Visa Info
📌Rules for the provision of a criminal record certificate from abroad for H-2, F-4, F-5 visas (Criminal Record Check)
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For those who are abroad or are preparing a visa application/residence status change in Korea, we have prepared a clear explanation of when a criminal record certificate is required, who is exempt from submitting it, and what documents are accepted.
When to submit the certificate
When applying for a visa or changing your residence status, a criminal record certificate issued by your country of citizenship and all countries where you have resided for more than 1 year consecutively within the last 5 years is required.
The document must be issued no earlier than 6 months before the application date.
Legalization and apostille
If the country is a party to the Hague Convention (Apostille) – an apostille issued by the competent authority is sufficient.
If the country is not a party – the document must be certified by the Consulate of the Republic of Korea.
Validity period
The criminal record certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
If submitted after this period, the document may be rejected.
Translation and submission
The document must be translated into Korean and certified by a translator (with their full name, contacts, and a copy of their ID).
When submitting, always include the original + notarized translation.
Good to know
If you frequently travel abroad or have lived abroad for a long time, check in advance in which countries you need to obtain a certificate.
Ensure that no more than 6 months have passed between the date of issue and submission to immigration.
Even if you formally meet the exception criteria, sometimes immigration authorities may request the document again – check before submitting.
When to submit the certificate
When applying for a visa or changing your residence status, a criminal record certificate issued by your country of citizenship and all countries where you have resided for more than 1 year consecutively within the last 5 years is required.
The document must be issued no earlier than 6 months before the application date.
Legalization and apostille
If the country is a party to the Hague Convention (Apostille) – an apostille issued by the competent authority is sufficient.
If the country is not a party – the document must be certified by the Consulate of the Republic of Korea.
Validity period
The criminal record certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
If submitted after this period, the document may be rejected.
Translation and submission
The document must be translated into Korean and certified by a translator (with their full name, contacts, and a copy of their ID).
When submitting, always include the original + notarized translation.
Good to know
If you frequently travel abroad or have lived abroad for a long time, check in advance in which countries you need to obtain a certificate.
Ensure that no more than 6 months have passed between the date of issue and submission to immigration.
Even if you formally meet the exception criteria, sometimes immigration authorities may request the document again – check before submitting.
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