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Change status of stay

Changing Status of Stay

Procedure of Change of Residence status

Change of Status of Stay

Foreigners must receive permission to change of status of their stay if they want to participate in new activities which is not relevant or permitted for current status

General Principles

As a general rule, foreigners seeking to participate in activities not permitted under their current status must first depart from Korea, obtain a new status that corresponds with the desired status, then re-enter Korea with the newly obtained status and status.
However, should it be possible to meet the requirements for the new status without having to depart from Korea, limited change of status can be made upon passing a rigid examination.
To see what is required by each status, click on status table on the top of this page.

Application Period

In order to engage in activities not permitted by the current status of stay, a permission to change the status must be obtained from the local Immigration Office prior to engaging in the said new activities.
A-1, A-2 and A-3 status holders seeking to change their status of stay due to change in their position/duties must receive permission for change of status of stay within 30 days of the said change.

How to apply for permission for change of status of stay

Present the Required documents to the local Immigration Office (may be applied by an appointed agent)

Examples of when one would need to apply for change of status of stay

A C-2 status foreigner wants to invest(D-8) in Korea
A D-3 status foreigner wants to get a job(E-8) after 1 year training
A D-4 status foreigner wants to study in Korea(D-2)
Foreigners who married Korean wants to change residence status of stay(F-2) (applicable regardless of residence status of stay)

< posted : 02/01,2008 >