1. Eligible Applicants and Scope of Activity 

• Spouse of a Korean National
• A father or mother raising a child born from a marriage (including a de facto marital relationship) with a Korean national, recognized by the Minister of Justice
• A person who, while residing in Korea in a marital relationship with a Korean national spouse, cannot maintain a normal marital relationship due to the death or disappearance of the spouse, or for other reasons not attributable to the person, recognized by the Minister of Justice

2. Maximum Duration of Stay that Can Be Granted at Once

• 3 years

3. Activities Other Than Those Permitted by the Alien Registration Status

• No restrictions on employment activities according to the classification of alien registration status

4. Change or Addition of Place of Employment

• Not applicable

5. Granting of Alien Registration Status

• Article 23 of the Act (Granting of Alien Registration Status)

  ① An alien who resides in the Republic of Korea after birth without possessing an alien registration status under Article 10 shall obtain an alien registration status within 90 days from the date of birth, and ② an alien who resides in the Republic of Korea while staying in Korea and subsequently loses their Korean nationality or renounces it, or resides due to other reasons without possessing an alien registration status under Article 10, shall obtain an alien registration status within 30 days from the date such reason occurs, as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

• Granting of marriage immigrant (F-6) alien registration status to a person who lost Korean nationality while staying in Korea, according to the purpose of stay
• Granting of marriage immigrant (F-6) alien registration status to a discharged member of the US Forces stationed in Korea, according to the purpose of stay

  ※ Required documents and period of stay for permission are the same as those for permission to change alien registration status

6. Permission to Change Alien Registration Status

Permission to Change Alien Registration Status (F-6-1)

1. Documents to be prepared jointly by the Inviter (Korean Spouse) and the Invited Person (Foreign Spouse)

Documents to be prepared when inviting nationals of countries subject to the International Marriage Guidance Program

• #1 (Exemptions from International Marriage Guidance Program)

  ① Individuals who have resided for more than 6 months in their home country or have continuously resided in a third country on a long-term visa for studies, dispatched work, etc., and can prove their courtship with the foreign spouse.

  ② Individuals who have continuously resided in Korea for more than 91 days under a long-term alien registration status as stipulated in [Attached Table 1-2] of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act and can prove their courtship with the inviting person.

  ③ Individuals for whom pregnancy, childbirth, or other humanitarian considerations are deemed necessary.

• #2 (Regarding Health Certificate of Korean Spouse)

  The certificate must be issued by a hospital-level medical institution, public health center, or a medical examination institution that conducts health examinations for public official recruitment as per Article 3 of the Regulations on Health Examinations for Public Official Recruitment. It must be issued within 6 months prior to the visa application date. If you are exempt from the International Marriage Guidance Program, submission of this document is also waived.

• #3 (Regarding Criminal Record Certificate of Foreign Spouse)

  If the Korean spouse is exempt from submitting the health certificate, the foreign spouse is also exempt from submitting the criminal record certificate.

• #4 (Regarding Health Certificate of Foreign Spouse)

  The certificate must be issued within 6 months prior to the visa application date, and must include the hospital name, address, contact information, and the attending physician's signature. It must be computer-generated. In addition to the listed examination items in the health examination item examples, a tuberculosis (TB) test item must also be included. If the Korean spouse is exempt from submitting the health certificate, the foreign spouse is also exempt from submitting the health certificate, but must submit a tuberculosis diagnostic certificate. (Please inquire separately if tuberculosis diagnosis is difficult due to pregnancy)

2. Documents Related to the Korean Spouse's Income Requirements

※ Note: You do not need to prepare all of the following documents regarding income requirements (however, documents marked 'Common Essential' are mandatory). Please prepare documents selectively based on the items you use to meet the income requirements.

※ Those who are exempt from income requirements do not need to submit these documents. (See #1 below)

• ▶ #1 (Exemption from Income Requirements)

  ① If there is a child born between the couple ② If the couple has lived together abroad for more than 6 months prior to the visa application date and has no income in Korea for the past year ③ If the foreign spouse has previously resided in Korea with a marriage immigrant (F-6) status (however, this excludes cases where the spouse has changed or the marriage with the same spouse has been interrupted). For those falling under ①, submit the Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name (or a Birth Certificate if the child was born before nationality acquisition); for those falling under ②, submit proof of cohabitation.

