How to Switch Visa Types in Korea
Already living in South Korea and need a different visa? Changing your visa status (called an 'alien registration status change') is done inside Korea at the nearest immigration office — no need to leave the country in most cases. This guide walks you through every step.
When can you change visa status inside Korea?
Most long-stay visa holders (D, E, F series) can change status without leaving Korea, provided their current status is valid and they are not under any visa violation. Short-stay (C-3) visa holders generally cannot change status in-country and must apply at a Korean consulate abroad. If you entered on a visa waiver, you also cannot change status domestically — you must exit and apply at a Korean embassy.
Which visa changes are most common?
The most common transitions are: D-2 (student) to E-7 (specialist) after graduation, D-10 (job seeker) to E-7 after receiving a job offer, E-9 (non-professional employment) to E-7 after qualifying, and various statuses to F-2 (long-term residency) after meeting point requirements. F-2 to F-5 (permanent residency) is also processed at immigration offices.
The role of your employer or school
For work visas (E series), your employer must typically submit documents on your behalf or at minimum co-sign your application. The company must be registered with the Korea Immigration Service and must have an employment contract ready. Switching to a new employer on the same visa type requires a separate change-of-workplace registration — it is not automatic.
Step-by-step process
Confirm your eligibility
Check that your current visa status is valid and that you qualify for the target visa. For E-7, this means having a qualifying degree or work experience and a sponsoring employer. For F-2, use the points-based checklist on the HiKorea portal.
Gather your documents
At minimum you will need: passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), application form (available at the office or on HiKorea), passport photo, and the visa-specific documents (employment contract, degree certificate, TOPIK score, etc.). All domestic documents (주민등록등본, tax certificates, etc.) must be issued within 3 months of the application date unless otherwise specified. Always bring originals and copies.
Book an appointment
Most immigration offices now require an online appointment via the HiKorea portal (hikorea.go.kr) or the 1345 Immigration Contact Centre. Walk-ins are accepted in some offices but wait times can exceed 3–4 hours. Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance for Seoul offices.
Attend your appointment
Arrive early. Bring every document — immigration officers often ask for additional supporting materials. If anything is missing, you will be asked to return with the complete file. After submission, you will receive a receipt with a processing reference number.
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on visa type and workload. Complex applications (points-based F-2, E-7 for specialized roles) can take 4–8 weeks. You can check status online using your receipt number.
Collect your new ARC
Once approved, you will receive an SMS notification. Return to the immigration office to collect your new ARC showing the updated visa status. Your new status begins from the approval date, not the application date.
Tips from immigration specialists
- Start the process at least 2 months before your current status expires — overstaying even by a day creates a violation record.
- If your Korean is limited, bring a bilingual friend or hire an immigration consultant to attend with you.
- Korean immigration offices close at 17:00 sharp. Plan to arrive by 15:30 at the latest if your case is at all complex.
- Keep copies of every document you submit. Immigration offices do not always return originals.
- If your application is rejected, you have the right to request the reason in writing before re-applying or appealing.
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Find a SpecialistFrequently asked questions
Can I work while my visa change is being processed?
If you applied before your current status expired and received the receipt, you are generally allowed to continue working under the same conditions as your previous status during processing. However, this varies by visa type — confirm with your immigration lawyer.
How much does it cost to change visa status?
The government filing fee for most status changes (체류자격 변경허가) is ₩100,000. Extensions (체류기간 연장허가) cost ₩60,000. The F-5 permanent residency change costs ₩200,000. ARC issuance or reissuance costs ₩35,000. Note that if you hire a licensed immigration consultant (행정사) or lawyer, their fees are additional and typically range from ₩300,000 to ₩1,500,000 depending on complexity.
What happens if my visa expires before my change application is approved?
If you submitted your application before expiry and have a valid receipt, you are in a grace period and not considered to be overstaying. Do not leave Korea during this period without consulting an immigration specialist, as departure may cancel your pending application.
Can my employer start the process before I have all documents?
Your employer can prepare their side of the paperwork (company registration, employment contract, invitation letter) in advance. However, the formal application cannot be submitted until all documents are ready. Starting early is smart; submitting incomplete is not.