Visas

Other · changes · responses

Other common visas, change matrix, handling denial/cancellation

1. Other Common Visas (D-8 · F-3 · F-4 · F-6, etc.)

▪Visas international students are likely to encounter after graduation, all on one screen

After starting your life in Korea on a study visa (D-2), your path can branch out in many directions, such as starting a business, employment, marriage, accompanying family, or overseas Korean status. This section gathers the visas that frequently appear along that journey onto a single screen, helping you picture life after graduation in advance. However, since each visa has different eligibility requirements and a different scope of permitted activities, you should not simply skim the list, but rather find the visa that best fits your situation and then be sure to re-check the detailed conditions. Reviewing your plans alongside your eligibility lets you prepare for the next step with greater stability.

We have compiled on one screen the visas you are likely to encounter as you move from studying (D-2) into employment, marriage, accompanying family, or overseas Korean status. Since each visa has different eligibility requirements and permitted activities, if you find the visa you need, please check the detailed conditions through the relevant guidance page.

Additional visas international students should know about

D-7 Intra-company Transfer
  • Target: Employees dispatched by an overseas headquarters or affiliated company to a Korean branch or liaison office
  • At least 1 year of work experience abroad required
  • Cannot be used for new hires within Korea
D-8 Corporate Investment
  • D-8-1: Management/administrative personnel who have invested 100 million KRW or more in a foreign-invested company
  • D-8-4: Tech startup for those holding a bachelor's degree or higher or intellectual property rights
  • Required procedures including KOTRA foreign-invested company registration
D-9 Trade Management
  • Target: Foreigners directly engaged in trade or corporate management in Korea
  • Must prove business performance, such as a Korea International Trade Association (KITA) trade business registration number
  • Simple brokerage or intermediary activities are not recognized
E-1 Professor
  • Target: Full-time lecturer or above at a higher education institution such as a university or junior college
  • Requires an appointment contract with the relevant university
  • Additional income activities beyond teaching and research require a separate permit
E-2 Conversation Instruction
  • Target: Native-speaking instructors at foreign language academies or schools
  • Bachelor's degree or higher; must be a national of a country where the relevant language is the native language
  • Must report and obtain permission when changing employer
E-3 Research
  • Target: Researchers at natural science or advanced technology research institutions
  • Master's degree or higher, or bachelor's degree + at least 3 years of research experience
  • Frequently used when taking a research position after completing a graduate degree
E-9 Non-professional Employment
  • Target: Unskilled workers who entered through the Employment Permit System (EPS)
  • Must pass the EPS-TOPIK exam and register on the job seeker roster in the sending country
  • International students in Korea cannot directly convert from D-2/D-4 to E-9
F-3 Accompanying Family
  • Target: Spouses and minor children of those legally residing on D-series, E-series, F-4, etc.
  • Duration of stay is linked to the primary visa
  • Employment activities generally not permitted under F-3 itself (separate permit required)
F-4 Overseas Korean
  • Target: Those who previously held Korean nationality, or their direct children or grandchildren
  • Must prove that the applicant, a parent, or a grandparent previously held Korean nationality
  • Free to work in most industries, except simple manual labor and a few restricted sectors
F-6 Marriage Immigration
  • Target: Foreign spouses married to a Korean national
  • Korean spouse must meet income and housing requirements
  • Free to work except in a very small number of industries such as entertainment; naturalization application possible after 2 years

Comparison of visas international students are likely to encounter in the near future

Starting a business after graduation, inviting accompanying family members, confirming overseas Korean status, and international marriage are the most frequently considered paths while still a student.

VisaKey RequirementsDuration of StayEmployment PermittedChange / Next Step
D-8 Corporate Investment Investment of 100 million KRW or more, or tech startup (D-8-4) Initial 1–2 years, extendable Can manage own business F-2 → F-5 when requirements are met
F-3 Accompanying Family Spouse or minor child of a D-, E-, or F-4 visa holder Linked to primary visa Generally not permitted; some activities possible with a separate work permit Change to D/E/F-series when qualifying independently
F-4 Overseas Korean Applicant, parent, or grandparent previously held Korean nationality Up to 3 years, extendable Free to work, except simple manual labor and restricted sectors F-5 when meeting requirements such as 2+ years of residence and income requirements
F-6 Marriage Immigration Legal marriage to a Korean national + Korean spouse requirements Initial 1–2 years, extendable Free to work, except a very small number of industries such as entertainment Naturalization after 2 years or F-5 permanent residency

