en한국in

Visa extension: when & how

Extending your stay — when to apply, whether you can do it online, and what you need, in your language. Visa = legal status, so being late is serious.

🪪 How many days left on my visa

Enter your expiry date to see days left and what to do now. (Stored on your device only.)

⏰ When do I apply?

  • 🗓️ Online (HiKorea e-application) is usually possible from 60 days before your expiry date.
  • 🏢 In-person applications are usually accepted up to the day before expiry. Processing takes about 2 weeks (14 days), so don't wait.
  • ⚠️ Past your expiry date you are out of status (불법체류) — possible deportation, up to 3 years in prison or a 30 million won fine, and a re-entry ban. Always apply before expiry.
  • ❗ Note: your visa (사증) validity and your period of stay (체류기간) are different. The expiry date on your Alien Registration Card is what counts.

💻 Can I do it online?

  • 💻 Most statuses can extend online via HiKorea e-application (requires a HiKorea account + a Korean digital certificate, 공동인증서).
  • 🏢 But some statuses (e.g. D-3, D-8, E-7, F-2, F-6), and any case where your passport changed or a criminal-record check is needed, must apply in person.
  • ✅ Always confirm on HiKorea whether your specific status is eligible online.

📅 Visit-reservation tips

  • 📅 March and September are very busy — book early.
  • 🔄 Even if slots look full, cancellations free them up, so checking repeatedly over a few days can land a slot. (Claims like 'slots open at midnight' are not official.)
  • 💻 If your status is eligible online, you can finish via e-application without booking a visit at all.

📄 Documents commonly needed

  • 📄 Integrated application form (form No. 34)
  • 📄 Passport + Alien Registration Card
  • 📄 Proof of residence (address)
  • 📄 Status-specific documents (e.g. student = enrollment/grades, work = employment contract)
  • 💴 Fee usually 60,000 won (30,000 for F-6 marriage migrants)

Documents and fees vary by your status — confirm the exact list on HiKorea for your 체류자격.

✈️ Leaving Korea briefly (re-entry)

  • ✈️ Usually, if you return within 1 year your status stays valid without a re-entry permit (F-5 permanent residents: 2 years).
  • ⚠️ If you'll be away more than 1 year, get a re-entry permit before leaving — otherwise your status and registration can lapse.

🆘 Where to get help

🎯 Check with K-Point if you can transition to E-7-4 (skilled worker)📖 Read about your visa type

Other urgent help

I didn't get paidThis might be a scam

This is general information, not legal advice. Eligibility, documents, and deadlines vary by your situation — always confirm with HiKorea or ☎1345 (multilingual) for your specific status. The final decision rests with the immigration office.