A foreigner lawfully staying in Korea can apply to change status to spouse of a national (F-6-1), but those who entered on a short-term visa such as visa-free (B-1) or tourist transit (B-2), illegal stayers, those granted an extension only to depart, and ordinary criminal offenders (simple fines excluded) in principle cannot change and must leave and obtain a visa at a Korean mission. If a change in Korea is judged unavoidable, for example for pregnancy, childbirth or raising a child born to the couple, the change may be allowed after review.
Key Summary
- Eligible to apply: lawful residents in Korea who want to change to F-6-1
- In principle excluded: short-term visa holders (B-1, B-2, C-1 to C-4), illegal stayers, those granted an extension to depart (grace-to-depart holders excepted), ordinary criminal offenders (simple fines excluded)
- Excluded persons leave and obtain a visa at a Korean mission before entering
- Exceptions: unavoidable cases such as pregnancy, childbirth or child-raising after review; Germans who entered visa-free (B-1) may change
1. Can I change to a marriage visa inside Korea?
Lawful residents in Korea who want to change to spouse of a national (F-6-1) are eligible for a change-of-status permit. The permitted period is within 1 year, and the documents follow those for F-6-1 visa issuance (some may be added or dropped during filing and review).
2. Who in principle cannot change?
- Short-term visa holders (visa-free B-1, tourist transit B-2, and holders of visas from temporary news coverage C-1 up to short-term employment C-4)
- Illegal stayers (including illegal entrants and those who used forged or altered passports)
- Those granted an extension to leave the country (those granted grace-to-depart are not excluded from changing)
- Ordinary criminal offenders (simple fines excluded)
- Those who obtained Other (G-1) status while in the above statuses
Holders of the working holiday visa (H-1) also cannot change to F-6.
3. What if the change is not possible?
Leave the country and enter with a visa issued at a Korean mission. In that case the visa-issuance document standards apply.
4. Are there exceptions?
If a change of status in Korea is judged unavoidable, for pregnancy, childbirth or raising a child born between the spouses (adopted children excluded), the change can be allowed after review. The manual also states that Germans who entered visa-free (B-1) can change to F-6.
5. How should documents be prepared?
Follow the F-6-1 visa-issuance documents (integrated application, invitation letter, guarantee letter, marriage, family relation and resident registration certificates, income, housing and communication documents, courtship proof) and include proof of any exemption ground.
6. Common problems
- Believing a status change is possible in Korea after entering as a tourist and registering the marriage
- Being excluded because of criminal history (simple fines excepted)
- Assuming pregnancy automatically triggers the exception (it is decided after review)
7. How Vision Administrative Office can help
We first check whether your current status is eligible and whether an exception ground exists, and sort out whether changing or leaving and re-entering fits. We do not handle litigation or court representation (outside the scope of an administrative scrivener).
Official Basis
"Those in the table below in principle cannot change status and must leave and enter with a visa issued at a Korean mission. However, if a change in Korea is judged unavoidable, for pregnancy, childbirth or raising a child born between the spouses (adopted children excluded), the change is possible after review." — Residence Manual by Status, Marriage Migrant (F-6), change of status to spouse of a national (F-6-1) (summarized from the Korean original)
"1. Short-term visa holders, 2. Illegal stayers (including illegal entrants and users of forged passports), 3. Those granted an extension to depart, 4. Ordinary criminal offenders (simple fines excluded)"
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
I entered as a tourist and registered the marriage. Can I switch to a marriage visa in Korea?
Short-term visa entrants (B-1, B-2, etc.) in principle cannot change and must leave and obtain a visa at a Korean mission. If an unavoidable reason like pregnancy exists, a change may be allowed after review.
Can I change in Korea if I am pregnant?
If a change in Korea is judged unavoidable due to pregnancy or childbirth, it may be allowed after review. It is not granted automatically.
Is there an exception for Germans?
The manual states that Germans who entered visa-free (B-1) can change to F-6.
What if I am here on a working holiday (H-1)?
Those staying under the working holiday visa (H-1) cannot change to F-6.
How long is the permitted stay on change?
Within 1 year.
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