I want to invite my family to visit me in Korea, how do I apply for an F-1 visa for them?
Learn about the F-1 visa in Korea, including eligibility, application steps, and required documents for family visitation and residency. Get detailed guidance on maintaining and renewing your visa, plus tips on navigating the application process smoothly for family members in Korea.
The F-1 Visa allows individuals to visit family members residing in South Korea for up to 90 days. It is a single-entry visa, requiring reapplication for subsequent visits.
Who Can Apply for the F-1 Visa in Korea?
A. Sponsors
Sponsors are family members living in Korea and must meet one of the following criteria:
- Students holding a D2 visa.
- Holders of F2 or F5 visas.
- Individuals with D5, D7, D8, or D9 visas, earning at least twice the average income of Koreans.
- Investors with a minimum investment of 300 million won and residing in Korea for at least 6 months.
B. Guests
Guests are relatives of the sponsors and can include:
- Parents and siblings of students in Korea.
- Parents and siblings of individuals married to Koreans.
- Families of E7 visa holders.
Visa Categories
The F-1 visa is classified based on the applicant's purpose and the status of their relatives:
- F-1-11: Spouse and minor children of H-2 visa holders.
- F-1-12: Spouse and minor children of F-2-7 or F-2-99 visa holders.
- F-1-13: Parents of minor foreign students.
- F-1-14: Adopted foreigners.
- F-1-15: Parents of exceptional talents, investors, or graduate students.
- F-1-16: Spouse and minor children of recognized refugees.
- F-1-21: Household helpers of A-1, A-2 visa holders.
- F-1-22, F-1-23, F-1-24: Household helpers for high investors, advanced investors, or specialized personnel.
Duration and Entry Limit
- Duration: Up to 90 days per visit.
- Entry Limit: Single entry. Reapplication is necessary for each visit.
Application Process
Both the sponsor and the guest must submit documents for application.
Sponsor:
- Original, signed invitation and guarantee letters.
- Photocopies of passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC).
- Proof of study (e.g., certificate of enrollment, transcript) or employment.
Guest:
- Visa application form.
- Original passport with a photocopy.
- Recent passport size photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, colored)
- Documents proving family relationship.
- Marriage Certificate
- Permanent Census Registration
- Birth Certificate
- Letter of Personal Reference Document Notarized by the Notary Public in Korea (신원보증서)
- Official Form No.129 is Available from the Ministry of Justice
Applications are processed by the Korean consulate, and the application status can be checked on the MOFA website.
Important Notes
- Single Entry: The F-1 Visa permits only one entry; re-entry requires a new application.
- Subsequent Applications: After a short-term visit, you can reapply for a long-term visit after 1 year.
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