Korea Immigration Office Visa Extension Required Documents…

What documents does every visa extension require at the Korea Immigration Office?

Every foreigner applying for a stay extension in Korea must submit a base document set, regardless of visa type. According to the Korea Immigration Service, this includes the completed Application for Extension of Sojourn Period (Form 34), your passport, your Alien Registration Card (ARC), one color photo measuring 3.5cm by 4.5cm, proof of your current address, and a 60,000 KRW fee paid in revenue stamps.

The extension must be filed within four months before your current stay expires, and no later than the expiration date itself. Late applications trigger fines starting at 100,000 KRW and can damage your record for future visa changes. HiKorea appointment booking guide

Form 34 - Application for Extension of Sojourn Period

Form 34 is the universal extension application. You can download it from HiKorea under the Information menu, or pick up a paper copy at any immigration office. Fill it out in English or Korean, sign by hand, and write your Korean address exactly as it appears on your ARC.

The 3.5cm x 4.5cm color photo rule

The Korea Immigration Service requires one photo taken within the last six months. White background, no glasses, no hat, ears visible. Photo booths in subway stations (around 5,000-8,000 KRW) print this size by default if you request “visa photo” (bija sajin).

What extra documents do D-2 student visa holders need?

D-2 student visa extensions require academic enrollment proof on top of the base documents. The Ministry of Justice mandates a Certificate of Enrollment (jaehak jeungmyeongseo) issued within the last month, an official transcript showing your current GPA, proof of tuition payment for the upcoming semester, and bank statements showing at least 10 million KRW or equivalent scholarship documentation.

“Holders of D-2 status must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Extensions may be denied for students with a GPA below 2.0 or attendance below 70%.” - Korea Immigration Service guidelines, hikorea.go.kr

GPA and attendance thresholds

If your GPA dropped below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters, the immigration officer can refuse the extension. Bring a written explanation from your academic advisor if this applies. Some officers accept improvement plans, but discretion varies by office.

Scholarship recipients

Students on KGSP or university scholarships must submit the official scholarship award letter from the National Institute for International Education or the issuing university. This replaces the 10 million KRW bank statement requirement.

What documents do E-7 and E-series work visa holders need?

E-7 (special occupation) and other E-series work visa extensions require employer-issued documents proving continued employment. Per the Ministry of Justice, you must submit a Certificate of Employment (jaejik jeungmyeongseo) dated within one month, your current employment contract, the most recent withholding tax receipts from the National Tax Service, business registration of your employer, and proof of paid salary for the past three months.

Salary threshold for E-7 in 2026

E-7 visa holders must earn at least 80% of the previous year’s per capita GNI, which is approximately 31.7 million KRW annually based on 2025 figures. Bank statements showing salary deposits matching your contract are essential. Cash payments are not accepted as proof. E-7 visa salary threshold guide

Changing employers under E-7

If you changed jobs during your visa period, bring the report of change of workplace (Form 17) and the previous employer’s release confirmation. Failure to report a workplace change within 15 days is a separate violation under the Immigration Control Act.

What do F-2, F-5, and F-6 long-term residents need?

F-series visa extensions emphasize proof of integration and financial stability. F-2 (long-term resident) holders need updated point calculation documents, F-5 (permanent resident) holders renew the ARC rather than the visa itself (every 10 years), and F-6 (marriage migrant) holders submit relationship continuation proof.

F-2 point-based extension

For F-2 extensions, the Korea Immigration Service requires updated TOPIK score certificates (level 3 minimum for most categories), KIIP completion certificate from Sejong Hakdang, income proof of at least the previous year’s GNI per capita, and a clean criminal record check issued within the last six months.

F-6 marriage visa documents

F-6 holders must submit a marriage certificate (honin gwangye jeungmyeongseo) from Government24, a Korean spouse’s family register (gajok gwangye jeungmyeongseo), proof of cohabitation (lease or utility bills in both names), and the Korean spouse’s income proof showing at least 50% of the previous year’s median household income. The Ministry of Government Legislation publishes the exact threshold annually in the Immigration Control Act enforcement decree.

F-5 permanent residence renewal

F-5 status itself does not expire, but the ARC card must be renewed every 10 years. Submit Form 34, your passport, the current ARC, one photo, and the 30,000 KRW reissue fee. No income or relationship documents are required at renewal.

How do you book the immigration office appointment and submit documents?

Almost every Korea Immigration Office now requires an online appointment through HiKorea before you can submit documents. Walk-ins are accepted only in emergencies, such as a passport expiring within 24 hours.

Step-by-step HiKorea booking

1. Create an account on www.hikorea.go.kr using your ARC number
2. Select “e-Application” then “Application for Extension of Stay”
3. Choose your local immigration office (Seoul Southern, Suwon, Busan, etc.)
4. Pick an available date - slots typically open 30 days in advance
5. Upload scanned documents in PDF format under 5MB each
6. Print the appointment confirmation and bring it on the day

What to bring on appointment day

Arrive 15 minutes early with originals of every document, even those uploaded online. Officers frequently request to see originals to verify authenticity. Bring the 60,000 KRW fee in cash for revenue stamps purchased on-site, or use a bank card at the cashier window. Korea immigration fee payment guide

Processing time and result notification

Most extension decisions are issued within 2-4 weeks. You will receive an SMS notification when your new ARC sticker or card is ready for pickup. During the processing period, the receipt issued by the office serves as temporary proof of lawful stay and can be shown to employers, landlords, or the National Health Insurance Service.

✅ Checklist before you start

• Completed Form 34 (Application for Extension of Sojourn Period)
• Passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC)
• One 3.5cm x 4.5cm color photo (last 6 months, white background, no glasses/hat, ears visible)
• Proof of current Korean address
• 60,000 KRW fee in revenue stamps
• File within 4 months before expiry and no later than the expiration date

📊 At a glance