F3 Visa is a dependent visa. Let's first look at the target
F3 Visa Target
Spouses and minor children of individuals who qualify for residency from Cultural Arts (D-1) to Specific Activities (E-7), except for those with Technical Training (D-3) residency qualifications.
As observed, for the main visa holder {(D-1) to Specific Activities (E-7) residency qualifications}, if there are no issues, their spouses and minor children are given the visa without major requirements (to allow families to live together humanely). It can be considered a dependent visa, completely dependent on the main visa holder.
Therefore, F3 visa holders are, in principle, not allowed to work
(only allowed exceptionally if they meet the requirements for activities outside their residency qualifications).
The duration of stay is usually the same as the main visa holder,
and when applying for visa issuance recognition (invitation), it must be applied for simultaneously with the main visa holder (D-1~E7).
If not applied for simultaneously and the main visa holder enters Korea first, there are two options
1. Apply for visa issuance at a local overseas embassy.
2. Enter Korea with a short-term visa like B-1, B-2 visa exemption, transit, or C-3, and then change to an F3 visa.
Recently, for three individuals (wife, two children) who entered Korea with a C-3 visa as spouses and minor children of a D8 visa holder, a change of status in Korea was processed, and for three individuals (husband, two children) as spouses and minor children of a D2 visa holder, a visa issuance application was processed at a local overseas embassy.
The easiest and safest way is to apply together when inviting the main visa holder, so they come to Korea together, not separately.
If not, and one of the two mentioned methods is used, the required documents increase, the process becomes more complicated, and more financial and time energy is required.
Let's look at the required documents and considerations when proceeding with the above two methods.
Applying for F3 Visa (Dependent) in Korea
Required Documents | ① Application form (Form 34), passport, standard size photo 1 piece, fee ② Family relationship proof documents (marriage or birth certificate, etc.) |
Additional Documents | ③ Foreign registration card of spouse or parent |
These are the basic documents listed in the manual.
However, family relationship proof documents (marriage certificate for the wife, birth certificates for children) must be verified by a consulate or apostilled.
Therefore, if you have already entered Korea, you need to go through an apostille or consulate verification agency or ask family members in your home country to issue the documents and send them to Korea after receiving an apostille or consulate verification.
Additionally, if you are from one of the 19 high-risk tuberculosis countries, you must attach a tuberculosis diagnosis certificate (excluding minors under 7 years old). The list of high-risk tuberculosis countries can be checked below.
In addition, as proof of residence, documents such as a lease agreement are required. If the lease is not in the name of the main visa holder, you must attach a residence provision confirmation letter and a copy of the ID of the person providing the residence. If children are attending school, a separate school enrollment certificate must also be attached.
Applying for F3 Visa (Dependent) at a Local Overseas Embassy
When applying at a local overseas embassy,
since the required documents for F3 visa issuance application vary by country,
there is no unified list of F3 visa issuance application documents for all countries.
The basic documents are similar to those mentioned for changing status in Korea.
owever, when applying for a visa, an invitation letter must be written.
The invitation letter must include the reason for invitation, a guarantee of return to the home country, and a statement that the invitee will not engage in employment activities.
In addition, a criminal record certificate from overseas, bank transaction history of the inviter, if the inviter is an employee, a certificate of employment, if a student, a certificate of enrollment and transcript may be required.
Even if the documents are issued in Korea, some must be notarized before submission.
A tuberculosis diagnosis certificate is also mandatory if you are from one of the 19 high-risk tuberculosis countries.
If you receive a tuberculosis diagnosis in Korea, you can get tested at a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice,
but if you receive it overseas, you must choose one of the hospitals designated by the Korean embassy in that country.
※ The tuberculosis diagnosis certificate must not be opened. It must be submitted in a sealed state.