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Working in the United States from South Korea

Where South Korea-born residents live and which routes exist.

By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.

NATIONAL + STATE Official statistic + reference Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year (via Census Reporter) · USCIS · Data: ACS 2020–2024; statutory rules

1,042,427 people living in the United States were born in South Korea (ACS 2020–2024).

There is no special work visa for citizens of South Korea; the standard routes apply (H-1B, L-1, O-1, H-2A/H-2B, F-1 with OPT, employment-based green cards).

A job offer is not enough: you need an approved status that allows you to work. Most work visas are tied to a specific employer. Rules, caps and fees change: confirm on USCIS.

States where most people born in South Korea live

Sort:

State ⇅	Residents born in South Korea ⇅	Share of the state's foreign-born ⇅
California	317,331	2.9%
New York	82,987	1.8%
New Jersey	70,370	3.0%
Texas	62,521	1.1%
Virginia	53,372	4.5%
Washington	49,445	3.9%
Georgia	45,959	3.4%
Illinois	40,144	2.1%
Maryland	33,222	3.1%
Pennsylvania	25,500	2.3%
Michigan	22,108	2.8%
Massachusetts	18,844	1.4%
Florida	18,420	0.3%
North Carolina	16,325	1.5%
Colorado	15,251	2.4%
Hawaii	13,645	5.1%
Arizona	13,500	1.3%
Nevada	12,941	2.0%
Minnesota	11,849	2.3%
Oregon	11,220	2.6%

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Sources

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