F-2-3 Visa for Spouses and Minor Children of Permanent Residents
A few days ago, a woman holding a permanent resident visa (F5) contacted me. She asked if her husband, who entered Korea on a short-term C3 visa, could change his visa to the F2 long-term residence visa for spouses of permanent residents (F-2-3).
If the spouse and minor children of a permanent resident in Korea hold a legal long-term visa (mostly F1) and meet the requirements, they can change their visa status within Korea. However, it is not possible to change from a short-term visa (B-1, B-2, C-3, etc.) as they are not eligible for the change. ※ Also, not all applicants holding a legal long-term visa can automatically change to F-2-3. Visa statuses that are restricted from changing in individual guidelines (e.g., E9) cannot change to F-2-3, even if they are long-term visas in Korea. ※ Principally, short-term visas (B-1, B-2, C-3, etc.) and visa statuses restricted from changing in individual guidelines (e.g., E9) are limited from changing to F-2-3 within Korea. However, if the applicant has an unavoidably humanitarian reason for needing to change their visa status, they may apply for a change by proving such necessary reasons. ※ Germany is an exception. In the case of Germany, if one enters on a visa waiver (B-1) but meets the requirements for the visa they wish to change to, almost all visas can be applied for a change of status within Korea. I responded that the change of status within Korea was not possible and that she would need to apply at a foreign diplomatic mission abroad, explaining the requirements. Today, let’s look at the requirements and documents needed for the F-2-3 visa for spouses and minor children of permanent residents. ※ Confirmation of visa issuance application (invitation) made at the Immigration Office in charge of the inviter are not included. Only applications for visa issuance (at foreign diplomatic missions abroad) are possible, and if approved, a single-entry visa with a validity of within one year is issued.
F-2-3 Visa Requirements for Spouses of Permanent Residents
1. The inviter (permanent resident) must have acquired permanent residency for over three years. 2. The inviter's income must be at least 1 times the GNI (in 2023, over 42,480,000 won) (requirement for financial support capability) - Income of direct cohabiting family members (registered at the same address) can be combined - If the number of direct cohabiting family members, including oneself, is three or fewer, at least 70% of GNI (in 2023, over 29,740,000 won) is acceptable 3. There should be no history of inviting another spouse within the last five years 4. Both parties in the legal marriage should have no criminal history (requirement for good conduct) 5. Both parties in the legal marriage should have no health issues
F-2-3 Visa Required Documents for Inviting Spouses
As mentioned, except for cases where the spouse (or minor child) legally holds a long-term visa in Korea and is eligible for a change of residency status, it is a target for visa issuance (application at a foreign diplomatic mission abroad). Therefore, the exact documents required should be confirmed with the South Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant's location, and there may be differences between embassies. Basic required documents are as follows
① Confirmation of Visa issuance application, passport, standard size photo 1 piece, fee |
② Guarantee of Identity by the spouse in Korea |
③ Invitation letter, statement of marriage background |
④ Documents proving the marital relationship between the inviter and invitee - Marriage certificate, family relationship record certificate, etc. |
⑤ Financial (income) proof documents - Income Amount Certificate (issued by the tax office), employment certificate, account transaction history, etc. |
⑥ Credit information inquiry of the inviter |
⑦ ‘Criminal Record Certificate’ for both parties - If the F-5 visa holder has already submitted a ‘Criminal Record Certificate’ at the time of changing to permanent residency status, it can be omitted for the individual. However, if they have stayed overseas for more than 6 months after changing to permanent residency status, they must submit a criminal record certificate issued by the government of the country of stay during that period. |
⑧ Health certificate for both parties - Inviter: Issued by a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice (hospital or public health center) - Invitee: Issued by a hospital or medical institution designated by each embassy |
⑨ Documents proving the dissolution of a previous marriage, if applicable (divorce certificate, etc.) |
※ Also, if the applicant has received an F-2-3 visa and resided in Korea for more than two years as the spouse of a permanent resident, if the requirements are met, the spouse can also apply for a change of status from an F2 visa to permanent residency (F5) within Korea.