Important: The figures, fees, and timelines below are a summary of publicly available information as of 2026-06. They can change depending on the timing, your eligibility, and the immigration office with jurisdiction over your case. This article is not legal advice, so be sure to confirm officially before you actually apply.
You can apply to extend your period of stay starting from 4 months before your expiration date. The fee is usually 60,000 won, though some categories such as F-6 marriage immigration are listed at 30,000 won.
There are two ways to apply. One is the online e-Application service on HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr); the other is visiting the immigration office with jurisdiction over your area. The required documents differ by status — E-9 (non-professional employment), D-2 (study), F-6 (marriage immigration), and so on. If you miss your expiration date, you may face penalties such as a fine under the Immigration Act, so it's safest to check the procedure that applies to your status ahead of time.
Visas and residency are a sensitive area where the outcome depends heavily on your individual eligibility, history, and documents. For the exact requirements and procedures that apply to you, always confirm directly through official government channels (HiKorea, the Immigration Contact Center at 1345, and the Korea Immigration Service of the Ministry of Justice).
What "Extension of Period of Stay" Means
Extending your period of stay (an extension permit, or Extension of Period of Stay) is a procedure that keeps your current status of stay exactly as it is and only lengthens how long you're allowed to remain. It's different from a "change of status of stay," which changes the status itself.
- You can only apply from inside Korea: An extension is processed only through an immigration office while you're actually living in Korea. It can't be handled by an overseas mission (embassy or consulate).
- Status stays the same, only the period is extended: A D-2 student extends while their studies continue; an F-6 holder extends while the marriage relationship is maintained.
When to Apply (Timing)
| Item | General rule (as of 2026-06) |
|---|---|
| Earliest you can apply | Accepted starting 4 months before the expiration date |
| Recommended timing | 1–2 months before expiration (with room to spare) |
| If the expiration date passes | Applying late can result in penalties such as fines or administrative charges under the Immigration Act |
Mark your expiration date on your calendar in advance. Right before expiration, immigration office appointments fill up, which makes it hard to get the date you want. The earlier you prepare, the better.
How to Apply — Online (HiKorea) vs. In Person
1) HiKorea Online e-Application
- Site: HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) → e-Application → select "Extension of Period of Stay Permit"
- Enter your status, personal details, reason for the extension, and so on, then upload the required documents
- Depending on your status, online application may be available, and a fee discount for online (no-visit) applications is noted in some cases (whether you qualify and whether the discount applies varies by status and timing, so official confirmation is needed).
2) Visiting an Immigration Office
- As a rule, book a visit appointment (online reservation) on HiKorea first. Showing up without an appointment often makes it hard to file.
- On the reserved date, visit the office with jurisdiction over your area to submit your documents; depending on your status, fingerprinting, an interview, and so on may take place.
For some statuses such as E-9 (non-professional employment), the employer (business owner) handles part of the procedure. There may be parts you can't complete on your own, so talk with your company or organization's contact person in advance.
Documents Commonly Required by Status (Examples · General)
The following are just examples of documents that commonly come up. The documents you actually need vary by status, your individual situation, and the office with jurisdiction over your case. Before applying, check the exact checklist for your status on HiKorea or through 1345.
| Status | Commonly required documents (examples) |
|---|---|
| Common to all | Passport, Alien Registration Card, application form, fee, (if required) proof of residence |
| E-9 (non-professional employment) | Employment contract, employment-related documents, etc. (employer cooperation may be needed) |
| D-2 (study) | Enrollment/grade/attendance documents, tuition payment/financial documents, etc. |
| F-6 (marriage immigration) | Documents proving the marriage relationship (marriage certificate, etc.), spouse-related documents, etc. |
- Prepare all documents in Korean or English; other languages may require a certified translation.
- Depending on your status, additional requirements such as completing the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) may be relevant. Whether this applies to you needs official confirmation.
Fees (as of 2026-06 · Subject to Change)
- The fee for extending your period of stay is usually listed at around 60,000 won.
- Some statuses, such as F-6 (marriage immigration), are listed at 30,000 won in some cases.
- A discount for online no-visit applications applies in some cases.
Confirm the exact amount and payment methods (card, bank transfer, etc.) with HiKorea or the office with jurisdiction at the time you apply (it varies by status and timing).
Processing Time & Result
Processing time varies by status, office, and timing, and it can take several weeks. Applying right before expiration is risky, so it's better to file with room to spare.
Once approved, your period of stay is renewed. If there are changes such as your address, you may need to report them within the set period.
When You're Not Sure — Official Inquiry Channels
- Immigration Contact Center ☎ 1345 (multilingual counseling)
- HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr (e-Application, reservations, guidance)
- Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice / your local immigration office
Decisions about your residency directly affect your future. When something is unclear, don't guess on your own — confirm through the official channels above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. My expiration date has already passed. What do I do? A. Staying past your expiration date can result in penalties such as fines or administrative charges under the Immigration Act. Contact 1345 or your local immigration office as soon as possible to get guidance that fits your situation. (Individual cases need official confirmation.)
Q2. Can I extend at an overseas embassy? A. No. Extending your period of stay is generally processed only through an immigration office inside Korea, while you're actually living in Korea.
Q3. Are the Alien Registration Card (ARC) and the domestic residence report (F-4 residence card) the same thing? A. No. The Alien Registration Card (ARC) and the Domestic Residence Report Card for Overseas Koreans (F-4 residence card) are different systems. Which one applies to you depends on your status, so official confirmation is needed.
Q4. How early in advance can I apply? A. You can usually apply starting 4 months before the expiration date. It may differ by status, so check on HiKorea.
Q5. Can I just walk into the immigration office? A. In most cases, the rule is to make a HiKorea online reservation first. Visiting without an appointment often makes it hard to file.
Finish the Extension, and Make Life in Korea Easier
For administrative procedures like extending your stay, handling everything step by step through official channels such as HiKorea and 1345 is the safest approach. The challenge is what comes next. Whether you're traveling to and from the immigration office, or just getting around and paying day to day, foreigners often hit a wall: "I can't use the app because I have no Korean phone or bank account to pass identity verification."
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Note: This article is for general information as of 2026 and is not legal or administrative advice. Procedures, documents, fees, and requirements for residency, visas, health insurance, and opening a bank account vary by each person's nationality, status of stay, and timing, and change frequently. Before proceeding, confirm your own case through official channels such as HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), the Immigration Contact Center (☎1345), and your local Immigration Office. LACHA is a transit and payment app, not a visa or administrative agency.
