Change your visa status (change of status permit) 체류자격 변경허가
If you are already in Korea and want to do activities that belong to a different visa type (for example, from language student D-4 to university student D-2), you must get a change of status permit (체류자격 변경허가) first. Normally you would have to leave Korea and enter again with the new visa. But if you can meet the conditions for the new status inside Korea, the immigration office may allow a change after a strict review.
Do I need a change of status permit?
Answer 2 quick questions.
Do you already hold a Residence Card (외국인등록증) and want to do activities that belong to a different visa type?
If you are staying in the same status, you do not need this. To keep your visa, apply for an extension of stay instead. If you have not registered yet, register as a foreigner first.
Can you already meet the conditions of the new status inside Korea (for example, a school admission letter for D-2)?
The law says you normally need to leave Korea and enter again with the new visa. Ask 1345 or your immigration office whether a change is possible.
You can apply for a change of status permit at the immigration office for your address, before you start the new activity. Follow the steps below.
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- 1
Check the rules for your new status
You do thisBefore you do anything elseEach visa type has its own conditions and documents. HiKorea has a guidebook by visa type. A change is only allowed after a strict review, so confirm first that you qualify.
!Do not start the activity of the new status before you get the permit. - 2
Collect your documents
You do thisBefore you applyEveryone needs the same basic papers. On top of those, each new status needs its own documents (for example, a school letter or a company document). The exact list depends on your visa type.
!The extra documents are different for every visa type. Check HiKorea or call 1345. - 3
Apply at the immigration office
You do thisBefore the new activity startsYou or an agent can apply at the immigration office that covers your address. Book a visit on HiKorea first. Some visa types can be applied for online on HiKorea (e-application), and some visa types accept visits only.
!The permit fee in the law is 100,000 won (200,000 won to change to F-5). Government24 shows a total of 130,000 won (114,000 won online), which includes a Residence Card fee. Check with the office for the exact total. - 4
Wait for the decision
The agency does thisAfter you applyThe immigration office reviews your case. You can follow its progress on HiKorea. The office may ask you for more documents.
!I could not confirm an official processing time for this procedure. Ask the office. - 5
Start your new status and update your card
You do thisAfter approvalOnce you get permission, your new status starts and you can do the activities that belong to it. Your Residence Card is updated.
Documents checklist
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0 of 5 documents ready
- Integrated application form (통합신청서, Form No. 34)HiKorea (download) or the immigration office
- PassportYou
- Residence Card (외국인등록증)You
- Documents for your new status (differ by visa type)HiKorea guide for that visa type; school, company or family
- Fee: 100,000 won (200,000 won for F-5), plus card fee if chargedPay at the immigration office or online
When the 30-day rule applies
- Holders of A-1 (diplomat), A-2 (official) and A-3 (agreement) status who change their status because their position changed must get the permit within 30 days of the change.
Not the same as other applications
- Extension of stay (체류기간 연장) keeps the same status for longer.
- Change of workplace (근무처 변경) is a separate permit or report for work visas.
- Activities outside your status (체류자격 외 활동) need their own permit.
Who to call
Tap to call.