F-3-18 (Dependent Family Subtype) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What F-3-18 Is

F-3-18 is a purpose-specific dependent status tied to a qualifying principal holder. It is not an independent long-term work status and is reviewed on relationship authenticity, sponsor validity, and household support feasibility.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Principal holder status qualifies for this dependent pathway.
• Relationship records satisfy current documentary standards.
• Sponsor stay validity/compliance supports dependent issuance/extension.
• Household support and residence evidence is sufficient.
• No unresolved immigration compliance issues materially affecting eligibility.

3. Criteria Summary

• F-3-18 is not a points-based category.
• Review emphasizes sponsor linkage, relationship credibility, and support sufficiency.
• Dependent handling can change via periodic policy updates.
• Always verify current dependent-scope rules before filing.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• F-3-18 is dependent-family based, not employer salary-threshold based.
• Sponsor support evidence remains central to adjudication.
• Dependent stability is linked to principal holder status continuity.
• Weak support/relationship evidence commonly triggers supplements.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• F-3-18 is tied to principal holder status, not direct employer sponsorship.
• Principal status changes may require dependent record updates.
• Unauthorized activity outside permitted scope can create compliance risk.
• Status continuity planning is important during principal transitions.

6. Required Documents

• Application set (form, passport, photo, fee proof).
• Relationship/family records required under current guidance.
• Principal holder status documents and sponsor support evidence.
• Residence/household records where applicable.
• Any additional office-specific records requested during review.

7. Fees and Processing

• F-3 issuance/extension fees follow official schedules in manuals.
• Processing depends on relationship proof quality and office load.
• Document inconsistency often causes supplement requests.
• Apply early when principal status renewal/change is pending.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Relationship evidence is insufficient, inconsistent, or unrecognized.
• Principal status does not support dependent issuance/extension.
• Support documentation is weak or unclear.
• Outdated dependent-scope assumptions after policy revisions.
• Prior compliance issues in principal/dependent records.

9. FAQ