Convenience store launches on-site visa assistance service for foreign residents

A promotional image of CU's visa agency service / Courtesy of CU

CU has launched on-site visa assistance services for foreign residents, becoming the first convenience store chain to do so, the company said Thursday.

In partnership with K-VISA, the country's leading visa service provider, customers can now scan a QR code displayed at CU stores and fill out a short form to be immediately connected with a licensed immigration specialist for personalized support.

The service supports four languages — English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese — and allows users to track their application status in real time, from submission to final approval. A wide range of visa categories, including marriage, employment, investment, immigration and permanent residency, will be covered.

CU distinguishes itself with competitive pricing, offering fees approximately 50 percent lower than the industry average. For instance, its visa extension services are available at the country's lowest rate of just 20,000 won ($13.96).

The company said it aims to ease the administrative burden foreign nationals face.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the number of foreign residents in Korea grew by approximately 28 percent over three years, rising from 1.95 million in 2021 to 2.5 million in 2023.

However, many foreign nationals continue to face challenges, such as wait times of up to two months for visa issuance or extensions, as well as the need to visit immigration offices in person.

Initially, the service will be available at around 50 CU stores in areas of Seoul with large foreign resident populations, such as Daerim, Hongdae, Itaewon and Dongdaemun. Based on customer feedback, the company plans to expand the offering to 1,000 stores by the end of the year.

The initiative is also part of CU’s broader strategy to expand services and meet the growing needs of Korea’s diverse population.

Looking ahead, CU plans to go beyond visa services by introducing a franchise starter package tailored for foreign nationals, along with employment programs designed to support foreign workers.

“This service makes it easier for foreign residents here to meet their visa needs at a nearby convenience store,” a CU official said. “Moving forward, CU will continue to develop innovative products and services to attract both local and international customers.”