Can I work in Korea on an F-3 visa?

No. The F-3 visa is a dependent residence visa — it does not authorise independent employment. To work in Korea, you would need to obtain your own work visa status (e.g., E-7, E-9, H-2 if eligible) or qualify for a status that permits work.

What is the F-3-19 sub-type?

F-3-19 is a 1-year valid multiple-entry companion visa introduced in January 2025 for the spouse and minor children of F-4 (Overseas Korean) holders. It allows family members to travel in and out of Korea freely during the 1-year validity period.

What is the F-3-20 sub-type?

F-3-20 is the companion sub-type for the spouse and minor children of H-2 (Working Visit) holders. Like F-3-19, it is issued as a 1-year valid multiple-entry visa.

Can parents of an F-4 holder get an F-3?

No. Parents of F-4 holders do not qualify for F-3. They must apply for an F-1 (방문동거 — Visit/Cohabitation) visa instead, which is a separate category for visiting family members.

My child was born in Korea — does the 90-day rule apply?

Yes. If your child was born in Korea, you must apply for their F-3 status within 90 days of birth. Missing this window can result in the child becoming undocumented, so act quickly after the birth is registered.

Can the F-3 lead to permanent residency?

Not directly. F-3 is a dependent status tied to the primary holder. If you accumulate long-term residence in Korea and eventually qualify for F-5 (Permanent Residency) in your own right — typically through continuous residence, income, and other criteria — you can apply independently. Your F-3 residence time may count toward the qualifying period.

Korea F-3 Visa — Eligibility & How to Apply

Korea F-3 Visa — Eligibility & How to Apply | Mr. Visa Korea

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Overview

The F-3 visa (동반, dongban — 'accompaniment') allows the spouse and minor children of certain long-term visa holders to reside in Korea for the same duration as the primary visa holder. It is primarily issued to family members of F-4 (Overseas Korean) and H-2 (Working Visit) holders. The F-3 does not permit independent employment — the holder may reside in Korea and engage in daily life, but work or business activities require a separate visa status.

Who is the F-3 visa for?

The spouse and minor children (under 19) of F-4 (Overseas Korean) or H-2 (Working Visit) visa holders who are residing in Korea. Note that parents of F-4 holders do not qualify for F-3 — they receive an F-1 (Visit/Cohabitation) visa instead.

Eligibility requirements

Spouse or minor child (under 19) of an F-4 or H-2 visa holder currently residing in Korea
Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate), officially translated and apostilled or authenticated
Primary holder must have a valid F-4 or H-2 status in Korea (ARC or 거소신고증)
Minor children born in Korea: application must be filed within 90 days of birth
Minor children (unaccompanied, i.e., parent abroad): may extend until age 25 if the F-4/H-2 parent has continuously stayed in Korea for 3+ years

Delay and refusal risks

What can go wrong with F-3?

Family-route delays usually come from civil-record inconsistencies, sponsor evidence, relationship proof, or criminal-record handling.

Civil records are inconsistent

Names, dates, family relationships, translations, and authentication need to match across Korean and foreign documents.

Manual basis: Family-status manuals rely on family relationship documents, civil records, and authenticated foreign documents.

Sponsor or relationship evidence is thin

Immigration may need evidence that the family relationship and support plan are real and current.

Manual basis: Family-status manuals include inviter, sponsor, relationship, and household evidence.

Prior violations or unresolved compliance issues

Prior overstays, fines, unauthorized work, tax delinquency, or criminal history can trigger closer review even when the basic visa category looks correct.

Manual basis: The stay manuals repeatedly reference status restrictions, law-violation review, criminal-record checks, tax/payment issues, and status-change limits.

Required documents

1.
Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
2.
Primary holder's Alien Registration Card (ARC) or Certificate of Overseas Korean Residence (거소신고증)
3.
Marriage certificate (for spouse applicants) — apostilled or consular-authenticated, with certified Korean translation
4.
Birth certificate (for child applicants) — apostilled or consular-authenticated, with certified Korean translation
5.
Primary holder's proof of continued stay in Korea (if extending)
6.
F-3-19 applicants (F-4 family): additional proof may be required per consulate

How to apply — step by step

1
Confirm the primary holder's status
The primary F-4 or H-2 holder must already have a valid status in Korea. Obtain a copy of their ARC or 거소신고증 before starting your application.
2
Prepare family relationship documents
Obtain official marriage or birth certificates from your home country, have them apostilled (if your country is party to the Hague Convention) or notarised and authenticated at the Korean consulate.
3
Apply at the Korean consulate (new entry) or immigration office (extension)
If you are outside Korea, apply for the F-3 visa at the Korean embassy or consulate. If you are already in Korea on another status, apply for a status change at your local immigration office.
4
Register on arrival
After entering Korea on an F-3 visa, register as a foreign resident at your local immigration office within 90 days and obtain your ARC.
5
Renew with the primary holder
When the primary F-4 or H-2 holder renews their status, renew your F-3 at the same time. Your stay period is always tied to the primary holder's authorised stay.

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Key Immigration Terms

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Korea F-3 VisaDependent Companion Visa

Review & source basis

Are you ready to apply for F-3?

Overview

Who is the F-3 visa for?

Eligibility requirements

What can go wrong with F-3?

Civil records are inconsistent

Sponsor or relationship evidence is thin

Prior violations or unresolved compliance issues

Required documents

How to apply — step by step

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F-3 visa — frequently asked questions

F-3 subtypes

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