If you want to do something your current status does not cover, such as moving from study to a job, you must get a change of status permit (체류자격 변경허가) before you start the new activity. You apply at your local immigration office or on HiKorea while your current stay is still valid. Starting first and applying later is a criminal offence.
Key facts
| Who | Registered foreigners whose main activity is changing (study to work, work to family, and so on) |
| When | Before the new activity starts, and before your current period of stay ends |
| Where | Immigration office for your address, or HiKorea e-application for eligible types |
| Fee | ₩100,000; ₩200,000 for permanent residence (F-5); 20% off online |
| Penalty | Up to 3 years in prison or ₩30 million; standard fines from ₩500,000 |
| Help | 1345 (20 languages) |
Which permit do you need?
Korea has four different permits that people often mix up. Choosing the right one saves a trip.
| Your situation | Permit | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Same activity, more time | Extension of stay (체류기간 연장허가) | ₩60,000 |
| Same work status, new or extra employer | Workplace change or addition (근무처 변경·추가) | ₩120,000 |
| Keep your status, add a side activity | Permit for activities outside your status (체류자격 외 활동허가) | ₩120,000 (D-2/D-4 part-time work: ₩20,000) |
| Your main activity changes | Change of status (체류자격 변경허가) | ₩100,000 (F-5: ₩200,000) |
All of these except the side-activity permit get a 20% discount when filed online. For extensions, see our extension and re-entry guide. For workplace changes, see Reporting Changes to Immigration.
Common status changes
- D-2 student to D-10 job seeker after graduation, to look for work.
- D-2 or D-10 to E-7 when you get a qualifying job offer. See our D-10 to E-7 guide.
- E-9 to E-7-4 for long-serving skilled workers who meet the points and employer conditions.
- Any long-term status to F-6 after marrying a Korean citizen.
- E or F-2 to F-5 permanent residence after the required years. See Long-Term Residency in Korea.
- F-2-7 for people who reach the pass mark in the points system.
Each target status has its own requirements, such as education, salary, Korean language level or an employer’s sponsorship. The immigration office decides each case, and meeting the checklist does not guarantee approval.
Who usually cannot change inside Korea
People who entered visa-free or on short-term statuses (B-1, B-2, C-3, C-4) are generally expected to leave and apply for the right visa at a Korean consulate abroad. Changes from these statuses are allowed only in limited cases set by the Ministry of Justice. Ask 1345 before you plan around an exception.
People with a record of overstay, illegal work, unpaid taxes, or unpaid health insurance premiums can be refused or given a shorter stay.
How to apply
- Check requirements for the target status on HiKorea or with 1345.
- Gather documents. Usually: application form, passport, residence card, a photo, the fee, and proof for the new status, such as a contract and the employer’s business registration, a degree certificate, a marriage certificate or income documents.
- Apply on HiKorea if the type is open for e-application, or book a visit.
- Wait for the decision before starting the new activity. Your old status still sets what you may do in the meantime.
- Update your card. If approved, your new status and period are recorded, and a new card is issued if needed.
Apply while you still have plenty of time left on your current stay. If you apply on time, you may remain in Korea while the application is being processed, but you still cannot start the new activity early.
What happens if you skip the permit
Doing the activity of another status without permission is punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a ₩30 million fine (art. 94). Most first cases end with a fine notice. The standard amounts start at ₩500,000 for under 1 month and rise to ₩5 million at 6 months to 1 year. Immigration may also cancel your stay or order you to leave, and future visas can be refused.
A D-2 graduate gets an E-7 offer and starts work the next Monday, planning to apply "this month".
Every day of work before approval is work outside his status. The safe order is: offer, application, approval, first day at work.
Common questions
Can I work while my change of status is pending?
Not in the new job. Only activities allowed by your current status are legal until approval.
My stay expires next week. Should I extend or change?
If you qualify for the new status now, apply for the change before the expiry date. If you are unsure, call 1345 so you do not miss the deadline for either one.
Do I need a new residence card?
Your registration number stays the same. Immigration updates your record, and a new card is issued when the status on it changes.
Can my family change with me?
Dependants (F-3, or family on F statuses) usually apply for their own change at the same time, linked to your new status.
Official sources
This guide explains the general rules as of the date above. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the office named here (or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center) before an important decision. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.