
Steps for applying for an F-4 Visa
- Call Korean consulate. Check if there are any recent changes or updates to the F-4 visa process.
- Renounce Korean Citizenship (if applicable) You should make sure that you/your parent (s) have renounced citizenship from Korea. ...
- Find your family registry. Make sure that it indicates you are no longer a citizen of South Korea. ...
- Find Birth certificate. If you are a Canadian citizen, the long-form birth certificate is required (which contains both of your parents’ names, where they were born in Korea, etc.)
- Passport. Make sure your passport will not expire for at least two years.
- Passport photos. Be sure to get at least two.
- Fill out the visa application form
- Visit the Korean consulate. Make an appointment with your local Korean Consulate. Usually, it takes about 2-3 days to process the visa. ...
- You can apply for a visa at the Korean Consulate in person or by mail. ...
- Once you submit the required documents, the visa processing takes 14 days.
- Upon your visa application, you may be asked to submit additional documents.
Can a F4 visa holder get a job in Korea?
o F-4 Overseas Korean visa holder is not allowed to get a job in the field of simple labor service or activities against virtuous public customs. 2. Ineligibility o A Korean male who formally renounced Korean nationality after May 1st, 2018 without performing Korean military service.
What is an F-4 visa?
The F-4 visa, otherwise known as the gyopo (교포) visa, is a special visa for people of Korean descent. To qualify for an F-4 Visa, you must be 22 years old, and If you qualify for an F-4 visa, hooray! The F-4 visa has way more privileges and a far simpler application process than the other visas. Here are some other reasons to love the F-4 visa:
How long can a child stay in Korea on an F-1 visa?
If the child is an unmarried minor and his parent is continuously residing in Korea for more than 3 years, the child can extent his F-1 visa until the age of 24. If an F-4 visa holder intends to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, he must report his residence in Korea within 90 days from the entry.
Is it easy to get a job in South Korea?
If you are an F4 Visa holder in South Korea, you have the same entitlements and liberties as a citizen of the Korean republic. Hence, having this visa makes it easy to get a job in any enterprise or company in the country. The Korean Department of Immigrationand the Korean Department of Consular Affairs(Korean Consulates) issues this visa.

Who is eligible for F4 visa Korea?
▶ A Korean male who did not complete Korean military service and was 18 years old and above when he became a foreign citizen before May 1st, 2018. . Document(s) to prove that one or both parent(s) is/are foreign citizen or has permanent residency in foreign country.
How long does it take to get a F4 visa?
between 1 and 10 yearsF4 Visa Processing Time Since the number of F4 visas that are issued every year is limited, the processing time is generally long. It could take anywhere between 1 and 10 years to get your visa processed.
How can I apply for F4 visa?
How to apply for the F4 visa?The US Citizen petitions for their adult child, spouse, and minor children to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)When the petition is approved, the adult child and their family must apply to a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
What can you do with F4 visa Korea?
Also, unlike other types of Korean visa, there is almost no limit to the area where you can legally work in Korea. The F4 holder is only prohibited to work in the area of unskilled labor and certain business that is against the social order.
What is the current date for F4?
How did the Final Action Date move in the past few months?F4LatestVisa Bulletin Date:Sep 2022Chargeability:allCountriesFinal Action Date:Mar 22, 2007Movement:None
Can F4 visa be denied?
What to Do If Your Sibling is Denied an F4 Visa. If your sibling falls under any of the following grounds of inadmissibility—among other reasons—they will be denied a sibling green card: Criminal grounds. Security and espionage grounds.
How long does F4 visa Last Korea?
5 yearsGeneral Information. F-4 Overseas Korean Visa is a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years and the sojourn period for 2 years. The F-4 Visa holder should apply for a Resident Card(거소증) at the local Immigration Office in Korea before 90 days.
Can you work on F4 visa?
An F4 visa holder may: be authorized to live and work in the U.S. without having to secure an employment authorization document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS)
What is F4 visa category?
