAT exam. I think you should provide a cover letter. Good luck!

      1. Hi Dre,

        I plan to apply a SoKor Visa this month. My question is can I withdraw a little amount of my money after I get my Bank Cert. and Bank Statement? Does the embassy verify my Bank Balance?

        Thank you!

  229. We will be having a business trip in Korea. All expenses paid by the company. Do I still needed to submit personal bank statement? Instead of our bank statement, we submitted affidavit of support from the Company, COE and Bank Statement of our company. Would that be enough to grant our visa? Thanks

    1. Hi, Barbie. Even if it is a business trip, I believe “Employee” visa should still be followed. But please consult with the agency that will process your visa. Good luck!

  230. Hi miss.. tanong ko lang po miss if may idea ka regarding bank statement/certifcate. dito kasi ako kukuha nang korean tourist visa sa Qatar. my monthly salary is QR 6,850. Then ngayun november lang nag increase kami from QR 6,850 naging QR 10,200 per month na.. kukuha kc akoa nang bank statement. if will affect ba like of example:
    October – QR 6,850
    November – QR 10,200
    December – QR 10, 200.
    kasi sbi nang friends ko dpat uniform daw yung flow nang cash. may enough savings din ako sa bank dito..

    1. Hi, jpjpj. The flow of cash does not have to be uniform. If it helps, you may include a document that confirms that you had a salary increase. Good luck!

  231. Hi po, tanong lang po ako kasi na hire ako sa hosp jan 2018 and di kami pina file ng itr for 2017 since bago lng kami napasok. then nxt filing of itr is april 2019 pa po and ngbook kami ng flight march 30 2019- aprl 6. per pano ako makakasu mit ng itr if april pa ang filing then need ko kumuha ng visa before march? 🙁 pede ba yan ang reason ko bakit wala akog itr na 2017? (na jan 2018 ako na hire?)

    and isa pa… bago lng ako ikinasal novv lng pero dinko mgawang i chane ang passport ko kasi baka matagalan pa mgka problema pa ako sa march. ok lng ba na isasali nmn ang marriage contract namin sa application even though di pa na change aming status ang surname ko? or mas safe if di nlng? pls help thank you!

    1. Hi, Zee. What you can do is ask your company to give you proof that they are paying your taxes (maybe a Sworn Declaration). Please consult with any accredited travel agency, as they may have a different advice on this matter. If you’re traveling with your husband, it is required to submit a marriage certificate. It doesn’t matter if your name in the passport is still the old one, as long as it is not expired. It should be fine. Good luck!

  232. Hi ask ko lang po, we’re planning to go to Korea this coming March 2019 and we’re already arranging all the documents needed for the submission of our requirements kaso I’m having problem with my bank account and bank certificate. I opened my personal account last October only but I have my payroll account that exists for more than a year now (both BPI) concern ko is yung savings ko nasa personal account ko and I only use my payroll account for withdrawals lang ng salary ko which means may times na wala talaga siya laman na money at all and I don’t feel safe transferring my personal money to my payroll account for show money.

    Which account will I use to get my visa application approved? Okay lang po ba na savings account ko with less than 5 months of history or yung payroll account ko nalang po? And is it possible to submit 2 bank certificates and bank statements that are both under my name nalang?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Lala, my suggestion is, put in money on your payroll account. They only need 3-mos bank statement, but your account needs to be at least 6-mos old. Good luck! (Or you may submit both)

  233. Hi Dre. i’m not sure if this is still active, but i’ll still try. my my fiance and I are planning to apply for visa in June (a week or two befor our wedding). I am a permanent resident in Canada and he’s currently working in the PH. We’re getting married in June and after 5 days, we’ll be flying to SoKor so we won’t be able to include the marriage cert as a requirement. We have a joint account in the PH. I was wondering what are the requirements we need to get a visa for each of us? Can we both use our joint account as a bank statement and cert even if we’re not married yet by the time we apply for the visa? He just started working in a new company last dec 2018, but he was working since 2016. He has also a US visa because his company sent him there for a training. Thank you

    1. Hi, Pam. You both need to follow the Employee requirements for the visa. You may use the joint account for the bank statements as long as both your names are there (joint accounts are not limited to married couples). I think you can present your marriage license in place of the marriage certificate, but this is just an additional requirement to prove that you are married. I hope that helps.

  234. Hi Dre,

    I’ve stumble on your blog in search for answers to my questions and I see that you’re very active. And here it goes, my friend and I plans to travel on May 2018 and I plan to apply for Visa on April. However, I have a conflict employment… I resigned last April 2018 and started a new work last June. The company is like a branch from US and started last May so we don’t have an HR dept yet.

