F-1-9 — Visiting/Joining Family Visa (Dependent of F-4/H-2)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
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F-1-9 — Visiting/Joining Family Visa (Dependent of F-4/H-2)

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

KRW ₩35,000

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Family reunification visa for spouses and children of F-4 or H-2 visa holders, renewable for up to 1 year per grant.

The F-1-9 Visiting/Joining Family Visa enables spouses and minor children of F-4 (Overseas Korean) and H-2 (Working Visit) visa holders to reunite with family in South Korea. Applicants must provide proof of relationship through marriage or birth certificates, as well as evidence of the principal visa holder's financial ability to support dependents.

Stay duration is up to one year per grant, with the visa operating as a multiple-entry permit that can be renewed through extension while in Korea. The main fee is 35,000 KRW for Alien Registration Card issuance. Spouses are not permitted to work independently; this visa's status remains tied directly to the principal holder's immigration standing.

This visa is ideal for spouses and dependent children of Korean expatriates or temporary workers who wish to maintain family unity while the principal visa holder works or resides in South Korea.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be the spouse or minor child of the principal visa holder (F-4 or H-2).

Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates).

Proof of principal holder's financial ability to support the family.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Marriage or birth certificates

Proof of principal holder's status

Financial proof of support

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Family reunification pathway for spouses and dependent children
  • Renewable status — can extend stay in Korea beyond initial 1-year grant
  • Multiple-entry visa allows travel flexibility during validity period
  • Streamlined application process for family dependents
  • Clear fee structure with single registration card cost (35,000 KRW)
  • Ties to principal visa holder (F-4/H-2) provides immigration stability
  • No minimum education or income requirements for dependents

Worth Knowing

  • Spouse work authorization explicitly prohibited
  • Maximum initial stay limited to 1 year per grant
  • Dependent status tied to principal visa holder's continued validity
  • Renewal process requires re-extension through Korean immigration authorities
  • Spouse cannot work in Korea — dependent income restrictions apply

Application Process

1

Gather proof of relationship and principal holder's status.

2

Apply at the Korean Embassy/Consulate in home country or via change of status if in Korea.

Application Forms

Korea Visa PortalFill online

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