The F4 visa is a fourth category Preference Relative visa designed for the siblings of U.S. citizens, their spouses, and unmarried children under the age of 21. To be eligible to sponsor a sibling for an immigrant visa, the U.S. citizen must be at least 21 years old and have a valid address in the United States.
Can I expedite F4 visa?
NVC expedite requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the State Department says that expedite requests are for medical emergencies , hardships , financial grounds, child Age out etc . If an expedite request is denied, the application will continue to process at the regular speed.
Can we expedite F4 visa?
If a visa is not available, unfortunately there is nothing that NVC can do to expedite the petition. Immigrant visa processing is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended, which controls availability of visas.
How do I check my U.S. F4 status?
Call USCIS customer service In case you want to check status of F4 visa application but don't have time to track online, you can call the USCIS multi-national customer service center directly for assistance. Please note that the center only supports F4 visa-related services.
How long it takes to petition brothers or sisters?
After you've filled out Form I-130 and submitted it to the USCIS, all you can do is wait to hear back from them. If you've submitted everything correctly and accurately, the application will be approved. This usually takes somewhere between 2 to 5 years. But the waiting time may further extend in some cases.
How old do you have to be to get an F-4 visa?
To qualify for an F-4 Visa, you must be 22 years old, and. Have been born in Korea or. Be an immediate family member of someone born in Korea. If you qualify for an F-4 visa, hooray! The F-4 visa has way more privileges and a far simpler application process than the other visas. Here are some other reasons to love the F-4 visa:
What to do if you were adopted in Korea?
If you were adopted, contact G.O.A.L, a non-profit organization that aids Korean adoptees. They will be able to tell you the agency through which you were adopted,and help you obtain copies of your family registry. This is especially helpful if youdon’t have your original adoption certificate. G.O.A.L. also has offices in Korea and can help you obtain your visa once in Korea.
How to renounce Korean citizenship?
Renounce Korean Citizenship (if applicable) You should make sure that you/your parent (s) have renounced citizenship from Korea. If not, you must first fill out the Korean nationality renunciation report with the Korean Ministry of Justice or the Korean Consulate before the visa application.You/your parent (s) should visit the nearest Korean consulate in order to renounce your/their Korean citizenship. From there,the immigration system would be updated accordingly but unfortunately, it might take up to three months to process. It may be possible for the consulate to provide you with a paper that indicates that you/your parent (s) have taken the necessary steps to renounce Korean citizenship. That way, you should be able to continue obtaining your F-4 visa.
What documents prove you were once a Korean citizen?
Documents that prove you were once a Korean citizen ( for example, a Korean family tree registry with certified removal, or a Korean birth certificate) Documents showing the reason and date you obtained foreign nationality. Other documents which are deemed to be necessary by the Ministry of Justice.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Usually, it takes about 2-3 days to process the visa. It costs $45 in cash or check, but may differ depending on where you are from. If the name on your family registry is different from your legal name, you must also bring forms documenting you/your parent’ (s) legal name change (s).
How long is a passport good for?
Passport good for at least two years.
When can a Korean male get an F-4 visa?
If a Korean male between 18 to 40 years old became naturalized another nationality after May 1st, 2018 without performing Korean military service, he will not be able to obtain an F-4 visa until the year when he becomes 41 years old.
What is an F6 visa?
General Information F6 visa is a marriage migrant visa for who married a Korean citizen. Documents to prepare A passport and an ARC Application form (attached) A photo (3.5 * 4.5) Fee (130,000 KRW) A Family relation certificate (가족관계증명서) Proof ...
What is a Korean citizen?
1) A person with a parent(s) or grandparent(s) of foreign nationality who once held Korean nationality.
How long is a Korean visa valid?
Overseas Korean Visa is a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years and the sojourn period for 2 years.
Do you have to be a foreign citizen to get a copy of your parents' passport?
