Renewing·9 min read

How to Extend Your Visa in Korea

Every long-term visa holder in Korea eventually faces the same task: renewing their stay period before it expires. Whether you are on an work visa, a student visa, or an residency status, the process is broadly the same — you apply at the local immigration office (or via HiKorea online) before your current stay period ends. This guide explains exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid the costly mistake of overstaying.

Review & source basis

Reviewed against

James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.

Extension vs. status change — which do you need?

An extension (체류기간 연장) keeps you on the same visa status but pushes the expiry date forward. A status change (체류자격 변경) switches you to a different visa type entirely — for example, from D-10 (job seeker) to E-7 after receiving a job offer. This guide covers extensions only. If your situation has changed and you need a different visa type, see the guide 'How to Switch Visa Types in Korea.'

When to apply — the 4-month rule

You may apply for an extension up to 4 months before your current stay period expires. The sweet spot is applying 1–2 months in advance: early enough that you have plenty of buffer, but not so early that it disrupts your ARC cycle. Never wait until the last week — immigration offices have appointment queues that may stretch 2–4 weeks, and if your application is incomplete, you could run out of time. Your stay is legally authorised until the expiry date on your ARC — not the appointment date — so apply early.

Where to apply

Extensions can be filed at any regional immigration office (출입국·외국인청 or 사무소), or online via the HiKorea portal (hikorea.go.kr) for most visa types. HiKorea online processing is often faster and avoids the need for an in-person appointment. If your application is complex — for example, it requires an employer's participation, or your documents are not fully in order — an in-person visit is advisable. Many immigration offices now require advance appointments (예약); walk-ins may be turned away.

What happens if your application is under review past your expiry date?

If you submit a complete, valid extension application before your stay period expires, you are legally permitted to remain in Korea while it is being reviewed — even if the review extends past your expiry date. Your ARC shows the old expiry but your status is protected. You will receive a receipt (접수증) as proof of your pending application. Keep it with you at all times. Once approved, your ARC is updated at the immigration office.

Step-by-step process

Check your current expiry date

Find the stay period end date on your Alien Registration Card (ARC). Set a reminder 6 weeks before that date — this is your target application window.

Identify required documents

Core documents for every extension: passport, ARC, application form (별지 제34호 서식 — available on HiKorea or at the office), passport photo, and the application fee (₩60,000 for most extensions; ₩30,000 for some short-term types). Visa-specific additions: E-series work visas require an employment contract, business registration, tax payment certificate, and insurance proof from your employer. D-2 requires a current enrollment certificate. F-2 requires a points recalculation. Check your specific visa type's requirements on the HiKorea portal or ask your employer's HR.

Book an appointment (if going in person)

Visit hikorea.go.kr or call 1345 (the Korean immigration helpline) to book an appointment at your nearest immigration office. Appointment availability varies by location — popular offices like Seoul (양천구) can book up 3–4 weeks ahead. You can also use the immigration office's on-site kiosk queue on the day, but waits can be 2–4 hours.

Submit your application

At the office: hand over your documents at the counter. The officer will review completeness and issue a receipt. Online (HiKorea): upload documents, pay the fee electronically, and submit. If the online system flags a problem, you will need to visit in person.

Pick up your updated ARC

Once approved (typically 1–5 business days for most visa types, up to 3 weeks for complex cases), return to the immigration office to collect your updated ARC with the new expiry date — or receive a notification to pick it up. Bring your passport and the receipt.

Tips from 행정사s

Never rely on your employer or school to remind you — track your own ARC expiry date in your phone calendar.
If your employer has changed since your last extension, you need to file a workplace change report (근무처 변경신고) before or alongside the extension.
Document freshness matters: most Korean-issued supporting documents (enrollment certificate, tax certificate, business registration) must be issued within 3 months of the application date.
The 1345 immigration helpline has English, Chinese, and Vietnamese support — use it if you are unsure about any step.
If you are close to the deadline and cannot book an appointment in time, go to the office early (before 9am) and queue for a same-day number.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying is a violation of the Immigration Control Act. Penalties include a fine (up to ₩20,000,000 for long overstays), forced deportation, and a re-entry ban of 1–10 years depending on the length of the overstay. If you realise you have already overstayed, contact the nearest immigration office immediately — voluntary surrender typically results in a shorter ban than being caught.

Can I leave and re-enter Korea instead of extending?

For some visa types (especially D-4 language students), some people exit and re-enter to reset their stay. This is sometimes called a 'visa run.' However, immigration officers can deny re-entry if they believe you are attempting to circumvent the extension process, and this approach does not work for work visas. The proper route is always an in-country extension.

How long can my visa be extended for?

It depends on your visa type. Work visas (E series) are typically extended by 1 year. F-2 long-term residency is extended by 1–3 years. F-5 permanent residency does not expire (the ARC must be renewed every 10 years for the card itself, but the status is permanent). D-2 student visas are extended to cover the enrollment period.

My employer is not cooperating with my extension. What can I do?

For E-series work visas, your employer must provide supporting documents (employment contract, tax certificate, business registration). If your employer refuses or is unresponsive, you are still legally responsible for your visa status. Call 1345 for advice, consult an 행정사, or visit the immigration office to explain your situation — officers have discretion to accept alternative evidence.