F-4 (Overseas Korean) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What F-4 Is

F-4 is a long-stay overseas Korean category reviewed on pathway eligibility evidence and compliance with published work restrictions.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Applicant fits an active F-4 pathway under current criteria.
• Identity/lineage/nationality-history chain is verifiable.
• Pathway-specific declarations/forms are correctly prepared.
• Any exclusion/exception issues are resolved before filing.
• No unresolved record inconsistencies remain.

3. Criteria Summary

• F-4 is not points-based.
• Review is pathway eligibility and documentary integrity driven.
• Work-restriction notices are a core compliance factor.
• Outdated forms/notice references often cause delays.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• F-4 is not reviewed with fixed salary-floor logic.
• Key issue is whether planned work stays within permitted scope.
• Role records should not conflict with restricted occupation rules.
• Scope mismatch can trigger refusal or sanctions.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• F-4 allows broad activity but has defined work-scope limits.
• Certain activities may require additional permission.
• Keep work and residence records consistent for renewals.
• Non-compliant employment history can affect later applications.

6. Required Documents

• Application form, passport, ARC (if applicable), photo, and fee proof.
• Pathway identity/lineage/nationality-history evidence.
• Required declarations and supporting forms.
• Case-specific work/support records where requested.
• Additional office-requested documents.

7. Fees and Processing

• Fees follow current issuance/change/extension schedules.
• Pathway verification complexity affects timeline.
• Supplement rounds are common for incomplete history chains.
• Use the latest forms and notice references at filing.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Pathway eligibility does not meet current F-4 criteria.
• Identity/history chain is incomplete or inconsistent.
• Required declarations/forms are incorrect or outdated.
• Planned/prior work conflicts with restriction notices.
• Review office cannot verify key pathway facts.

9. FAQ