Korea Change of Visa Status Guide (2026)
Plans change in Korea — a student graduates and gets a job, a job seeker lands an offer, a worker marries a Korean. Sometimes you can switch your visa from inside the country; sometimes you have to leave and apply from abroad. Getting that distinction wrong can cost you your lawful status. This page explains which changes are commonly possible in-country, the HiKorea steps, the fee, and the timing — honestly, with the official sources that decide each case.
Two different things: change of status vs extension
It helps to separate two ideas. A change of status means switching to a different visa type (for example student to worker). An extension means keeping the same visa type for longer — see our visa extension guide for that. This page is about changing the type.
Which changes are commonly done in-country
Some status changes are frequently handled inside Korea through immigration; others generally require leaving and re-applying from abroad. The examples below are widely reported as commonly possible in-country — but possibility depends on your exact case, and rules change, so never assume.
Student to job seeker / worker
Work to family / residency
Language student to degree student
The HiKorea steps
The general path for an in-country change is below. The exact documents depend entirely on the new status you are moving to.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Check eligibility | Confirm your specific change is allowed in-country on HiKorea or via 1345 |
| 2. Book an appointment | Reserve a visit slot at your district immigration office via HiKorea |
| 3. Prepare documents | Gather the documents required for the new status (these differ by visa) |
| 4. Apply & pay the fee | Attend (or apply online where eligible) and pay the change-of-status fee |
Steps and documents are set officially and change. Confirm the current process for your specific change on HiKorea or by calling 1345 before booking.
Fee & timing
A change of status inside Korea commonly involves a government fee reported around KRW 130,000 (separate from extension or residence-card fees), and processing is commonly reported at around 2 to 3 weeks, varying by office and season. Apply before your current status expires to stay lawful. These figures are set officially and change — verify the current fee and timing on HiKorea.
A caution on jobs and circumstances
Many visas are tied to a specific employer or purpose. Changing jobs, employers, or your circumstances may require reporting to immigration or a formal change of status — not a free move. Doing the wrong thing can affect your lawful stay. When in doubt, contact immigration before you act. After a change, if you stay over 90 days you must keep your Residence Card (ARC) current.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change status without leaving Korea?
Sometimes — changes like D-2 to D-10, D-10 to E-7, or into certain F-series statuses are commonly done in-country, but not every change is allowed. Confirm your exact change on HiKorea before assuming.
How do I apply?
Generally book an appointment at your district immigration office via HiKorea, prepare the documents for the new status, and attend in person (or apply online where eligible). Confirm steps on HiKorea.
How much does it cost?
Commonly a government fee reported around KRW 130,000, separate from extension or card fees. Fees change — verify the current amount on HiKorea or via 1345.
How long does it take?
Commonly around 2-3 weeks, varying by office and season. Apply before your current status expires to stay lawful.
What if I change jobs?
Some visas are tied to a specific employer or purpose, so changing jobs may need reporting or a change of status. Confirm with immigration before acting.