Visa available when parents or a spouse live together in Korea

When the student themselves is on D-2, what about family?
  • Spouse and minor children: can apply for F-3 Accompanying Family
  • Parents: generally not eligible for F-3 (use short-term visit C-3 instead)
  • F-3 is granted in accordance with the student's own D-2 duration of stay
When the student changes to an employment or residency status after graduation
  • When the student changes to E-7, F-2, F-5, etc., the family's F-3 is also renewed accordingly
  • Moving to F-5 (permanent residency) also opens the F-2-3 → F-5 pathway for the spouse
  • Inviting parents becomes a realistic option when the student reaches F-5 or naturalization

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparatory steps (reviewing company formation, developing ideas, participating in startup competitions, etc.) are possible, but actual business operations must begin only after changing your status to D-8. If you form a company in your name and engage in for-profit activities while on D-2, it may be considered unauthorized activity. If you are considering starting a business before graduation, we recommend consulting in advance through your school's startup support center or OASIS (tech startup program) about the D-2 → D-8-4 (tech startup) pathway.

It does not change automatically. After completing the marriage registration, you must separately apply to change your status to F-6. The Korean spouse's income and housing requirements, as well as basic communication ability (language assessment), will also be reviewed. The D-2 → F-6 change is applied for directly at the Immigration Office. Since your residence status does not change simply by the fact of marriage, be sure to check your existing visa expiration date.

F-4 (Overseas Korean) is available to foreign nationals who previously held Korean nationality themselves, or whose parent or grandparent previously held Korean nationality. Documents proving a history of Korean nationality, such as a family relationship certificate or family register extract, are required. However, men who renounced their nationality without completing their military service obligation are restricted from obtaining F-4 until a certain age. Please confirm your individual case in advance with the Korean consulate in your country of residence or the Immigration Office.

F-3 (Accompanying Family) is limited to spouses and minor children, so siblings are not eligible for F-3 invitation. For a short visit, you can issue an invitation letter in your name for them to enter on C-3-1 (short-term visit). If your sibling enrolls in a Korean school separately, they will receive D-2/D-4 in their own right. There is currently no direct visa pathway for the purpose of having siblings reside together as family members.

2. Visa Change Matrix

Guide to "Change of Residence Status" — changing from your current visa to another

Foreigners residing in Korea can apply to change from their current visa to a different residence status once they meet the set eligibility requirements. This is called a change of sojourn status permit, a procedure that lets you change your status from within the country without having to leave and obtain a new visa. This section provides an easy-to-grasp overview, centered on the 6 visas that students often encounter, namely D-2, D-4, D-10, E-7, F-2, and F-5, showing which statuses you can move to from each one. Knowing the available pathways in advance lets you steadily prepare the requirements you need in line with your own career plans.

When a foreigner residing in Korea changes to a different residence status (visa), this is called a Change of Residence Status. A change can be applied for from the point when the eligibility requirements are met, and is approved following a review by the Immigration Office. The flow has been organized around the 6 visas most frequently handled by applicants (D-2, D-4, D-10, E-7, F-2, F-5) and new entry visas.

Visa Change Matrix (Current → Possible Changes)

"Possible" indicates a general pathway and does not mean everyone receives it automatically. Results vary depending on eligibility requirements and review outcomes. "Conditional" means it is possible upon meeting separate requirements.

Current Visa D-2 D-4 D-10 E-7 / E-7-M F-2 F-5 D-8 / F-6, etc.
D-2 (Study) — Possible Possible (after graduation) Possible (upon confirmed employment) Conditional (points system) Not possible (must go through F-2) Possible (when requirements are met)
D-4 (Language Training) Possible (upon admission to a degree program) — Conditional (if degree is held) Conditional (degree and major must match) Not possible (intermediate steps required) Not possible Possible (when requirements are met)
D-10 (Job Seeking) Possible (re-enrollment) Conditional — Possible (upon confirmed employment) Conditional (points system) Not possible (must go through F-2) Possible (D-8, etc.)
E-7 / E-7-M Conditional (re-enrollment) Conditional Conditional (if unemployed) — Possible (points system · income) Conditional (after long-term residence) Possible (D-8, F-6, etc.)
F-2 (Residency) Possible Possible Possible Possible — Possible (when requirements are met) Possible
F-5 (Permanent Residency) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A — N/A (all activities are unrestricted)

