🛂 Resident Visa Extension in South Korea: Step-by-Step Guide for F, D, and E Visa Holders | HiKorea Application & Required Documents

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Permission for extension of stay for a registered foreigner in Korea.

If you're living in South Korea on an F, D, E or other mid- to long-term visa and your stay is nearing expiry, you're required to apply for an extension of stay—also known as a visa renewal. As of late 2025, most extensions can be handled either online via HiKOREA or in person at the immigration office, but the exact method depends on your status of stay. Starting early reduces the chance of last-minute hiccups such as incomplete documents or fully booked appointment slots.

Foreign Resident at Immigration Office Counter in Korea

📌 Who Should Apply & When

• Who: Foreigners on F, D, E and other long-term visas (students, workers, spouses, researchers, etc.) who are already registered as residents.
• When: From 4 months before your current expiry date up to the last day of your stay period.
• Note: Late applications can result in penalty fines under the Immigration Act and may affect future visas.

Why this matters: Even under the same visa type, the exact document set can change based on your situation—new employer, change of address, leave of absence, income changes, etc. Preparing for those variations in advance saves time and avoids “supplement request” messages.

Example: A D-2 student who had taken a leave of absence attached a certificate of reinstatement along with the current enrollment certificate. This bridged the gap in status and led to a smooth approval.

Watch-out: Submitting on the very last day is technically allowed, but if immigration asks for additional documents after that, you may fall into overstay territory. Aim for at least 2–4 weeks before expiry—longer in peak seasons (semester start, hiring waves).

📍 How to Apply

🔹 a) 🖥️ Online Application Process via HiKOREA

Many mid- to long-term visa holders can now apply for an extension online through HiKOREA e-Application, as long as they meet the eligibility rules for online filing.

Basic flow on HiKOREA:

1️⃣ Log in & start an e-Application
2️⃣ Fill in “Application for Extension of Stay for Registered Foreigners” (Form No. 34)
3️⃣ Upload supporting documents (PDF/JPG – school, employer, residence, etc.)
4️⃣ Pay the application fee online (card or online payment methods)
5️⃣ Wait for review & check results in “My Page” on HiKOREA

⚠️ Important notice:
Not all cases are eligible for e-Application. According to the Ministry of Justice operation notice (including Notice No. 2019-81 and later updates), some statuses and situations must be handled in person—for example when identity verification, additional interview, or complex family/contract review is necessary.

📌 Tip: Before you start, check the latest “e-Application Operation Guide” on HiKOREA and confirm that your visa type and situation allow online filing.

✍️ Start Your Visa Extension Application

(You’ll need to log in to HiKOREA and may be asked to verify your identity through phone, certificate, or ID.)

🔹 b) In-Person at Immigration Office

• Book an appointment online via HiKOREA Visit Reservation.
• Visit the immigration office with all required original documents and copies.
• Some visas (for example, F-6 marriage migrant) may require the applicant’s personal presence.

Why in-person: Identity checks or short interviews may be needed to confirm your relationship, activity, or income. Keep your reservation slip or QR code and arrive 10–15 minutes early to pass security and find the right counter.

Example: F-6 (spouse) renewals often request proof of cohabitation and relationship continuity such as joint lease contracts, family register, or utility bills under both names.

Watch-out: Bags are usually scanned at the entrance and you may need to take a number ticket. Travel light and keep your passport, Residence Card, and application documents easily accessible.

Important: An extension of stay can only be granted while you are physically in Korea. Visa extensions cannot be done through Korean embassies or consulates abroad.

📄 Required Documents

• Application Form: Form No. 34 (Application for Permission for Extension of Stay)
• Passport: Valid passport with sufficient validity remaining
• Residence Card (Alien Registration / Foreigner Registration Card)
• 1 Color Photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm) – taken within the last 6 months
• Proof of residence (rental contract, dormitory confirmation, or utility bill, etc.)
• Visa-specific documents, for example:
  – D-2 students: certificate of enrollment, transcript, tuition payment receipt, leave/reinstatement documents if any
  – E-series workers: employment contract, business registration certificate of employer, income/tax documents
  – F-6 spouses: marriage certificate/family register, cohabitation proof, income & tax records, etc.

