Extending Your Visa in Korea: Documents, Fees and Timeline (2026)

Your permitted stay ends on the date shown on your ARC or in HiKorea. To stay longer you must apply for an extension of period of stay (체류기간 연장허가) before it expires. If you stay even one day past it without applying, it's a violation. That can mean a fine and a record that comes up in later applications.

Key facts (as of Oct 2026)

Online or office?

HiKorea e-application covers many statuses, including D-2, D-4, D-10, E-1~E-7, E-9, F-1, F-3, F-4, H-1 and H-2 (with some limits). Some statuses and complicated cases must apply in person. If yours is one of them, the system will tell you, or you can call 1345.

Online is cheaper (10,000 KRW less) and saves a day off work. In-person is safer when your case is unusual: a job gap, a school change, or previous violations.

Things that quietly cause refusals or short extensions

• Unpaid taxes or National Health Insurance premiums. Immigration notices say arrears can limit your period of stay.
• Passport expiring soon. You can't be given a stay past your passport's expiry date.
• Unreported changes. A new address, employer or school you didn't report within the deadline.

The full guide covers both application routes step by step, document checklists for the most common visa types, counter phrases, and what to do if you're refused or the deadline is close.

Step-by-step A: HiKorea e-application (전자민원)

1. Prepare login. Join HiKorea as a member and register your ARC. Some services also need a joint certificate (공동인증서) issued through your Korean bank.
2. Scan documents as clear PDFs or JPGs. Use a scanner app, not a tilted photo. Name the files clearly (e.g., enrollment_certificate.pdf).
3. HiKorea → e-Application (전자민원) → Extension of Period of Stay (체류기간연장허가) → choose your status.
4. Fill in the form. Check that your address matches your ARC. Enter your phone and email for notices.
5. Upload attachments under each required item.
6. Pay 50,000 KRW online (card or transfer).
7. Track under *My Page → e-Application Status (전자민원 현황)*. If supplements are requested (보완요청), upload them by the deadline.
8. When approved, print the permission confirmation (허가확인서) and keep it with your ARC. The stay date updates in the system.

Step-by-step B: Office visit (방문 신청)

1. HiKorea → Visit Reservation → your office → 체류기간연장.
2. Bring originals and copies of everything on the checklist.
3. Pay 60,000 KRW (F-6: 30,000 KRW) as your office directs (revenue stamp or e-payment).
4. Keep the receipt. Your stay is protected while a timely application is pending.

Common documents (everyone)

• [ ] Integrated Application Form (통합신청서, Form No. 34)
• [ ] Passport and ARC
• [ ] Proof of residence (lease, dorm certificate, or 숙소제공 확인서 + host ID)
• [ ] Fee
• [ ] Documents issued within the last 3 months

Status-specific checklists (typical; always check HiKorea's *Guide by Status of Stay* manual)

D-2 students

• Certificate of enrollment (재학증명서)
• Transcript (성적증명서). Schools and immigration apply minimum GPA and attendance standards
• Proof of funds or tuition payment, depending on school certification level
• Many universities submit extensions for their students in batches through a school staff channel (유학생 담당자 신청). Ask your international office first; it may save you the whole process.

D-10 job seekers

• Job-seeking activity plan and proof of activity: applications, interview invitations, training certificates
• Proof of funds

E-7 and other professional workers

• Employment contract covering the new period
• Employer's business registration certificate (사업자등록증) copy
• Proof of income for the past year (근로소득원천징수영수증 or 소득금액증명)
• Some cases: the employer's tax payment certificate (납세증명서), employment insurance records

F-6 marriage migrants

• Korean spouse's family relation certificate (가족관계증명서), resident registration (주민등록등본), ID copy
• Proof of continued marriage. Officers may ask about cohabitation and finances
• Spouse's guarantee form (신원보증서) if requested

F-2 / F-5 point-based or other complex categories

Requirements depend on income, KIIP completion and other criteria. Apply in person or use a licensed administrative agent (행정사). Agents charge their own fees.

Phrases for the counter or phone (1345)

• "체류기간 연장 신청하려고 해요." *(I'd like to apply for an extension of stay.)*
• "전자민원으로 가능한가요, 아니면 방문해야 하나요?" *(Can I apply online, or must I visit?)*
• "보완 서류가 필요하면 문자로 알려주시나요?" *(Will you text me if supplementary documents are needed?)*

Timeline template

Leaving Korea soon? Use the free "departure extension"

If your activities have ended but you need a little more time (for example, a trip before your flight home), you can apply for a period extension for departure (출국을 위한 기간연장허가) of up to 30 days. Bring your passport and a flight ticket showing the departure date. No fee. Processing is immediate in person or within 3 days online.

If something goes wrong

• Refused or shortened stay: ask for the reason (사유) in writing and whether you can reapply with more documents. A departure order may give you a set number of days to leave.
• Missed the deadline: go to the office immediately. Expect a fine assessment. Don't leave Korea without dealing with it first, because it can affect future entry.
• Changed job mid-stay (E-7 etc.): this may need a workplace change permission (근무처 변경허가, 120,000 KRW), not just an extension.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until the last week. Online applications close the day before expiry, and outages happen.
• Uploading phone photos of documents with glare, so a supplement request comes back.
• Arrears in health insurance: pay them on the NHIS app or at a bank first, and keep the receipt.
• An old lease that has expired and wasn't renewed in writing.
• Applying for the wrong category after switching schools or jobs, e.g. an extension when you actually need a change of status (체류자격 변경, 100,000 KRW).

*Fees as of Oct 2026 per the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act, Art. 72 (in force 2026), and the Gov24 foreigner service page. Document requirements change; check HiKorea's manual or call 1345. This is general information, not legal advice.*