• ▶ #2 (Notes on Business Income 1)

  Business income is generally assessed based on the amount stated in the Certificate of Income Amount issued by the National Tax Service. If the actual income is higher than the amount stated in the Certificate of Income Amount, it may be considered underreporting of income. In such cases, please submit a revised Certificate of Income Amount after filing a corrected tax return.

• ▶ #3 (Notes on Business Income 2)

  Although income data from one year prior to the application date is generally required, business income is typically declared in May of the following year. Considering this characteristic, if the most recent year's income on the Certificate of Income Amount meets the required income criteria, and the Korean spouse is continuing the same business, an exception may be granted even if it is not income from one year prior to the application date (however, on-site verification may be conducted depending on the case).

• ▶ #4 (Scope of Family Members Whose Income or Assets Can Supplement)

  The income or assets of the Korean spouse's immediate family members (parents, grandparents, children, etc.) or siblings who share the same household register with the Korean spouse can supplement the income requirements (only income or assets in Korea during the past year are recognized). Even if they are immediate family members, if they do not share the same household register, their income or assets cannot supplement the requirements. Siblings are not immediate family members, so their income or assets also cannot supplement the requirements.

• ▶ (Reference) Income Requirements for 2025: The Korean spouse's annual income (before tax) for the past year must be at least the amount indicated in the table below

※ For households with 8 or more members: Add 5,541,738 KRW for each additional member.

3. Documents Related to the Foreign Spouse's Communication Ability Requirements

※ Note: Please submit one of the following documents. If you do not fall under the exemption criteria for communication ability but fail to submit any of the following documents, your eligibility will be determined based on the evaluation results conducted by the overseas mission.

※ Those exempt from communication ability requirements do not need to submit these documents. (See #1 below)

• ▶ #1 (Exemption from Communication Ability Requirements)

  ① If there is a child born between the couple ② If the foreign spouse has previously resided in Korea with a marriage immigrant (F-6) status (regardless of duration, short-term or long-term) (however, this excludes cases where the spouse has changed or the marriage with the same spouse has been interrupted), the submission of communication ability documents is waived.

• ▶ #2 (Other Documents Proving Communication Ability)

  Communication ability requirements can be met if the Korean spouse or foreign spouse submits a language proficiency test score above a certain level or passes an interview conducted in the relevant language by the embassy.

4. Documents Related to the Korean Spouse's Residential Requirements

※ Note: The address of the place submitted to meet the residential requirements must be the same as the address on the Resident Registration Certificate (items 1-13).

• #1 (Residential Requirements)

  The residence submitted to meet the residential requirements must be owned or leased by the Korean spouse, or by the Korean spouse's immediate family members, siblings, or sisters. If the property is owned or leased by a third party, it is generally considered not to meet the residential requirements, but exceptions may be granted for socially recognized places such as company-provided housing.

5. Proof of Courting Documents

• #1 (Exemption from Statement of Introduction)

  ① If there is a child born between the couple ② If the foreign spouse has previously resided in Korea with a marriage immigrant (F-6) status (regardless of duration, short-term or long-term) (however, this excludes cases where the spouse has changed or the marriage with the same spouse has been interrupted)

[List of Required Documents for Simplified Cases]

List of Required Documents when there is a Child Born Between the Couple

List of Required Documents for Those Exempt from the International Marriage Guidance Program (e.g., due to pregnancy) (Including those fully exempt from submitting health certificates and criminal record certificates for both Korean and foreign spouses)

When the Foreign Spouse Has Previously Resided in Korea with a Marriage Immigrant (F-6) Status

※ However, this does not apply if the spouse has changed or if the marriage with the same spouse has been interrupted.

For Countries Not Subject to the International Marriage Guidance Program

1. Basic Documents

• #1 (Regarding Health Certificate of Korean Spouse)

  The certificate must be issued by a hospital-level medical institution, public health center, or a medical examination institution that conducts health examinations for public official recruitment as per Article 3 of the Regulations on Health Examinations for Public Official Recruitment. It must be issued within 6 months prior to the visa application date.