Tip: Address changes must be reported to immigration within 15 days, not just to your local district office. For extensions, documents issued within the last 3 months are usually safest.

Example: An employment letter that only said “working as staff” without job description or contract type triggered a supplement notice. A revised HR letter with detailed position, contract period, and company seal solved the issue.

Watch-out: Mixed English/Korean sets are fine, but they should be consistent. For important documents, use official HR-sealed versions or notarized translations instead of informal translations.

💵 Fees & Processing Time

• Fee (extension of stay):
  As of late 2025, most immigration offices charge in the range of ₩50,000–₩60,000 for a standard extension of stay, while marriage migrant (F-6) extensions are typically around ₩30,000.
  (Exact amounts can vary by visa type and filing method, so always check HiKOREA or ask 1345 before paying.)
• Processing time:
  Usually around 10 days to 2 months, depending on your visa type, season (busy or off-peak), and whether your documents require additional review.

Trend: At the beginning of semesters and large hiring seasons, processing can slow down. If you applied online, check your application status regularly through HiKOREA; for in-person applications, keep your receipt and SMS notifications.

Example: During a corporate merger, immigration asked one E-visa holder for an updated business registration and revised employment contract. Once submitted, the extension was approved within 2 weeks.

Watch-out: Fees are generally non-refundable. Confirm your visa type, eligibility, and the correct application menu before paying.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Extension only within passport validity: Immigration cannot grant an extension longer than your passport’s remaining validity.
• Late submission: Submitting after your stay expires may lead to fines, overstay records, or even deportation orders.
• Travel plans: Check if you need a separate re-entry permit when you plan to stay abroad for a longer period.

Passport first: If your passport expires soon, immigration may only grant an extension up to that date. Renewing your passport first often allows a full-term extension (e.g., a full year or longer).

Example: With just five months of passport validity left, an applicant received only five months of stay. After renewing the passport and reapplying at the next cycle, they obtained a 1-year extension.

Watch-out: Overstays—even by a few days—can affect future visa issuance, multiple-entry visas, or re-entry to Korea. If you realize you’re late, contact 1345 and resolve it before your next trip or application.

📊 Quick Recap

Step	Task
1️⃣	Apply from 4 months before expiry via HiKOREA (online) or immigration office (in-person)
2️⃣	Gather Form 34, passport, Residence Card, proof of stay, and visa-specific documents
3️⃣	Pay the extension fee (usually ₩50,000–₩60,000 / around ₩30,000 for many F-6 cases)
4️⃣	Submit and track progress online or with your in-person receipt
5️⃣	Receive approval and updated stay period (typically within 10 days to 2 months)

📞 Need Help?

• Immigration Call Center: 1345 (from Korea, no area code)
• Official foreigner guide: gov.kr – Foreigner Portal
• Forms & appointments: HiKOREA

Tip: 1345 supports multiple languages (Korean/English and more). Keep your Residence Card number, passport number, and application number ready so the agent can check your status quickly.

✅ Final Thoughts

Start early, gather the right documents, and don’t wait until your visa expires. Staying legal in Korea is straightforward when you follow the correct steps, keep your passport valid, and respond quickly to any supplement requests from immigration.

One-line takeaway: With time to spare, clear financial and residence proofs, and consistent documentation, an extension of stay is usually a procedural review—not a major hurdle.

📌 Related Reads

• 💰 2025 Government Support Funds – Living, Housing, Medical, Education
• 🪪 ARC (Alien Registration Card) Complete Guide – Issue, Update, Lost & Reissue
• 🗓 HiKOREA Visit Reservation – How to Cut Waiting Time

🔎 See Other Government Support Funds (All-in-One)

Legal stay is the first step to a smooth life in Korea—review this checklist today and file with confidence.

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