If you entered on an F-6-1 (90-day) visa, you must apply for the extension of stay and alien registration together at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your address within 90 days after arrival. The first permit runs from the entry date for 1 year; the manual says nationals of the 7 International Marriage Guidance Program countries who complete the early adaptation program after arrival receive 2 years at registration, and those who do not receive stay in 6-month units up to 2 years from entry.
Key Summary
- When: within 90 days after arrival, at the office with jurisdiction over your address
- Permitted stay: 1 year from entry (for the 7 program countries, 2 years if the early adaptation program is completed; otherwise 6-month units up to 2 years)
- Documents: application form, passport, photo, fee, the Korean spouse's detailed marriage certificate and resident registration certificate, foreigner occupation report, proof of residence
- Add the child's family relation certificate if you have a child
1. What must I do within 90 days of arrival?
If you entered on an F-6-1 (90-day) visa, apply for extension of stay and alien registration at the office (branch office) with jurisdiction over your address within 90 days of arrival.
2. How is the permitted stay decided?
The first permit is 1 year from the entry date. The manual says nationals of the 7 countries covered by the International Marriage Guidance Program (China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia) who complete the early adaptation program after arrival get 2 years at registration, while non-completers get 6-month units up to 2 years from entry.
3. Which documents should I prepare?
- Application form (Form No. 34), passport, one standard photo, fee
- The Korean spouse's detailed marriage relation certificate and resident registration certificate
- The child's family relation certificate if a child was born to the couple
- Foreigner occupation report
- Proof of residence (lease, accommodation confirmation, notice of stay expiry mail, utility payment receipt, dormitory fee receipt, etc.)
4. How are later extensions handled?
Those staying under F-6-1 are eligible for extension, and if raising a child born with the Korean spouse, up to 3 years may be granted, the manual says. The period depends on the review.
5. Points to watch
- Prepare the booking and documents right after arrival so the 90-day deadline is not missed
- Check the proof-of-residence address matches the alien registration address
- Check the condition of documents showing the couple lives together
6. Common problems
- Not realizing the 90 days are passing and filing late
- Delay because proof of residence could not be obtained
- Missing filing forms such as the foreigner occupation report
7. How Vision Administrative Office can help
We review the document list and proof-of-residence preparation matched to your schedule right after arrival. We do not handle litigation or court representation (outside the scope of an administrative scrivener).
Official Basis
"Apply for extension of stay and alien registration at the office with jurisdiction over your address within 90 days of entry on an F-6-1 (90-day) visa." — Residence Manual by Status, Marriage Migrant (F-6), Spouse of a National (F-6-1), initial extension (summarized from the Korean original)
"Nationals of the 7 International Marriage Guidance Program countries who complete the early adaptation program after arrival: 2 years at alien registration; non-completers: 6-month units up to 2 years from entry."
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
By when must I register after arrival?
If you entered on an F-6-1 (90-day) visa, apply for extension of stay and alien registration within 90 days after arrival.
How long is the first permitted stay?
1 year from entry; nationals of the 7 program countries may receive 2 years if they complete the early adaptation program.
What if I skip the early adaptation program?
The manual says non-completers get stay in 6-month units up to 2 years from entry.
What counts as proof of residence?
A lease, accommodation confirmation, notice of stay expiry mail, utility receipt, dormitory fee receipt, etc.
Do documents change if we have a child?
If a child was born to the couple, also submit the child's family relation certificate.
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