Copy of one or both parents must also be a foreign citizen or permanent resident
How long does it take to get a F-4 visa?
1) F-4 Visa - you must posess a unexpired F-4 visa to be eligible to submit your application : 3 weeks. 2) Application to Recover Citizenship - once you submit your application, there is a 4~6 month. waiting period. 3) Pledge - after your Application to Recover Citizenship has been approved, you will be required to.
How long does it take to get a Korean ID number?
local Citizens’ Service Center to apply for your Korean ID number : 2 weeks.
What happens if you recover your Korean citizenship?
Korean adoptees were usually not taken as serious as a Korean national since an adoptee did not have voting rights. As a F-4 visa holder, you are eligible to enroll in the National Health Insurance plan (NHIC); however, at a higher premium. Once you recover your Korean citizenship, usually your premium is reduced substantially without losing any benefits.
How to cancel Korean nationality?
There are some adoptees that still have their Korean Passport or come to realize their Korean resident ID number has not been deactivated. The cancelation of Korean Nationality, passport and resident ID number was automatic under the Nationality Act, Article 15 (2)2 (Loss of Nationality by Attainment of Foreign Nationality). If you do not sign this document, you will not be eligible to apply for the F-4 visa; however, by not signing this document, does not preserve your Korean Nationality.
How long can an adoptee stay in Korea?
If an adoptee wishes to reside in the Republic of Korea for 90 days to 3 years, the F-4 visa should be obtained.
How long is a passport valid?
2) Passport, original AND submit copy only, must be valid for more than 3 years.
Can a foreigner get a credit card in Korea?
As a F-4 visa holder or foreigner, access to websites in Korea can be difficult. Having a Korean ID number grants you easier access to the in Korea. Often financial insitutions or telecommunications companies introduce certain policies which are directed against foreign nationals. A Korean national will not be affected by such policies. A foreign national does not have any kind of credit within Korea and it is often difficult to obtain a credit card.
What documents are required for F4 heritage?
Further explanation of necessary F4 heritage documents. A person who had Korean nationality before acquiring a foreign nationality might be required to show any or all of the following: Korean family register (removal), and other documents proving the fact that he or she had a Korean nationality.
What documents are needed to prove you were born in Korea?
If you were born in Korea: Documents that prove you were once a Korean citizen (for example, a Korean family tree registry with certified removal, or a Korean birth certificate) Documents showing the reason and date you obtained foreign nationality. Other documents which are deemed to be necessary by the Ministry of Justice.
How long is a passport good for?
Passport good for at least two years.

What Is Overseas Korean Visa (F-4)?
- The overseas Korean Visa (F-4) is a multiple entry visa. This visa is for a Korean who had obtained foreign citizenship and his/her foreign lineal descent.
Benefits
- The F-4 visa is the most versatile resident visa next to the Korean permanent resident visa. This visa was originally introduced to provide the overseas Korean descendants with almost the same level of residential benefits as Korean nationals enjoy in Korea. Thus, the initial term of permitted stay is 3 years, and you can easily extend it. Also, unlike other types of Korean visa, there is alm…
Eligibility
- ① Any foreign national who once had Korean citizenship by birth ② Any foreign descent of the above person One exception to this applies to a male applicant. A male individual who had renounced Korean citizenship or voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship after May 1, 2018 is unable to apply for F-4 until either (i) his duty of Korean military service is fully performed or waiv…
Required Documents
- For Those Who Were once Korean Citizens
1. A document that certifies his/her past Korean citizenship such as a copy of the Korean Family Relation Certificate 2. A document that certifies the acquisition of foreign citizenship and its date - for whose parent or grandparent was once a Korean citizen
1. A document that certifies his/her parent or grandparent had been a Korean citizen such as a copy of the Korean Family Relation Certificate 2. A document that certifies his and his parent/grandparent’s acquisition of foreign citizenship and its dates
Visa For F-4 Holder’s Family
- If you are a spouse or a minor child of the F-4 visa holder, you are eligible to get the visiting/resident visa (F-1). If the child is an unmarried minor and his parent is continuously residing in Korea for more than 3 years, the child can extent his F-1 visa until the age of 24.
