Change of Status of Stay

1. What is Change of Status of Stay?

Change of Status of Stay is the process of changing your current visa (status of stay) to a different status

 of stay.

If your purpose of stay in Korea has changed, you must obtain approval for a new status of stay in order to continue staying legally in Korea.

Examples:

• Student (D-2) → Employment (E-7)

• Visitor (F-1) → Marriage Migrant (F-6)

• Trainee (D-4) → Student (D-2)

• Short-term stay (C-3) → Long-term stay (F or E category)

2. When to Apply

You must apply for a Change of Status of Stay in the following cases:

• When your purpose of stay has changed

• Before starting new activities

• Before your current period of stay expires

※ Failure to apply after your purpose of stay has changed may result in illegal stay or unauthorized activities.

3. Who Can Apply

You may apply for a Change of Status of Stay in the following cases:

• Students who have received a job offer in Korea

• Foreign nationals who need a Marriage Migrant visa (F-6) due to marriage

• Workers who need a new status of stay due to a change of employment

• Individuals who wish to change from short-term stay to long-term stay

• Individuals changing from trainee status (D-4) to student status (D-2)

※ Approval is granted if the requirements of the Ministry of Justice are met.

4. Main Review Criteria

Immigration authorities will comprehensively review the following:

Authenticity of the purpose of stay

Eligibility for the requested status of stay

Financial capability and ability to support oneself

Reliability of submitted documents such as school, company, and family records

Criminal record, fines, or illegal stay history

Relevant requirements such as attendance and academic performance (D-2), employment contract (E-7), etc.

5. Required Documents (Basic Examples)

※ Required documents may vary depending on the status of stay.

• Passport

• Alien Registration Card (ARC)

• Application form for Change of Status of Stay

• Proof of residence

• Employment contract, certificate of enrollment, marriage certificate, etc.

• Family relationship or invitation-related documents

• Application fee

6. Processing Time

Processing usually takes approximately 2 weeks to 1 month.

(The processing time may vary depending on the type of status and the immigration office.)

7. Result After Approval

Once the Change of Status of Stay is approved, a new status of stay and period of stay will be granted.

Examples:

D-2 → E-7 approved → E-7 period of stay granted

F-1 → F-6 approved → F-6 period of stay granted

8. Services of Su (秀) Administrative Office

Su (秀) Administrative Office provides professional assistance for Change of Status of Stay applications:

• Review eligibility for Change of Status of Stay

• Pre-check qualification requirements

• Guidance and assistance with document preparation

• Preparation of application forms and statement of reasons

• Representation for immigration application submission

• Guidance on post-approval procedures

9. Why Professional Assistance is Important

Each status of stay has different requirements and documentation, and the approval outcome may 

depend on the quality of the application and supporting documents.

Professional review and preparation can increase the likelihood of approval and help prevent

 unnecessary rejection or disadvantages.

To continue staying legally in Korea, you must apply for a Change of Status of Stay or extension before 

your current period of stay expires.

※ Especially in cases involving marriage and immigration status, additional legal review may be required. Professional consultation is strongly recommended.