• #2 (Exemption from Submission of Health Certificate for Korean Spouse)

  ① Individuals who have resided for more than 6 months in their home country or have continuously resided in a third country on a long-term visa for studies, dispatched work, etc., and can prove their courtship with the foreign spouse.

  ② Individuals who have continuously resided in Korea for more than 91 days under a long-term alien registration status as stipulated in [Attached Table 1-2] of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act and can prove their courtship with the inviting person.

  ③ Individuals for whom pregnancy, childbirth, or other humanitarian considerations are deemed necessary.

• #3 (Regarding Criminal Record Certificate of Foreign Spouse)

  If the Korean spouse is exempt from submitting the health certificate (#2), the foreign spouse is also exempt from submitting the criminal record certificate.

• #4 (Regarding Health Certificate of Foreign Spouse)

  The certificate must be issued within 6 months prior to the visa application date, and must include the hospital name, address, contact information, and the attending physician's signature. It must be computer-generated. In addition to the listed examination items in the health examination item examples, a tuberculosis (TB) test item must also be included. If the Korean spouse is exempt from submitting the health certificate (#2), the foreign spouse is also exempt from submitting the health certificate, but must submit a tuberculosis diagnostic certificate.

Permission to Change Alien Registration Status for Child Rearing (F-6-2)

• a. Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission

  ☞ A foreign national residing under an alien registration status other than marriage immigrant (F-6), who is the father or mother raising a minor child born from a marriage (including a de facto marital relationship) with a Korean national in Korea.

• b. Duration of Stay Permission: 1 year
• c. Required Documents

  ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport, Alien Registration Card (if applicable), 1 standard-sized photo, Fees

  ② Certificate of Basic Matters, Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name (if the child is a Korean national)

  ③ Documents proving family (parent-child) relationship

  Birth Certificate, DNA test confirmation documents

  ④ Documents proving child-rearing

  e.g., Court judgment, Resident Registration Certificate listing the child, Confirmation from a Korean relative within the fifth degree of kinship (father or mother) or the head of the neighborhood/tong (Dong/Ban) of residence, etc.

  ⑤ Documents proving the reason for marital disruption (divorce, death, disappearance, etc.) (if applicable)

  ⑥ Criminal Record Certificate and Health Certificate (Exempted for those who have not resided continuously abroad for more than 6 months and have not submitted these documents)

  ⑦ Other documents deemed necessary for assessment

Permission to Change Alien Registration Status for Marital Disruption (F-6-3) (Death, Disappearance, Divorce)

• a. Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission (Must meet all of the following requirements)

  ① A person residing under an alien registration status other than marriage immigrant (F-6).

  ② A person who was maintaining a normal marital life with a Korean national and whose marital relationship was disrupted due to the death, disappearance of the Korean spouse, or other reasons not attributable to the person, while residing in Korea. However, persons subject to restrictions (temporary visitors, criminal offenders (excluding those who have only received a simple fine), and those who have received an extension of stay for departure) and those who were subject to restrictions but have received a stay permit for other reasons (G-1) are excluded.

  ※ If applying while residing with a Korean national spouse status (F-6-1), they are eligible for extension of stay permission.

• b. Duration of Stay Permission: 1 year
• c. Required Documents

• d. Permitting Authority: Head of the Immigration Office (Office/Branch Office)

Permission to Change Alien Registration Status for Domestic Affairs Management (F-1-6)

• a. Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission

  A person whose marriage has been disrupted with a Korean national, but who does not fall under the marital disruption (F-6-3) category, and whose stay in Korea is unavoidable due to reasons such as property division or domestic affairs management.

• b. Assessment Criteria and Points to Note

  Whether a normal marital life was maintained before the marital disruption, whether the stay in Korea is unavoidable, etc.

• c. Duration of Stay Permission: Up to 6 months per instance

  The duration of stay permission for the F-1-6 status is up to 1 year from the date of change of status.

  However, if litigation (including small claims court filings, etc.) related to claims, debts, or real estate lease deposits is ongoing, and more than 1 year has passed since the date of change of status, a stay permit may be granted under the 'Other' (G-1) status until the litigation is concluded.