    – We don’t have a company ATM and my salary is deposited semi-monthly on my Bdo payroll account from my previous company. Can you advise what should I do here for may bank statements and bank certificate?

    – How do we create a cover letter? Do we compile every explanation on a page or should be separate?

    Hoping for your answers.
    Thank you! 🙂

    1. Hello Gracee! You meant traveling this May 2019, right? You may use your BDO account from your previous company, I assume the account name is yours, right? For the cover letter, just address each issue that you want to explain. For having the lack of HR, your company should still be able to provide you the other documents, such as COE. I hope this helps. Good luck!

  235. Hi Dre! Good day! My US citizen fiance and I planned to go to Korea this March. So i applied for a visa,i gathered complete requirements. But the agency said my bank account has small amount. It is 60k plus with ADB OF 32k. So nilagay ko ang fiance ko as support financially ( suggested by agency personnel). Nag submit kami ng affidavit of support notarized, bank statement, bank certificate, itr, and latest payslip ng fiance ko, hotel and airfare bookings under my fiance’s name, na makikita ang name naming dalawa. Hindi po kasi ako masagot ng agency sa chance ng approval. Maapprove po kaya ? 🙏🏻

    1. No one can guarantee the approval of a visa. Just pray that the consul will grant your visa. As long as your requirements are valid and complete, there’s a high chance of getting an approval. Good luck!

  236. Hello po!! I’ll be applying for a student visa, Do i need to submit my parent’s papers kung may sponsor po ako? Thank you so much!!

  237. Hi Dre! I wanted to inquire how do I acquire a tourist visa via my Korean fiancee sponsorship? Currently I’m unemployed because I’m 7 months pregnant with our first baby and he wants me to stay with him till I give birth and planning to get married after. What are the requirements for me and him aside from my passport, his passport and sponsorship letter? Closed na din yung bank account ko kc na maximize namin yung pera when his about to return to Korea. What are my options? My possibility bang ma-grant ako ng visa?

    Hoping for your soonest reply.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi, Ana. It would be best to inquire from the embassy, as this seems like a special case. I do not have enough knowledge with your scenario. Good luck!

  238. Hi, I am not sure if you’ll be able to read this…but, I am unemployed..and may current bank acct was only opened a month ago without enough savings yet. And so I asked my friend who I will be traveling with next month, May 2019 to be my sponsor for the trip..is this possible? And is it alright if I don’t show any bank certificate or statement since it’s going to be invalid anyway? Please HELP.

    1. Hi, Jen. This is quite difficult situation, but if your friend does have the means to sponsor you, then she can provide those documents. However, please I suggest preparing a cover letter to explain your case. If you have parents who are employed, they can also be your sponsor and provide financial documents. Good luck!

  239. HI! My sister and I are scheduled to Korea this October 2019. However, by that time, graduate na ako. Which means Im unemployed.

    1. Can i still apply under the student category since not more than 6 months pa (what was your source pala regarding that info?) Or should i just apply under sa unemployed category? If student, baka wala pa kaming diploma non, okay lang kaya?

    2. And then regarding my bank account, joint kasi yun with my mom, okay lang ba yun? Yung source din nun is galing sa mom ko yung pera, maqquestion kaya yun since wala naman akong work pa?

    3. Should my sister and I have separate bank details? Like sakanya yung account niya. If yes, ano mas ok, yung account niya na hindi masyado gumagalaw pero may good amount of money since savinga account or mag payroll na lang siya?

    4. We also have a taiwan passport, should we indicate that sa application form or wag na since baka mamaya maging reason pa siya ng denial.

    Really hoping youd answer my questions hehe thank you so much!!

  240. Hello! I recently graduated on May 31st and I’m planning on traveling to Korea on October or November. I was wondering, after seeing your post that I can use my diploma to replace my school certificate or certificate of enrollment, how can I use my diploma for the requirement? Will I need to ask my university to issue like a certificate of graduation or I can just photocopy my diploma (and not submit the original)? Do I also need a cover letter of explanation? Thank you in advance!

      1. Oh and another question, if I submit a photocopy of my diploma, will it be the same as applying as a student? Has it been guaranteed that the consul can approve of my visa that way from past applicant experiences? I cant seem to find the use of a diploma as a school certificate anywhere.

        1. Providing your diploma is proof that you just graduated. There’s no guaranteed approval for any application. At this point, what you can do is submit application as a student since you’re technically unemployed. You need a sponsor, like your parents to finance your travel, so you would need their documents to support your application. However, if you become employed from now until the date of your application, then you would have to apply as an employee and you can still have your parents as sponsors for your travel.

  241. Hi Dre, I just wanna ask May small business ako dito sa PH sari sari store but barangay Permit lang ako meron , no itr also but i have bank accnt. Pwede kaya yun ipasa anyaway i have also korean boyfriend po. Thank you.

