Switching Visa Types·8 min read

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.

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.

Last reviewed

April 22, 2026

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 , 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 행정사s

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 행정사 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.

Verified Specialists

Find a certified immigration administrative agent.

Mr. Visa Korea lists certified immigration administrative agents (행정사) who have been verified by our team. Book a consultation directly — no cold calls, no guessing.

Verified profiles only

Direct consultation booking

Certified & reviewed

All agents on Mr. Visa Korea are certified immigration administrative agents (행정사) registered in Korea.

Frequently 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 행정사.

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 행정사, 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 행정사, 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.