F-1-5 (Family Visitor Subtype) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What F-1-5 Is

F-1-5 is a purpose-specific family-visitor status. It is not independent long-term work residency and is reviewed on relationship authenticity, sponsor/status linkage, and household support feasibility.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Qualifying relationship/sponsor category fits current F-1-5 rules.
• Relationship/civil-status records meet documentary standards.
• Sponsor status validity and support conditions are satisfied.
• Residence/support evidence is sufficient for intended stay.
• No unresolved immigration non-compliance affecting eligibility.

3. Criteria Summary

• F-1-5 is not a points-based category.
• Review is relationship/sponsor-evidence driven.
• Family-visitor scope can be revised through policy updates.
• Always check current F-1 subtype handling before filing.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• F-1-5 is family-visitor based, not salary-threshold work status.
• Support evidence from sponsor/household remains central.
• Inconsistent financial support records can trigger supplements.
• Activity outside permitted scope can create compliance risk.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• F-1-5 is not employer-sponsored for core eligibility.
• Any work-like activity generally requires separate status/permission.
• Sponsor or household condition changes may require reporting.
• Unreported status-condition changes can impact extension outcomes.

6. Required Documents

• Application set (form, passport, photo, fee proof).
• Family relationship/civil-status documents required under current guidance.
• Sponsor status and support records.
• Residence/household evidence where applicable.
• Additional office-specific records requested during review.

7. Fees and Processing

• F-1 issuance/extension fees follow official schedules in manuals.
• Processing time varies by evidence quality and office workload.
• Relationship/support inconsistencies frequently trigger supplements.
• File early where sponsor status changes are pending.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Relationship/sponsor linkage is insufficiently proven.
• Support/residence evidence is weak or inconsistent.
• Declared purpose appears outside F-1-5 scope.
• Prior immigration compliance issues remain unresolved.
• Submission uses outdated subtype assumptions after revisions.

9. FAQ