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Kang & Kriel Recruitment
Overseas Korean
The F-4 (Overseas Korean) visa is issued to ethnic Koreans living abroad who previously held Korean nationality or have direct lineage to Korean nationals. F-4 holders can work in most professional and office positions but are restricted from simple labor. The maximum stay is 3 years, with duration potentially varying based on Korean language proficiency.
The F-4 (Overseas Korean) visa is issued to ethnic Koreans living abroad who previously held Korean nationality or have direct lineage to Korean nationals. F-4 holders can work in most professional and office positions but are restricted from simple labor. The maximum stay is 3 years, with duration potentially varying based on Korean language proficiency.
대상 Target Audience
Proof of ethnic Korean heritage: history of Korean nationality or proof of direct lineage to Korean nationals
Proof of ethnic Korean heritage: history of Korean nationality or proof of direct lineage to Korean nationals
Criminal background check (from home country; domestic if prior Korean stay)
Criminal background check (from home country; domestic if prior Korean stay)
Korean language requirement: TOPIK Level 2 or higher, or KIIP Stage 2 or above completion
Korean language requirement: TOPIK Level 2 or higher, or KIIP Stage 2 or above completion
면제 가능 Exemption Available
Valid foreign passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity)
Valid foreign passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity)
Apply for F-4 visa at consulate
Stay Period Extension (up to 3 years)
Stay Period Extension (up to 3 years)
Domestic Residence Report (replaces alien registration)
Domestic Residence Report (replaces alien registration)
| 절차 Action | 수수료 Fee | 처리 기간 Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
Apply for F-4 visa at consulate Apply for F-4 visa at consulate | 단수 60,000원 / 복수 별도 | 1-4주 |
Status change from another visa to F-4 Status change from another visa to F-4 | 100,000원 | 2-4주 |
Stay Period Extension (up to 3 years) Stay Period Extension (up to 3 years) | 60,000원 | 2-3주 |
Domestic Residence Report (replaces alien registration) Domestic Residence Report (replaces alien registration) | 무료 | -- |
Restricted employment violation: F-4 holders are prohibited from working in simple labor or other restricted job categories. Violations may result in visa cancellation and deportation.
Restricted employment violation: F-4 holders are prohibited from working in simple labor or other restricted job categories. Violations may result in visa cancellation and deportation.
대응방안 Mitigation
Before starting work, verify whether the job category is restricted for F-4. For non-professional work, obtain an employment activity acknowledgment from the local immigration office.
Before starting work, verify whether the job category is restricted for F-4. For non-professional work, obtain an employment activity acknowledgment from the local immigration office.
Criminal convictions may result in extension denial or status cancellation.
Criminal convictions may result in extension denial or status cancellation.
대응방안 Mitigation
Consult a legal professional immediately if legal issues arise.
Consult a legal professional immediately if legal issues arise.
Stay period granted may vary based on Korean language ability. Low TOPIK scores may result in only a 1-year extension.
Stay period granted may vary based on Korean language ability. Low TOPIK scores may result in only a 1-year extension.
대응방안 Mitigation
Consider improving your TOPIK score or completing the KIIP program before applying for extension.
Consider improving your TOPIK score or completing the KIIP program before applying for extension.
What types of employment are allowed and prohibited with an F-4 visa?
F-4 holders can work in most professional and office positions but are generally prohibited from simple labor jobs (factory production, construction labor, basic agricultural work, etc.). However, in some regions and sectors, immigration office approval may allow exceptions.
F-4 holders can work in most professional and office positions but are generally prohibited from simple labor jobs (factory production, construction labor, basic agricultural work, etc.). However, in some regions and sectors, immigration office approval may allow exceptions.
What level of Korean is required for an F-4 visa?
TOPIK Level 2 or above, or completion of KIIP Stage 2 or above is required. Exemptions apply for those aged 60+, graduates of Korean 4-year universities, or those with prior F-4 status.
TOPIK Level 2 or above, or completion of KIIP Stage 2 or above is required. Exemptions apply for those aged 60+, graduates of Korean 4-year universities, or those with prior F-4 status.
What are the requirements for transitioning from F-4 to F-5 (permanent residence)?
Requirements include 2 or more years of domestic stay, basic qualifications (KIIP completion or TOPIK), proof of financial sustainability, and good conduct (no criminal record).
Requirements include 2 or more years of domestic stay, basic qualifications (KIIP completion or TOPIK), proof of financial sustainability, and good conduct (no criminal record).
1-2개월
사증민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼
법무부 출입국·외국인정책본부 [260319]
체류민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼
법무부 출입국·외국인정책본부 [260319]
하이코리아 출입국·외국인정책 안내
출입국·외국인정책본부 [online]
이 정보는 법률 자문이 아닌 일반 정보 제공 목적으로 작성되었습니다. 출입국 법령과 심사 기준은 수시로 변경될 수 있으므로, 최종 확인은 관할 출입국관리사무소 또는 대한민국 재외공관에 문의하시기 바랍니다.
This information is provided for general guidance only, not as legal advice. Immigration regulations and review criteria are subject to change at any time. For definitive answers, please consult the relevant immigration office or Korean embassy/consulate.