5 Common Change Patterns

D-4 → D-2
  • Apply after being officially accepted to a junior college or university
  • Standard Certificate of Admission; D-4 attendance rate of 80% or higher
  • The most common pathway for students progressing from a school-affiliated language institute
D-2 → D-10
  • Apply at the time of graduation or as a prospective graduate
  • Base score of 20 points on the points system + total of 60 points or more required
  • Attach job search activity plan and Korean language proficiency proof
D-10 → E-7
  • Apply based on an employment contract after confirmed hiring
  • Major and job category must match; salary requirements must be met
  • Junior college graduates can use the E-7-M (non-capital region) pathway
E-7 → F-2
  • Points system evaluation after accumulating a period of normal work and income
  • Must pass a comprehensive score covering Korean language, education, income, and more
  • Upon entering F-2, job category restrictions are lifted
F-2 → F-5
  • Apply after continuously residing for a set period under F-2 status
  • Comprehensive review of income, assets, Korean language, criminal record, and more
  • Upon obtaining F-5, residence, employment, and re-entry are all unrestricted

General Visa Change Procedure

1

Confirm eligibility for the change

First check whether you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa you wish to change to (education, income, points, employment, etc.).

Preliminary Check
2

Document Preparation

Gather the documents required for the new visa, such as your diploma, employment contract, score report, and financial proof.

Collect Documents
3

Fill Out Application

Fill out the "Application for Change of Sojourn Status". The form can be downloaded from HiKorea.

Complete Documents
4

Visit Immigration Office or e-Civil Service

Submit your application in person at the competent Immigration Office or online via the HiKorea e-Civil Service portal. In-person visits require a prior appointment.

Submit
5

Review

The Immigration Office will review your qualifications, documents, and stay history. You may be asked to provide additional documents.

Awaiting Review
6

Approval & Reissuance of Alien Registration Card

Upon approval, your Alien Registration Card will be reissued with your new sojourn status. Processing and card fees are charged separately.

Complete

Visa Change Processing Time

General cases approx. 10 days Cases requiring investigation up to 60 days Recommended application timing 60–30 days before expiry e-Civil Service processing similar to in-person

※ Processing times vary depending on the type of application, workload at the relevant office, and whether additional documents are required. Peak periods such as the start of a semester or year-end may take longer.

What if the change application is rejected?
  • Your existing visa remains valid for its remaining validity period. However, depending on the reason for the change request, your activities under the existing visa may be affected.
  • The standard course of action is to receive the rejection notice, identify what needs to be corrected, and then reapply.
  • If your current visa is close to expiring, it is safer to extend it (extend your period of stay) to buy more time rather than reapplying for the change right away.
  • A rejection does not immediately require you to leave the country, but once your existing visa expires, you will be in the country illegally.

Can I apply for multiple visas at the same time?

  • A person cannot hold two sojourn statuses at the same time. Only one visa is recognized at any given time.
  • However, your own visa (e.g., E-7) and a dependent family visa (e.g., F-3) can be processed simultaneously, each under the respective person's name.
  • If you are considering both the E-7 and F-2 routes from D-10, only one application can actually be submitted at a time; the next step is taken after the result is confirmed.
  • Applications for extension of stay and applications for change of status cannot be processed simultaneously, so if your visa is close to expiring, you must carefully prioritize.

Frequently Asked Questions

In principle, if you leave the country while your change application is under review, the application is automatically cancelled in many cases. If departure is unavoidable, you must consult the competent Immigration Office in advance to obtain a "re-entry permit" or adjust your application timing. The same rule applies to short business trips, so be sure to confirm before applying.

If your existing visa still has remaining stay period, you can continue to stay legally until it expires. A rejection does not in itself cancel your existing visa. However, if your existing visa is close to expiring when the rejection comes, you may be short on time, so it is important to apply within the recommended window of 60–30 days before expiry. You can supplement the grounds for rejection and reapply, or first proceed with extending your existing visa.

The fee for a change of sojourn status permit varies depending on the visa type and application method (in-person/e-civil service), and is generally in the range of tens of thousands to around 100,000 KRW. If your Alien Registration Card needs to be reissued, an additional fee applies, payable via government revenue stamps. For the exact fee by visa type, please check the "Fee Guide" on HiKorea.

Until the new visa is formally approved and your Alien Registration Card is reissued, you cannot begin activities under the new visa (e.g., full-time work under E-7). Only activities permitted under your existing visa are allowed. For example, if you have applied to change from D-10 to E-7, you must limit your activities to job-seeking or internship work permitted under D-10 until approval is granted. Starting activities under the new visa before approval constitutes unauthorized activity and may result in sanctions.

