Date
2025.04.15
Change of Status to F-3 Visa Within Korea
In March 2025, the Ministry of Justice clarified that, as a general rule, change of visa status to Dependent (F-3) from within Korea is not permitted. Accordingly, accompanying family members must obtain an F-3 visa abroad before entering Korea. (* Effective Date of Revised Guideline: April 1, 2025)
Exceptions: Exceptionally, a change of status to F-3 may be allowed if the applicant entered Korea on a B-1 (Visa Waiver), B-2 (Tourist/Transit), or other short-term visa, and it is objectively proven that they are unable to depart Korea due to pregnancy, childbirth, or serious illness, supported by a medical certificate issued by a licensed physician.
* Requirements for Official Documents : When submitting official documents issued in the applicant's home country (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate) as part of the F-3 visa application, the following conditions must be met: (1) A certificate of translation by a certified translator, and (2) For countries that are parties to the Apostille Convention: an apostille is required. For non-signatory countries: consular legalization by the Korean embassy or consulate in the issuing country is required.
For Inquiries :
- Da-jeong Choi , KOTRA Foreign Investor Support Center
- TEL: 02-3497-1063 / E-mail: cdj9357@kotra.or.kr