    1. Hi, Anna! If I am not mistaken, you still need to pay taxes for sari-sari stores. To be honest, I am unsure if not having an ITR will work, but please do check with the agency who will assist you with your application, they might have an alternative for that. Good luck!

  242. Hi, I’m a student po. Pupunta kami ng mga tita ko (sponsored nila) sa SoKor sa December and may nabili na rin kami ticket. Pa’no po pag unemployed yung both parents ko, pero yung kuya ko po may trabaho pero di rin ganun kalakihan ang sweldo and di nya ko sponsored haha.
    Ang pinoproblema ko po ay yung parents’ documents, especially yung mga bank statement 🙁
    also can I use may personal bank acc?

    1. Your aunt can provide the financial documents, and stand as your guardian. Have your parents get an affidavit of support and name your aunt as guardian during the trip.

      1. actually yung mom ko po may trabaho pa, kaso parang mababankrupt na yung company nila like minsan mga 1k-3k na lang nakukuha nila. ano po kaya maganda gawin 🙁 imamark ko pa ba sya as employed? kaso baka dui kasi masupport ng mga financial documents 🙁

  243. Hi, magkaiba po ba ang affidavit of consent and affidavit of support?
    and if student po ako but not a minor anymore, do I still need to get affidavit of consent?

  244. Hi. Student po ako na gustong magtravel sa korea, regalo ko sa sarili ko. Ipon ko po yung gagamitin kong panggastos and wala po akong bank account pati yung mga parents ko. Ano po pwede gawin para makapagpasa for sokor visa?

  245. Hi! I will be applying for Korea Visa this month. I’m worried because my bank account has 60k but my ADB is just 7k. Is that too risky?

  246. Will supposedly be travelling with my family on November. pwede po ba na mas mauna ako magpass ng visa application kesa sa other family members? di pa po ksi tapos requirements nila eh

  247. Hi, if mag aapply ako ng visa, and kasama ko yung tita ko sa trip hindi yung parents ko, tapos ang gagamitin kong financial documents ay yung sa tita ko rin. Enough na ba yung birth cert ng mom ko and ng tita ko as a proof na relative ko sya? Thank you.

    1. Hi, Jikook. Please include your birth certificate as well to prove that she’s your mom. They need to see the connection among you three. If you’re a minor, there should be a consent to travel from your parents.

      1. Hi! My tita will be the one to sponsor me for my trip as graduation gift but for the affidavit of support it was stated that only your immediate family or employer are considered. Can I still proceed with it? Also considering my circumstances, i think my parents don’t have sufficient funds to act as my sponsor so I couldn’t really ask them for the affidavit. huhu i need help

  248. Hello! I checked my visa application status online. It says the date today and “Application Cancelled”. Is that legit or just some trouble with the system?

      1. Hi, Dre! So I need advise with my current predicament since I am unemployed. I graduated last year in May but decided to take a gap year before working. I’m planning on going to South Korea for 3 days on April. Would it be possible to get my visa approved since my mom is sponsoring my trip but she won’t apply for a visa with me or would I have a higher chance of getting approved if we send our applications in together?

        1. Hi Aly. Your sponsor can be someone who won’t be traveling with you. Just ensure you have a birth certificate that proves you are your mom’s daughter. Maybe include a cover letter regarding your taking a gap year after graduation. I hope that helps. Good luck!

  249. Ok lang po ba mag submit ng NSO birth certificate na last yr namin na request? Or do we have to request another certifcates naman this year? We have submitted photocopies of our birth cert last yr kaya we still have the orginal copy.

      1. thank you! since ill be sponsored by my sister, should I fill up the sponsored section in the app form? or that’s just for koreans?

        1. Yes, that’s just for Koreans. What you need to fill out is the part where it asks for how you’ll finance your trip. I believe that’s section 10.

          1. thanks again! I have another question, sorry, is the guarantee letter (from the korean embassy website) same as affidavit of support? Can i use it instead of AOS since that needs to be notarized pa.

  250. Is it okay to pass a 1 year bank statement? I asked for only 3 months but the bank gave me was from April 2018-August 2019. Is that okay?

    1. Hi, May. Please ask your bank for a proper copy. Although, I suggest to get in contact with the agency who will process your papers, it might be okay to pass.

  251. I am employed here in the philippines. DI kaya affected ang pag grant sa aking tourist visa kung ilalagay ko sa application that I worked in SG as a staff nurse from 2016-2018?.. malalaman kasi sa travel history ko and my old passport. thanks

    1. Hi Shey. I don’t think there’s a field in the application form where you have to note your employment history. You only indicate your travel history, and current employment. In my opinion, it has no bearing for granting a visa.

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