F-3-20 (Dependent Companion) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What F-3-20 Is

F-3-20 is a dependent stay subtype based on valid principal-status linkage and family/support evidence.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Principal status meets dependent-link eligibility.
• Family relationship records are complete and verifiable.
• Support/livelihood records are coherent.
• Stay period aligns with principal-status validity.
• No unresolved compliance issues in linked records.

3. Criteria Summary

• Not points-based.
• Principal/dependent linkage is the core review pillar.
• Family-support evidence quality strongly impacts decisions.
• Timeline mismatch is a common refusal trigger.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• No salary-floor requirement for dependent subtype itself.
• Principal support capability is relevant.
• Support evidence should be consistent across linked records.
• Conflicting support data may delay or block approval.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• Not employer-sponsored.
• Permitted activities are limited for F-3 status.
• Unauthorized work can affect current/future filings.
• Maintain synchronized records with principal holder.

6. Required Documents

• Application form, passport, ARC (if applicable), photo, and fee proof.
• Principal-status and linkage evidence.
• Family relationship documentation.
• Support/residence/cohabitation records.
• Additional office-requested case documents.

7. Fees and Processing

• Fees follow current schedules.
• Processing depends on linkage verification depth.
• Supplements are common for incomplete family records.
• Extension filings should include updated principal-link records.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Principal linkage criteria are unmet.
• Relationship/support records are insufficient.
• Principal-dependent timeline inconsistency.
• Compliance issues remain unresolved.
• Core linkage facts cannot be verified.

9. FAQ