A foreign parent who raised the child born to the Korean spouse in Korea until adulthood after the marriage ended can apply to change to Resident (F-2) if they are lawfully staying as F-6-2 on the application date and have stayed in Korea continuously for 5 years or more under F-6-1, F-6-2 and F-6-3. The application window runs from 4 months before the child becomes an adult under the Civil Act until the F-6-2 stay expiry date, and conduct, livelihood (40% of the standard median income) and basic literacy (Social Integration Program Level 4 or higher hours) are checked.
Key Summary
- Eligible: F-6-2 parent who raised the child in Korea until adulthood
- Stay: 5 years or more continuously under F-6-1, F-6-2 and F-6-3, and a life base in Korea for both parent and child
- Timing: from 4 months before the child becomes an adult under the Civil Act until the F-6-2 expiry date
- Settlement requirements: good conduct, livelihood (40% of the median income), basic literacy (Social Integration Program Level 4 or higher)
1. What kind of change is this?
A procedure for a foreign parent who raised the child born to the Korean spouse in Korea until adulthood after the marriage ended to change to Resident (F-2) status.
2. What are the qualifications?
- Lawfully staying as child-rearing (F-6-2) on the application date
- Stayed in Korea continuously for 5 years or more as spouse of a national (F-6-1), child-rearing (F-6-2) or marriage-terminated (F-6-3)
- For both applicant and child, time spent abroad within 5 years before the application must not exceed time spent in Korea
- Living with the child is regarded as actually raising the child
3. When can I apply?
From 4 months before the child becomes an adult under the Civil Act until the expiry date of the F-6-2 stay.
4. How are income and basic literacy assessed?
The settlement requirements are good conduct, livelihood (40% of the standard median income) and basic literacy (Social Integration Program Level 4 or higher hours). If the applicant or the child has a “serious illness” or “serious disability,” the livelihood requirement is waived. The income amount changes yearly, so check the current notice.
5. Which documents are submitted?
- Passport, standard photo, fee, integrated application form, proof of address
- Child’s resident registration and proof of child-rearing expenses (if needed, credit card history, messages with the child, confirmations from others)
- Income certificate (add objective evidence such as pay records or sales and expense documents if insufficient; waiver cases add serious illness or disability documents)
- Basic literacy documents such as the Social Integration Program certificate (completion certificates and KINAT or KIPRAT pass certificates are also accepted)
6. Common problems
- Missing the window so the F-6-2 expiry date passes
- Long periods abroad within the 5 years failing the life-base requirement
- Delays in preparing basic literacy documents
7. How 비전행정사사무소 (Vision Administrative Office) can help
We check whether you qualify and the filing timing, and guide the document list and filing steps. We do not represent clients in lawsuits or court proceedings (outside the scope of an administrative agent).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does F-6-2 end when the child becomes an adult?
The manual guides child-rearing parents who meet the requirements to apply for a change to Resident (F-2).
From when can I apply?
From 4 months before the child becomes an adult under the Civil Act until the F-6-2 expiry date.
How long must I have stayed?
Continuously for 5 years or more under F-6-1, F-6-2 and F-6-3.
What is the income standard?
40% of the standard median income; waived if the applicant or the child has a serious illness or disability.
How is basic literacy proven?
With documents such as the Social Integration Program certificate; completion certificates and KINAT or KIPRAT pass certificates are also accepted.
Related Guides
Consultation
비전행정사사무소 (Vision Administrative Office) is an administrative office that supports document preparation and filing with the authorities. Fees vary by case and are explained during a consultation. Phone 02-363-2251 · Contact: https://f6visa.com/en/contact