Eligibility & Application Period
Foreigners residing in Korea who wish to engage in activities different from those permitted under their current visa must apply for a change of status of stay. They must obtain permission from the competent immigration office (branch office) before starting the new activity. Once the change of status is approved, alien registration will also be completed.
[Example]
※ Short-term stay visitors (C-3) may be subject to restrictions on applying for a change of status within Korea.
Required Documents
※ Taken within the last 6 months; submit if required
Online Appointment
To apply for a change of status, you must make an online appointment through HiKorea before your visit.
Appointments can be made at the immigration office (branch office) with jurisdiction over your place of residence. Certain individuals, such as pregnant women or persons with disabilities, may visit without an online reservation.
※ Find your local immigration office (https://www.hikorea.go.kr/gvrnsrch/GvrnSrchPageR.pt).
Search Jurisdictional Immigration Office※ Online appointments can be made through HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr).
Go to Hi KoreaInquiry
※ In Korea, call 1345 without an area code via mobile or landline.
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