Staying in Korea on a Visa: Reporting Changes, Extensions and Trips Abroad

After you arrive and register as a foreign resident, your visa status still needs a little maintenance. Most problems foreigners run into are not about getting a visa but about missing a report or a deadline later. This overview covers the main things to keep track of. For the basics of student visas and registration, see our guide to D-2 and D-4 student visas.

Your residence card

Once registered, you receive a residence card (often still called an alien registration card, 외국인등록증). Adults are generally required to carry it or be able to show it when asked by officials. If it is lost or damaged, apply for a reissue at the immigration office. Banks, mobile carriers and many online services will ask for it.

Report changes on time

Registered foreigners must report certain changes to immigration within set deadlines. The most common are:

• Change of address — when you move, report your new address. This can usually be done online through HiKorea, at the immigration office, or at the community service center (주민센터) in your new neighborhood.
• Changes to registered details — for example a new passport, a change of name or nationality.
• Changes related to your school or workplace — students and workers may need to report events such as changing schools, leaving school or changing employers. Your school's international office or your employer can tell you what applies.

Deadlines are short, and late reports can lead to fines, so do it soon after the change and keep a record of the confirmation.

Extending your stay

Your permitted period of stay is printed on your residence card and in HiKorea. If you need to stay longer for the same purpose, apply for an extension of stay before it expires. Requirements depend on your visa type and often include proof of enrollment or employment, proof of finances and proof of address. Book early, because immigration office appointments can fill up, especially around the start of semesters.

Changing your status

If your purpose of stay changes, for example from language study to a degree program, or from study to work, you usually need a change of status of stay rather than an extension. Do not start new activities, such as full-time work, until the change is approved.

Travelling abroad and coming back

Registered foreigners who leave Korea for a short trip and return within the permitted period generally do not need a separate re-entry permit, but conditions and limits apply and can differ by visa type. Before a longer absence, or if your stay will expire while you are away, check the current re-entry rules with immigration.

Where to check and get help

• HiKorea — online applications, reports and immigration office reservations.
• Korea Immigration Service — official notices and rule changes.
• Immigration Contact Center: dial 1345 for multilingual help.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm your own situation with immigration or your school's international office.