Duty to Report The Domestic Residence
- If an F-4 visa holder intends to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, he must report his residence in Korea within 90 days from the entry. If the F-4 visa holder completes the report of the domestic residence, he will receive a Korean national ID number. With this ID number, the person can do various types of transactions such as bank opening and real property purchases like any Korea…
Your Visa Requirements
- · Visa application form - download it from here · Your home country’s Passport - Your passport, along with 2 copiesof your passport photo page. · Birth certificate - The original and 2 copies. · Parent’s U.S. citizenship papers - The original along with 2copies. After you have submitted it with your Visa, you get a receipt. · Family Registration - these are of 2 different types. Two of eachar…
EssentialItems
- 1. Onepassport-type color photo (with a white background and clicked by a commercialphotographer, which is not older than 6 months). This photo must have the datestamped on its back) 2. Passport (both,original and photocopy (with a minimum validity of 6 months) 3. Visa fee:Cdn $117 (payment through cash or money order only)and Canadian citizen…
Mailing Your Application to Theconsulate?
- Hereare the mailing instructions for all those who are applyingfor the F4 visa.Crucial data for F4 Visa applications and othersof Korean heritage:
Entering, Living in and Leaving Korea
- People who obtain F4 status, are privileged in thefollowing ways: 1. They are allowed to reside in South Korea for upto 2 years and this period can be extended by filing an application. 2. They are allowed to participate in nearlyevery professional activity, except for inexperienced manual labor andspeculations. Nevertheless, to be employed in specific government job. individuals must be …
Generalinformation
- · F-4 Overseas Korean Visa is a multiple entry visa having a validityof 5 years and the stay period for 2 years. o It is mandatory for the F-4 Visa holder to apply for a ResidentCard at the Regional Immigration Office in Korea, within 90 days. · The Korean (F-4) visa holder from a foreign country is not eligibleto get a job in the sector of a simple labor service or activities againstvirtuous publi…
Ineligibility
- The following persons are ineligible for the F4 visa: · A Koreanmale between the age of 18 and 40 years, with an official dual Koreannationality after May 1st, 2018 without performing Korean military service. Hisonly chance of acquiring the F-4 visa will be after he turns 41 years old. · A Koreanmale with an age ranging between 18 and 40 years, who became anothercountry’s natur…
F-4Visa – The Renewal
- AnOverseas Korean (F-4) visa holder must get approval to expand their length ofstay if they desire to continue to be in Korea for a longer time. · As a rule, the longest you canstay in Korea is 3 years. · If you have had a history ofbreaching Korean laws, you may not be allowed to extend your stay in Korea. · The renewal will be inked onthe rear side of your current ID card.
Change/Updateof Address
- Asper the Immigration Control Act, the visa holder needs to report the change of his/herresidence not later than 14 days after shifting. Otherwise, defaulters face afine of up to 2 million Korean won (roughly equal to USD 1,900 or EUR 1,500). Anysuch change must be brought to the notice of the Immigration Office or thelocal District Office that has authority over your new residence. Validati…
Damaged,Misplaced, Stolen, Or ID Card
- Ifyou have misplaced, damaged your ID card, or it has been stolen, this should bebrought to the notice of the Immigration Office, not later than 14 days of thetheft or loss. Any breach of this process would attract penalties as high as 1million Korean won (around USD 1,000 or EUR 720). Theessential paperwork is: 1. Application 2. Onephoto (3cm x 4cm) 3. Passport 4. 30,000KRW f…
Conclusion
- Thus, in a nutshell, you have heaps of options,as far as the F-4 visa is concerned. With usat your service, you are just a clickaway to make things easier for your Korean immigration. Contact usto know more.