• d. Required Documents

  ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport and Alien Registration Card, 1 photo, Fees

  ② Letter of Guarantee (Can be omitted if the guarantee period is still valid)

  ③ Certificate of Marriage stating the divorce

  ④ Statement of unavoidable stay (Statement of Reasons, proof of property division, etc.)

  ⑤ Other documents deemed necessary for assessment

  ⑥ Proof of residence (Lease Agreement, Certificate of Accommodation Provision, Notice of Expiry of Stay Period mail, Public Utility Payment Receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)

7. Extension of Stay Permission

• After entering Korea with a marriage immigrant (F-6, including previous F-2-1, F-2-10) visa, apply for extension of stay and alien registration at the competent immigration office (office/branch) having jurisdiction over your address within 90 days.
• Duration of Stay Permission: 1 year from the date of entry

  However, if a national from one of the 7 specific countries* designated by the Minister of Justice completes the Early Adaptation Program after entry, they will be granted alien registration for 2 years, and if they do not complete the program, their duration of stay will be granted in 6-month increments up to 2 years from the date of entry.

1. Extension of Stay Permission for Spouse of Korean National (F-6-1)

a. Initial Extension of Stay Permission

b. Second and Subsequent Extensions of Stay Permission

2. Extension of Stay Permission for Child Rearing (F-6-2)

• Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission

  A person residing with a child rearing (F-6-2) status.

• Duration of Stay Permission: Within 3 years
• Required Documents

  ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport, Fees

  ② Certificate of Basic Matters, Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name (if the child is a Korean national)

  ③ Documents proving continuous child-rearing

  Examples: School tuition receipts, child's medical expense receipts, etc.

  ⑤ Alien's Report of Employment

  ⑥ Proof of residence (Lease Agreement, Certificate of Accommodation Provision, Notice of Expiry of Stay Period mail, Public Utility Payment Receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)

  ⑦ Other documents deemed necessary for assessment (submit upon request)

Extension of Stay Permission for Marital Disruption (F-6-3)

• Special Provisions for Stay Permission for Custody Rights

  Target of Special Provisions: A person residing with a Korean national spouse (F-6-1) status whose marriage has been disrupted, and who has custody rights for the child born from the marriage with the Korean spouse.

  Assessment Criteria (All criteria below must be met; on-site investigation may be conducted if necessary)

  ① Custody rights must not be restricted or excluded by a family court decision, etc.

  ② Continuous interaction with the child must be maintained.

  Stay will be denied if custody rights are restricted/excluded or if there is no interaction with the child.

  Required Documents: Application Form, Certificate of Basic Matters and Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name (if the child is a Korean national), Divorce decree, etc. (for checking restriction of custody rights; can be omitted in case of consensual divorce; collected only for the initial extension of stay after marital disruption, and omitted thereafter), photos, etc. proving continuous interaction with the child, Alien's Report of Employment, and other documents deemed necessary for assessment.

  Duration of Stay Permission: 1 year within the F-6-2 category.

• Extension of Stay Permission for Marital Disruption (F-6-3)

a. Initial Extension of Stay Permission After Death of Korean Spouse

Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission

A person residing with a Korean national spouse (F-6-1) status whose Korean spouse has died due to illness, accident, or other reasons while maintaining a normal marital life with the Korean national spouse.

Required Documents

• ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fees
• ② Documents proving the spouse's death

  Death certificate, Certificate of Basic Matters stating the spouse's death, etc.

• ③ Documents proving family relationship (Detailed Certificate of Marriage, etc.), (if there is a child born between the couple) Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name
• ④ Alien's Report of Employment
• ⑤ Proof of residence (Lease Agreement, Certificate of Accommodation Provision, Notice of Expiry of Stay Period mail, Public Utility Payment Receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)
• ⑥ Other documents deemed necessary for assessment

b. Initial Extension of Stay Permission After Disappearance of Korean Spouse

Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission

A person residing with a Korean national spouse (F-6-1) status whose Korean spouse has disappeared* while maintaining a normal marital life with the Korean national spouse.

* Disappearance is established by an order of presumption of disappearance from the Family Court as stipulated in Article 27 of the Civil Code.

