How to Change Your Visa Status (D to F) in Korea (2025)

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Changing Your Visa Status in Korea: From D Visa to F Visa (2025 Guide)

※ This article is based on official information as of August 16, 2025.

Summary at a Glance

Changing your visa status in Korea—from a temporary D visa (such as student, job seeker, or trainee) to a long-term F visa (like F-2 residence or F-6 spouse)—can be a life-changing step. It provides more freedom, stability, and opportunities. This guide explains eligibility, conditions, step-by-step procedures, regional differences, and a real-life case to help you succeed.

Understanding D vs F Visas

What is a D Visa?

  • Short- to mid-term visas tied to a specific purpose.
  • Examples:
    • D-2 (Student)
    • D-4 (Language Training)
    • D-10 (Job Seeker)
    • D-5 ~ D-9 (special activities like journalism, research, or internships).
  • Restrictions: Limited work rights, tied to school/employer.

What is an F Visa?

  • Long-term residence visas with more stability.
  • Examples:
    • F-2 (Long-Term Residency)
    • F-5 (Permanent Residency)
    • F-6 (Marriage Migrant)
    • F-4 (Overseas Koreans).
  • Benefits: Job flexibility, easier access to loans, housing contracts, healthcare, and permanent residency path.

Eligibility & Conditions

To change from a D visa to an F visa, you must meet certain requirements set by the Korea Immigration Service (KIS).

Main Requirements

  1. Stable Income & Employment
    • Proof of sufficient income (usually above Korea’s GNI per capita, ~KRW 30 million/year).
    • For F-2 points system: extra credit for higher income, academic background, and Korean skills.
  2. Duration of Stay
    • Typically 2–3 years of legal residence in Korea (exceptions for marriage visas).
  3. Clean Record
    • No immigration law violations, unpaid fines, or criminal history.
  4. Korean Language & Integration
    • Completion of KIIP (Korean Immigration & Integration Program) is often required.
    • TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Level 3+ can substitute in many cases.

Who Can Apply?

  • D-2 Students → F-2 residency (after graduation + employment).
  • D-10 Job Seekers → F-2 residency (once hired with sufficient salary).
  • D-4 Language Trainees → F-6 spouse visa (if married to a Korean).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1. Prepare Your Documents

  • Passport & ARC (Alien Registration Card).
  • Completed Visa Application Form (download from HiKorea).
  • 1 Passport-size photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm).
  • Proof of residence (rental contract, accommodation confirmation).
  • Proof of employment & income (tax statements, payslips, contract).
  • Bank records (last 3–6 months).
  • KIIP certificate or TOPIK result (if applicable).
  • Marriage certificate & Korean spouse family registry (for F-6).

Step 2. Book Your Appointment

  • Log into HiKorea Reservation System.
  • Select “Reserve Visit” → choose local immigration office.
  • Seoul offices (Mokdong, Omokgyo) are often booked weeks in advance.

Step 3. Pay the Application Fee

  • Fee: KRW 130,000 (≈ $100).
  • Pay via revenue stamp (구입증지) inside the immigration office or designated convenience stores.

Step 4. Submit Application

  • Go to your reserved appointment.
  • Submit documents → officer may interview you briefly (income, housing, marriage stability).

Step 5. Processing Time

  • Average: 2–6 weeks.
  • You may receive an SMS or email notification when approved.

Step 6. Receive New ARC

  • Collect in person or request mail delivery (where available).
  • Your Alien Registration Card will now show your new F visa type.

Real-Life Case Example

Maria, 27, from the Philippines

Maria arrived in Korea on a D-2 student visa. After graduating, she switched to a D-10 visa while job hunting. Soon she was hired by a mid-sized IT company in Seoul earning above GNI.

  • She gathered proof of income, employment contract, and completed KIIP Level 4.
  • After 3 months of review, she successfully obtained an F-2-7 visa (points-based residency).

Result: Maria now enjoys freedom to change jobs without new visa applications, can lease housing independently, and even apply for permanent residency later.

Regional Differences: Seoul vs. Other Cities

  • Seoul
    • Immigration offices are overcrowded. Reservation slots vanish quickly.
    • More strict review of income & documents.
  • Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Gwangju
    • Shorter waiting times.
    • Sometimes more flexible in minor paperwork issues.

Tip: If possible, apply outside Seoul for faster results.

FAQ

Q1. Do I have to leave Korea to change my visa status?
No, changes can be done inside Korea at immigration offices.

Q2. What if my application is rejected?
You can stay on your current visa until it expires. Correct missing requirements and reapply.

Q3. Is KIIP mandatory?
For many F visas (like F-2-7), yes. But some categories (like F-6 spouse visa) may accept marriage & integration proof instead.

Official Links

Sources

  • Korea Immigration Service (as of August 16, 2025)
  • Ministry of Justice Korea

A Last Line to Keep in Mind

Changing your visa status from D to F is more than paperwork—it’s your gateway to stability, freedom, and a future in Korea. With preparation, the right documents, and patience, you can successfully make the switch.

One Thing Worth Sharing

Do you know a classmate, co-worker, or friend struggling with visa issues? Share this article—it may guide them to the stability they need.

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