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F-1 — Visiting/Joining Family Visa (F-1)
VisasSouth KoreaF-1 — Visiting/Joining Family Visa (F-1)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
Open

F-1 — Visiting/Joining Family Visa (F-1)

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

USD $110–$150

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Join family members in South Korea with legal residence for up to 2 years without work authorization; fees USD 40-90.

The F-1 Visiting/Joining Family visa provides a legal framework under South Korea's Immigration Act for family members of foreign residents to reside together for non-professional purposes. It serves spouses, minor children, and parents of established residents seeking legal residence without independent work rights.

Stay is up to 2 years and renewable. Fees start at USD 40 for single-entry visas and go up to USD 90 for multiple entries, depending on duration and type. Spouses cannot work independently, and visa holders are prohibited from commercial activities or employment. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.

This visa is ideal for family members of legal foreign residents in South Korea seeking to join their sponsor for long-term cohabitation without personal work authorization.

Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visa (stay ≤90 days)USD $40
Single-entry visa (stay ≥91 days)USD $60
Multiple-entry visa (2 entries)USD $70
Multiple-entry visa (unlimited entries)USD $90
TotalUSD $110–$150

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Proof of family relationship

Sponsor's residence status

Valid passport

Financial support evidence

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and visa application form.

Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).

Copy of the primary resident's ARC or visa documentation.

Identity guarantee from the primary resident.

Financial documents (bank statements, income certificates) if required.

Passport-sized photograph.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows family members to reside together in South Korea legally and long-term
  • Renewable visa — can extend stay up to 2 years with sponsor's continued residence
  • Flexible entry options: single or multiple-entry visas available for frequent travelers
  • Reasonable visa fees ranging from USD 40–90 depending on entry type and duration
  • Access to basic public services (healthcare, education) while residing with sponsor
  • Dual intent permitted — can be held alongside immigrant intent without conflict
  • Accessible path for dependents without independent work or residence credentials

Worth Knowing

  • Spouse cannot work — employment requires switching to a specific work visa category
  • Visa validity depends on sponsor's legal residence status; departure may affect F-1 status
  • Strict authentication requirements for proof of family relationship (apostille/notarization)
  • No pathway to permanent residency — cannot transition directly to PR status via this visa

Application Process

1

Gather proof of family relationship (apostilled/authenticated).

2

Submit visa application at a Korean embassy or consulate (or change status at a local immigration office if already in Korea).

3

Provide identity guarantee from the primary resident.

4

Undergo screening by immigration authorities.

5

Obtain Alien Registration Card (ARC) upon arrival/approval.

Verified Claims (3)

Last verified Jun 30, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Single-entry visa (stay ≤90 days): 40 USD; Single-entry visa (stay ≥91 days): 60 USD; Multiple-entry…
easylaw.go.kr
Pr Pathway
false
easylaw.go.kr
Spouse Can Work
no
immigration.go.kr

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