Required Documents

• ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fees
• ② Documents proving disappearance (Order of Presumption of Disappearance)
• ③ Documents proving family relationship (Detailed Certificate of Marriage, etc.)
• ④ (if there is a child born between the couple) Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name
• ⑤ Alien's Report of Employment
• ⑥ Proof of residence (Lease Agreement, Certificate of Accommodation Provision, Notice of Expiry of Stay Period mail, Public Utility Payment Receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)
• ⑦ Other documents deemed necessary for assessment

c. Initial Extension of Stay Permission After Divorce from Korean Spouse

Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission

A person residing with a Korean national spouse (F-6-1) status who has divorced due to reasons not attributable to the person (e.g., Korean spouse's desertion, assault, etc.) leading to marital disruption.

* Objective evidence of fault: Documents proving that the marital relationship was disrupted due to the primary fault of the Korean spouse, such as the Korean spouse's desertion, assault, domestic discord, etc. (Examples: Korean spouse's report of desertion, Medical certificate due to spouse's assault, Prosecutor's non-prosecution decision, Confirmation from a certified women's organization, Confirmation from a Korean relative within the fourth degree of kinship of the Korean spouse, Confirmation from the head of the neighborhood/tong (Dong/Ban) of residence when the marital relationship was disrupted, etc.)

Required Documents

• ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fees
• ② Certificate of Marriage (Detailed) stating the divorce
• ③ Divorce lawsuit documents (Divorce decree, mediation agreement, conciliation award, statement of reasons for consensual divorce, etc.)
• ④ Proof of fault
• ⑤ (if there is a child born between the couple) Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name
• ⑥ Alien's Report of Employment
• ⑦ Proof of residence (Lease Agreement, Certificate of Accommodation Provision, Notice of Expiry of Stay Period mail, Public Utility Payment Receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)
• ⑧ Other documents deemed necessary for assessment
• ⑨ Special Provisions

  Even in cases of divorce due to the foreign national's fault, if that foreign national is supporting the Korean spouse's parents or family, a stay permit for 1 year within the F-6-3 category may be granted after verification of facts and submission of supporting documents related to support.

d. Extension of Stay Permission for Foreign Nationals Residing with Marital Disruption (F-6-3) Status After Initial Period Extension

☞ Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission

A foreign national residing with marital disruption (F-6-3) status.

☞ Required Documents

• ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fees
• ② Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name (if there is a child born between the couple)
• ③ Alien's Report of Employment
• ④ Proof of residence (Lease Agreement, Certificate of Accommodation Provision, Notice of Expiry of Stay Period mail, Public Utility Payment Receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)
• ⑤ Other documents deemed necessary for assessment

8. Re-entry Permit

1. Exemption from Re-entry Permit Requirement

• Exempted Applicants

  A person who has completed alien registration as a marriage immigrant (F-6, including previous F-2-1, F-2-10) and intends to re-enter within 1 year from the date of departure.

• Period of Exemption: 1 year

  However, if the expiration date of the stay period is less than 1 year away, the exemption from the re-entry permit requirement will be granted within the remaining period of stay.

2. Multiple Re-entry Permit

• Eligible Applicants

  A person who has completed alien registration as a marriage immigrant (F-6, including previous F-2-1, F-2-10) and intends to re-enter within 1 to 2 years from the date of departure.

• Fees
• Period of Permit: 2 years

  However, if the expiration date of the stay period is less than 2 years away, the re-entry permit period will be granted within the remaining period of stay.

  However, if the applicant is subject to entry restrictions, a re-entry permit requires approval from the Headquarters.

9. Alien Registration

1. Spouse of Korean National (F-6-1)

• After entering Korea with a marriage immigrant (F-6-1) visa, alien registration must be completed at the competent immigration office (office/branch) having jurisdiction over your address within 90 days.
• Required Documents

  ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport, 1 standard-sized photo, Fees

  ② Certificate of Marriage (Detailed) of the Korean spouse ③ Resident Registration Certificate of the Korean spouse ④ If there is a child born between the couple: Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name

2. Child Rearing (F-6-2)

• (Eligible Applicants for Stay Permission) Persons who entered Korea with a marriage immigrant (F-6-2) visa.
• (Additional Assessment Criteria and Points to Note)

  Registration more than 90 days after entry will result in penal action.

