The International Marriage Guidance Program is completed by a Korean who intends to invite a national of a country designated by the Minister of Justice (China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand) for marriage cohabitation, and its completion certificate is part of the basic F-6-1 documents. Exemption may apply if the courtship can be proven during 6 months or more in the partner's country or during 91 days or more of lawful long-term stay, or for humanitarian grounds such as pregnancy or childbirth, and exemption changes the health certificate and criminal record requirements.
Key Summary
- Covered: those inviting nationals of the designated 7 countries for marriage cohabitation (Ministry of Justice notice)
- The certificate is issued by an immigration office; exempt persons need not submit it
- Exemption: courtship proven during 6+ months in the partner's country or long-term stay in a third country / courtship proven during 91+ days of lawful long-term stay / humanitarian grounds such as pregnancy or childbirth
- Exemption also changes the foreign spouse's criminal record and health certificate requirements (a TB-related certificate is still submitted)
1. What is the program?
It aims to raise correct awareness of international marriage, reduce side effects and help build healthy multicultural families. Designated countries are set by the Minister of Justice considering marriage and divorce figures between Koreans and foreigners, nationality acquisition through marriage, and illegal stay figures.
2. Inviting a spouse from which countries requires it?
The manual lists China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Thailand (Ministry of Justice notice) as designated countries. Those who intend to invite a national of these countries for marriage cohabitation must complete it.
3. When is exemption available?
- Courtship can be proven while the invited spouse stayed 6 months or more in their own country, or continuously in a third country on a long-term visa for study, dispatch work and similar
- The foreign spouse lawfully stayed 91 days or more in a long-term status under Annex 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, and courtship with the inviting spouse can be proven
- Pregnancy, childbirth or other cases needing humanitarian consideration
4. How do documents change if exempt?
Exempt persons do not submit the completion certificate. If the Korean spouse is exempt, the foreign spouse's criminal record certificate is also exempt, and the health certificate is exempt, though a TB-related certificate must be submitted.
5. How do I prove the exemption ground?
Organize courtship material (photos, emails, entry/exit records) and residence records in time order, and check before filing whether a statement of reasons is needed. For pregnancy or childbirth, prepare matching proof.
6. Common problems
- Preparing the certificate separately although an exemption applies, delaying the schedule
- Lacking entry/exit records or residence documents to prove courtship
- Confusing the health certificate exemption with the TB certificate still being required
7. How Vision Administrative Office can help
We first check whether you are covered or exempt and organize the matching document set. We do not handle litigation or court representation (outside the scope of an administrative scrivener).
Official Basis
"Persons covered by the International Marriage Guidance Program: those who intend to invite, for marriage cohabitation, nationals of countries notified by the Minister of Justice considering marriage and divorce figures between Koreans and foreigners. Designated countries: China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand." — Residence Manual by Status, Marriage Migrant (F-6), International Marriage Guidance Program (summarized from the Korean original)
"Persons exempt from the guidance program need not submit the completion certificate."
Basis: Ministry of Justice Residence Manual by Status (as of September 2026). Immigration offices decide each case and may request additional documents; no outcome can be promised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must take the guidance program?
Those who intend to invite a national of a designated country for marriage cohabitation.
Which countries are covered?
Per the manual: China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Thailand (Ministry of Justice notice).
Do I take it if I am pregnant?
Cases recognized as needing humanitarian consideration such as pregnancy or childbirth can be exempt.
If exempt, is the health certificate skipped?
The health certificate is exempt, but the foreign spouse must submit a TB-related certificate.
Where do I get the certificate?
The manual lists immigration offices as the issuer. Check the competent office for how to complete the program.
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