Hello everyone! Today, we've compiled A to Z information about immigration that foreigners must know.
Once you've familiarized yourself with this article, your immigration related worries will be over! Shall we take a detailed look together?
Part 1: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I report a change of address?
- Registered foreigners : Report within 15 days of moving
- F-4 visa holders: Report within 14 days of moving
-Where to report: City/county/district office, town/township/neighborhood community center, or immigration office in your new area
- Online reporting is also available! (HiKorea e-application)
- What to bring: Passport, Alien Registration Card, proof of new address
2. I got a new passport. How do I report it?
- Reporting deadline: Within 45 days of new passport issuance
- How to report: Visit in person, use a proxy, e-application, or fax
- Note: If you miss the deadline, you must report in person (investigation required)
- What to bring: Integrated application form, new passport, old passport, Alien Registration Card, receipt, and other supporting documents
3. I'm on an E-3 visa. Do I need a re-entry permit?
- The re-entry permit system was reinstated from April 1, 2022.
- No permit needed for re-entry within 1 year (must be within your permitted stay period)
- Exception: Those banned from entry or subject to visa issuance restrictions need a re-entry permit
4. I want to change to an F-2-7 visa. How is the stay period calculated?
- For 'professional workers': Must have stayed for 3+ years on E-1~E-7-1 or D-5~D-9 visas
- Periods on other visas like D-2, D-10 are not counted
- Exceptions (3-year requirement waived):
1. Annual income of 40 million won or more
2. Invited person under the government's overseas science/engineering talent attraction program
(needs central administrative agency head's recommendation)
5. Can family income be combined for F-5-10 application?
- No, you must meet the requirements with your own income only.
6. How is the stay period calculated for F-5-1 permanent residency application?
- Need 5+ years of stay on D-7 to E-7 visas or F-2 visa
- Note: Periods on student visas like D-2 are excluded
- Continuous stay on above visas without leaving Korea can be combined
7. Can international students have their Korean name on their Alien Registration Card?
Yes! You can apply if you meet one of these conditions:
1. Overseas Chinese: Korean name on family registry issued by Overseas Chinese Association
2. Chinese of Korean descent: 'Korean Chinese' noted on official Chinese documents
3. Former Korean nationals: Korean name verifiable on family registry or similar documents
8. As a student, can I invite my parents for long-term stay?
Yes! You can invite your parents on an F-1 (Visiting and Joining) visa if:
- You're in a master's or doctoral program at a Korean university for 6+ months
- You have sufficient financial means and housing
- You can prove the need for their accompaniment
9. Do I need to stay in Korea for 5+ years to apply for F-5 permanent residency through real estate investment?
- The investment maintenance period is important, not your stay period in Korea
- You need to maintain the investment for 5+ years on an F-2 visa
- Note: If you left Korea and re-acquired the visa, previous and new investment periods can be combined.
⚠️ Part 2: Essential Regulations (Obligations)
📝 Alien Registration:
- Who: Those planning to stay over 90 days
- When: Within 90 days of entry
- Penalty for violation: Up to 10 million won fine
🏠 Reporting Change of Address:
- When: Within 15 days of moving (14 days for F-4 visa holders)
- Penalty for violation: Up to 1 million won fine
🔄 Reporting Changes in Registration Information:
- What: Changes in name, nationality, passport info, affiliated organization, etc.
- When: Within 15 days of change (45 days for passport changes)
- Penalty for violation: Up to 1 million won fine
⏱️ Adhering to Permitted Stay Period:
- Must leave or extend/change status before expiration
👶 Reporting Child Birth:
- When: Within 90 days of birth, get status for child or leave country
- Penalty for violation: Up to 1 million won fine (imposed on the person obligated to report)
💼 Reporting Employment Changes:
- Who: Employers of foreigners
- What: Dismissal, resignation, death, unknown whereabouts, major contract changes
- When: Within 15 days of the event
- Penalty for violation: Up to 2 million won fine
🎓 Part-time Work Permit for International Students:
- Must get permit before starting any part-time job or internship
- Penalty for violation: Up to 30 million won fine
🏢 Changing/Adding Workplace:
- Requires pre-approval (some cases allow post-reporting)
- When: Within 15 days of change/addition (for reportable cases)
- Penalty: Up to 10 million won fine for cases requiring approval, up to 2 million won for reportable cases
🛂 Caution When Changing Nationality:
- Must not use Korean passport after acquiring foreign nationality
- Penalty for violation: Up to 30 million won fine
🎉 Conclusion
By understanding and following these regulations, you can prevent most immigration-related issues. Even if the rules seem complex, you'll be fine if you follow them diligently!
If you have more questions, feel free to contact your nearest immigration office or the Immigration Contact Center (1345) anytime. Wishing you all a pleasant and safe stay in Korea! 😊
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