• Duration of Stay Permission: 1 year from the date of entry
• Required Documents

  ① Application Form (Form No. 34, Appendix), Passport, 1 standard-sized photo, Fees

  ② Certificate of Basic Matters, Certificate of Family Relations in the child's name (if the child is a Korean national)

  ③ Documents proving residence

10. Additional Original Information

Detailed Codes for Alien Registration Status

Income Requirements and Recognized Income Types

• Income Requirements

  A person inviting a foreign national for marriage and cohabitation purposes must have an annual income (before tax) for the past year (as of the visa application date) that is equal to or exceeds the amount indicated in the table below.

• For households with 8 or more members: Add 5,379,750 KRW for each additional member.
• Calculation of Household Size

  If the inviter has no cohabiting family members: 2-person household (inviter + foreign spouse)

  If there are immediate family members (children born from previous marriages, parents, etc.) who share the same household register with the inviter, they are included in the household count.

• Types of Income Recognized

  Sum of earned income + business income (including agricultural, forestry, and fishery income) + real estate rental income + interest income + dividend income + pension income acquired by the inviter in the past year.

  ※ Irregular income other than the above is excluded from income calculation.

• Exceptions to Income Requirements and Recognized Income
• When the Inviter's Assets Can Supplement Income

  Even if the income does not meet the requirements, if the inviter has assets (deposits, insurance, securities, bonds, real estate, etc.), 5% of the assets will be recognized as income.

  ※ However, to ensure the stability of assets and prevent fraudulent deposits, recognized assets must have been held for more than 6 months from the date of acquisition, and only net assets (assets minus liabilities) are recognized.

  Example) If person A, in a 2-person household (standard amount 22,095,654 KRW), has an annual income of 18 million KRW and assets of 90 million KRW, their total recognized income is 18 million KRW (income) + 4.5 million KRW (5% of assets 90 million KRW) = 22.5 million KRW, thus meeting the income requirement.

• When the Income and Assets of Family Members Meet the Income Requirements

  If the income or assets of the immediate family members who share the same household register with the inviter meet the above requirements.

  If the foreign spouse's income in Korea or assets in Korea during the past year meet the above requirements.

  ※ It is also possible to combine the income and assets of the inviter and their family members.

• Exempted Categories for Income Requirements
• Cases of Humanitarian Reasons for Exemption from Income Requirements

  If there is a child born between the inviter and the invited person.

  If the inviter and the invited person have lived together abroad for more than 1 year after marriage (excluding de facto marriage), making it impossible for the inviter to earn income in Korea during the past year.

  In other cases where the Minister of Justice deems it necessary to exempt the application of the requirements.

• Method of Proving Income and Assets

  The inviter shall fill in the income and asset status in the 'Invitation Letter for Foreign Spouse' (Form No. 19-2, Appendix of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act) and submit supporting documents that prove this (such as income-related certificates issued by the National Tax Service, real estate registration certificates, deposit certificates, certificates of employment, copies of bank statements, etc.).

  If eligible for exemption from income requirements, submit documents proving the reason for exemption.

[International Marriage Guidance Program]

• Background for Promotion

  □ To promote correct understanding of international marriage and minimize its side effects, thereby supporting the formation of desirable multicultural families.

• Eligible Applicants for International Marriage Guidance Program Completion

  □ Individuals who intend to invite nationals of countries designated by the Minister of Justice (Specific Countries*) for marriage and cohabitation purposes, considering the current status of marriages and divorces between Korean nationals and foreigners, the current status of naturalization of foreigners based on marriage, and the current status of undocumented aliens.

  ※ Specific Countries: China, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand (Notified by the Ministry of Justice)

• Exempted Applicants from International Marriage Guidance Program

  □ Individuals who have resided for more than 6 months in their home country or have continuously resided in a third country on a long-term visa for studies, dispatched work, etc., and can prove their courtship with the foreign spouse.