3. Responding to Visa Rejection, Cancellation, or Extension Denial

Rejection or cancellation does not mean immediate departure — confirming the reason comes first

Even if you receive a notice that your visa has been rejected, or that your status has been cancelled or your extension denied while residing in Korea, that alone does not mean you must leave the country immediately. What matters is the type of rejection reason and whether it can be remedied, because these two factors determine the success or failure of your next application. So right after receiving the notice, instead of panicking, your very first step is to confirm exactly why it was rejected or cancelled. Then, depending on the reason, you must decide on a course of action within 7 days, such as remedying the issue and reapplying, filing an objection, or considering a different residence status. Quickly and accurately grasping the reason is the most realistic starting point for turning an unfavorable situation around.

Agencies available for consultation upon rejection or cancellation notice

  • Korea Immigration Service Contact Center 1345

    Supports 20 languages; can confirm and consult on rejection reason codes

  • Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132

    Legal support for foreigners; free legal consultation available

  • School Office of International Affairs

    First point of consultation for enrolled students; also checks impact on academic and work schedules

  • Seoul Global Center / Regional Support Centers for Foreign Workers

    Free consultation available; multilingual support

If your visa application is rejected or your sojourn status is cancelled or denied extension while in Korea, this does not by itself mean you must leave immediately. However, the appropriate response — reapplication, appeal, use of existing status, or other options — differs depending on the reason, so the most important thing is to confirm the exact reason as soon as you receive the notice.

7 Major Reasons for Visa Rejection

1. Insufficient Financial Proof
  • Balance certificate amount or deposit period does not meet requirements
  • Funds deposited in a short period recently (source of funds unclear)
  • Insufficient proof of financial guarantor's income and relationship
2. Doubts About Authenticity of Academic Records / Documents
  • Missing apostille or consular confirmation
  • Discrepancy between academic transcript and diploma
  • Unable to verify authenticity of issuing institution
3. Past Immigration Violations
  • History of illegal stay or unauthorized employment under a previous visa
  • Unauthorized absences from school or accumulated academic warnings
  • History of applying for a visa under false pretenses
4. Criminal Record
  • History of criminal punishment in home country or Korea
  • Fines and suspended sentences are also subject to review
  • Permanent disqualification possible depending on type and period of crime
5. Document Errors
  • Information mismatch between passport, application form, and supporting documents
  • Missing required documents or expired validity
  • Inaccurate translation or untranslated document
6. Issues with Employer or Sponsor
  • Employer's history of wage arrears or unpaid taxes
  • Poor business registration status or failure to meet wage requirements
  • School's history of poor management of international students
7. Country Risk Level / Policy Changes
  • Enhanced screening for countries with high rates of illegal stay
  • Failure to meet requirements due to visa policy changes (e.g., wage requirement increases)
  • Countries designated for visa exemption or intensive management

What to Do Within 7 Days of Receiving a Rejection Notice

1

Confirm the exact rejection reason

Check the rejection reason code from the notice, text message, or HiKorea My Page. If unclear, contact the Korea Immigration Service Contact Center (1345) or the competent Immigration Office directly.

Immediately
2

Check existing visa validity

Check the expiry date of your current visa (or Alien Registration Card) and the remaining period of legal stay. Also estimate your departure schedule.

Within 1–2 days
3

Notify school and employer

Inform the school's Office of International Affairs or your employer about the rejection, and review together the impact on academic and work schedules.

Within 3 days
4

Decide on a course of action

Decide which route is appropriate: (a) reapply after addressing the rejection reasons, (b) file an administrative appeal or objection, (c) switch to a different visa type, or (d) apply for a visa from your home country after departing.

Within 5 days
5

Consider consulting an expert

If the reasons are complex or you have been rejected multiple times, consult a licensed immigration agent or attorney. Compare costs and timelines in advance.

