The Korea Labor Human Rights Center (노동인권회관, a nonprofit association for the human rights of foreign migrant workers) runs the Employment Promotion and Asset-Building Support Program for Migrant-Background Youth and Workers (이주배경 청년·노동자 취업촉진·자산형성 지원사업), which helps migrant-background youth and workers living in Korea become more self-reliant. Now in its third year (2024-2026) with funding from the Korea Financial Industry Public Interest Foundation (KFIF), the program supports employment and Korean language skills, and also includes an asset-building benefit that matches part of what you save each month. The official website is www.inkwon.or.kr.

General Eligibility

  • Migrant-background youth and workers (D-10 job-seeking visa holders are also eligible)
  • Since 2024, recognized refugees, humanitarian-status holders, and their spouses are included
  • Since 2025, E-9 (non-professional employment: manufacturing, construction, agriculture and livestock) has been added

Eligibility details may change, so please check directly with the Labor Human Rights Center at www.inkwon.or.kr, or call the Immigration Contact Center (1345) for the latest information.

Program Guide

1. TOPIK Exam Fee Subsidy

If you are preparing to take the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), you can get part of your exam fee reimbursed.

  • Who can apply: Age 18 or older, with at least one year of residence in Korea
  • Amount: Up to 50,000 KRW, paid when you submit your TOPIK score report
  • How many times: Once per person, first-come first-served
  • Intake: First-come, first-served for 1,000 people starting February 2026

2. Job-Seeking Support Grant

This grant helps cover the costs of job-hunting for migrant-background youth.

  • Who can apply: Ages 18 to 39
  • Amount: 70,000 KRW per application, up to 3 times (210,000 KRW total), paid when you submit proof of applying to a job posting or attending an interview
  • Intake: First 2026 round closes around February 10
  • Extra benefit: Selected applicants also receive career counseling and help writing a self-introduction letter (자기소개서)

3. Vocational Training Completion Grant

This grant supports migrant-background youth who complete vocational training.

  • Who can apply: Ages 18 to 39
  • Amount: 300,000 KRW, paid when you obtain a qualification certificate or complete 8 or more hours of vocational training
  • Extra benefit: Selected applicants also receive career counseling and help writing a self-introduction letter

4. Asset-Building (Matched-Savings) Support

This is a core pillar of the program: a matched-savings benefit that adds a top-up for people who save steadily.

  • What it offers: If you make a fixed monthly deposit of 100,000 KRW or 200,000 KRW into a savings account, the program matches 20% of your own deposit as a top-up
  • Extra benefit: Tailored financial education is provided
  • Note: Asset-building intake for 2026 may already be closed, so please check the website.

How to Apply

Download the application form from the Labor Human Rights Center’s official website (www.inkwon.or.kr), fill it in, and submit it. Each program has its own application period and required documents, so please read the notices on the website before you apply.

You can also contact the Labor Human Rights Center directly.

  • Phone: (02) 749-6052 / (02) 3785-0422
  • Address: 40 Dosin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

If you have questions about eligibility or the support on offer, you can contact the Immigration Contact Center (1345) or your local Korea Immigration Service office for the most up-to-date information.