  □ Individuals who have continuously resided in Korea for more than 91 days under a long-term alien registration status as stipulated in [Attached Table 1-2] of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act and can prove their courtship with the inviting person.

  □ Individuals for whom pregnancy, childbirth, or other humanitarian considerations are deemed necessary.

  ※ Verification through related documents such as statements of courtship, letters of guarantee, photos, emails, immigration records, and interviews.

Other Documents Deemed Necessary for Assessment by the Head of the Immigration Office

• ○ During the individual assessment process, additional documents may be requested to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of visa assessment, beyond the stipulated documents.

Validity Period of Each Document

• ○ Unless otherwise specified in this guideline, the validity period of submitted documents such as the invitation letter and certificate of marriage is within 3 months from the date of preparation or issuance.

Q1: What should I do if the Korean spouse's income is insufficient when applying for a marriage immigrant (F-6) visa?

A1: If the income is insufficient, 5% of the inviter's assets (deposits, insurance, securities, real estate, etc.) can be recognized as income. However, these assets must be net assets held for at least 6 months from the acquisition date. Alternatively, you can supplement the income requirement by combining the income or assets of your immediate family members who share the same household register with the inviter.

Q2: Are there cases where the income requirement is waived when applying for a marriage immigrant visa?

A2: Yes, there are cases where it is waived. If there is a child born between the couple, if the couple has lived together abroad for more than 1 year and has no income in Korea for the past year, or if the foreign spouse has previously resided in Korea with a marriage immigrant (F-6) status, and humanitarian reasons are recognized, the income requirement may be waived.

Q3: Is completing the International Marriage Guidance Program mandatory? What are the conditions for exemption?

A3: When inviting nationals of specific countries designated by the Minister of Justice, such as China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the Korean spouse must complete the International Marriage Guidance Program. However, exemption is possible if you have resided abroad for more than 6 months and have courted, or if the foreign spouse has resided in Korea for more than 91 days and has courted, or if there are humanitarian reasons such as pregnancy or childbirth.

Q4: What happens to my residence status if I get divorced from my Korean spouse?

A4: If the divorce is due to reasons not attributable to you, such as the primary responsibility for the marital breakdown lying with the Korean spouse, you can apply to change your status to 'Marital Disruption (F-6-3)'. For this, you need to submit documents such as the divorce decree and proof of fault.

Q5: What visa can I get if I am raising a minor child born with a Korean national?

A5: If you are the father or mother raising a minor child born from a marriage (including a de facto marital relationship) with a Korean national in Korea, you can apply to change your status to 'Child Rearing (F-6-2)'.

Q6: Can F-6 visa holders also work in Korea?

A6: Yes, holders of a marriage immigrant (F-6) visa are not subject to employment restrictions based on their alien registration status, so they can freely engage in employment activities without a separate permit.

Q7: How do I register as an alien and extend my stay after entering with an F-6 visa?

A7: If you entered with a marriage immigrant (F-6-1) visa, you must complete alien registration and apply for extension of stay at the competent immigration office within 90 days. For the initial extension, you will be granted a stay of 1 year from the date of entry, and depending on whether you complete the Early Adaptation Program, you may be granted a stay of up to 2 years.

Q8: What are the documents to prove communication ability between spouses, and are there conditions for exemption?

A8: You can prove communication ability by submitting a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) score certificate, a certificate of completion from Sejong Hakdang, or by the Korean spouse having resided in the country where the foreign spouse's language is spoken for over 1 year. This requirement is waived if there is a child born between the couple or if the foreign spouse has previously resided in Korea with a marriage immigrant (F-6) status.

Q9: What types of assets are recognized when supplementing income requirements with assets?

A9: The inviter's net assets, such as deposits, insurance, securities, bonds, and real estate, are recognized. However, these assets must have been held for at least 6 months from the acquisition date, and liabilities are excluded. 5% of the asset value is converted into income.

Q10: Is it possible to extend my stay if I am going through a divorce?

A10: Yes, if you are going through divorce proceedings, you can apply for extension of stay by submitting documents related to the divorce proceedings (e.g., certificate of filing lawsuit). Even if the normal marital relationship is not being maintained, extension may be possible if you can prove reasons such as separation or divorce proceedings.