Within 7 days

Comparison: Rejection vs. Cancellation vs. Denial

CategoryMeaningExisting StatusReapplication Possibility
Rejection (Denial) New issuance or change application not accepted Existing visa maintained within its validity period Reapplication possible after addressing rejection reasons; repeated same reasons are unfavorable
Extension Denial Extension of the current visa's stay period is denied Legal stay only until current visa expiry date Reapplication possible after addressing reasons; pressure to depart if expiry is imminent
Visa Cancellation Visa already granted is cancelled due to violation or false grounds Immediate loss of status (may be accompanied by departure order) Entry restrictions for a certain period depending on the reason
Forced Departure (Deportation) Administrative action for legal violations; physical escort to departure Complete loss Long-term entry ban imposed (typically 5–10 years)

Appeal and Review Procedures

  • Step 1: Reapplication with corrections — The fastest route: supplement the missing documents or requirements based on the rejection notice and reapply for the same visa
  • Step 2: Administrative Appeal — If contesting the rejection decision, file a petition with the Central Administrative Appeals Commission within 90 days of the date of the disposition (calculated from the date you became aware of the disposition)
  • Step 3: Administrative Litigation — If again contesting the result of the administrative appeal, file a lawsuit with the Administrative Court (filing deadline: 90 days)
  • In practice, reapplication after addressing rejection reasons is often faster and has a higher approval rate than an administrative appeal or litigation
  • Please confirm the reason and applicable law stated in the rejection notice before choosing your course of action

Getting Help from a Lawyer or Immigration Agent

When should I seek professional help?
  • When the rejection reason is vague or involves multiple grounds
  • When legal review is needed for immigration violations or criminal records
  • When reapplying after having already been rejected or denied extension once
  • When you have received a deportation order (strongly recommended to hire a lawyer)
Immigration Agent vs. Lawyer
  • Immigration Agent: Handles visa paperwork and HiKorea application assistance. Typically 300,000–1,500,000 KRW (varies by visa type and complexity)
  • Lawyer: Administrative appeals, litigation, deportation and other legal disputes. Costs vary, potentially several million KRW or more
  • First make use of free consultations at the school's Office of International Affairs, Seoul Global Center, etc.
  • Legal aid for foreigners through the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132) is also available

Voluntary Departure vs. Forced Deportation After Visa Cancellation

CategoryVoluntary Departure (Complying with Departure Order)Forced Deportation
When it occurs Voluntarily depart within the set deadline after receiving a departure order Depart under escort after immigration crackdown or confirmed legal violation
Re-entry restriction Relatively short (around 1 year or may be waived) Typically 5–10 year entry ban; permanent in some cases
How it is recorded Record of complying with departure order Deportation record (serious enforcement history)
Costs / Physical detention Airfare at own expense; no detention May be held in an immigration detention center until departure
Subsequent visa application Can reapply after the restriction period ends Cannot apply for a long period; may be a permanent disqualification

※ Even for the same facts, future re-entry prospects differ greatly depending on whether you depart voluntarily. If you have received a notice, first confirm whether the voluntary departure option is available.

Being rejected once does not permanently close the door to a Korean visa. The type of rejection reason and whether it can be remedied determines the outcome of the next application. However, falsified documents or repeated violations can result in long-term or permanent disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

The notice generally states the key basis for rejection (e.g., "insufficient proof of financial ability", "insufficient fit with stated purpose of stay", etc.). However, specific scores or detailed assessment contents are often not disclosed. If unclear, please reconfirm the reason code with the Korea Immigration Service Contact Center (1345) or the competent Immigration Office.

If you reapply with the same documents without addressing the rejection reason, the same outcome is very likely to repeat, and repeated rejections themselves can work against you in future reviews. Please gather additional documents that directly address the rejection reason (financial reinforcement, re-verification of academic background, change of employer, etc.) before reapplying.

Enrolled students should first contact the school's Office of International Affairs. For external consultation, free consultations are available at the Korea Immigration Service Contact Center 1345 (supports 20 languages), Seoul Global Center, Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132, and regional Support Centers for Foreign Workers. For detailed contact information, please refer to "Immigration & Residency Inquiries" on the Help page.

The entry ban period imposed upon deportation is typically 5 or 10 years depending on the reason, and may be longer or permanent for serious violations. Even after the entry ban period ends, entry is not automatically permitted; past enforcement records are reflected in visa applications. The specific period is stated in the disposition notice.
Do not make decisions alone when you receive a rejection or cancellation notice

Seemingly minor differences (e.g., timing of departure, timing of reapplication, method of appeal) can determine whether you can stay in Korea for the next 5–10 years. As soon as you receive the notice, consult with the school's Office of International Affairs or a legal professional before deciding on your next step.

Available consultation agencies

For a full list of agencies where you can get help, including the Immigration Office, Korea Immigration Service Contact Center (1345), Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132), and the school's Office of International Affairs, please refer to Immigration & Residency Inquiries on the Help page.

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