A foreign national who, while staying in Korea, comes to stay without a status because of losing or renouncing Korean nationality or a similar reason must obtain a status within 30 days of the date of that event. If the purpose of stay is marriage migration, for example continuing married life with a Korean spouse, Marriage Migrant (F-6) can be granted, and the documents and grant period follow those for a change of status.
Key Summary
- Deadline: obtain a status within 30 days of losing or renouncing nationality or a similar event (Immigration Act)
- F-6 can be granted to: persons who lost Korean nationality while staying in Korea, and US Forces Korea members discharged in Korea, each according to the purpose of stay
- Documents and grant period: follow those for a change of status
- For reference (F-6-1 change-of-status standard): within 1 year, documents follow the F-6-1 visa issuance documents (some may be added or omitted); how this applies to a status grant is confirmed case by case
- The period of stay is in principle granted within the passport’s validity
1. Why is a grant of status needed?
If you lose or renounce Korean nationality while in Korea, from that point you are a foreign national staying without a status. The Immigration Act requires such a person to obtain a status within 30 days of the date of the event. Under the same provision, a foreign national born in Korea without a status must obtain one within 90 days of birth.
2. Who can be granted Marriage Migrant (F-6)?
A person who lost Korean nationality while staying in Korea is granted Marriage Migrant (F-6) according to the purpose of stay. Because F-6 has the following sub-codes, first work out which one fits your situation.
- F-6-1: a foreigner whose marriage is validly established in both parties’ countries and who wishes to stay in Korea to continue married life with a Korean national
- F-6-2: a father or mother who raises, or intends to raise, in Korea a minor child born of a marriage (including a de facto marriage) with a Korean national after the marriage ended
- F-6-3: a person who stayed in Korea while married to a Korean national and cannot maintain a normal marriage because of the spouse’s death or disappearance or another reason not attributable to them
3. Does this cover US Forces Korea members discharged in Korea?
Yes. US Forces Korea members discharged in Korea are also granted Marriage Migrant (F-6) according to the purpose of stay. For example, consider this procedure if, after discharge in Korea, you wish to continue married life with a Korean spouse.
4. How are the documents and grant period decided?
The documents and grant period follow those for a change of status. For reference, the change-of-status standards for each Marriage Migrant (F-6) sub-code are listed below; how they apply in detail to a status grant needs to be confirmed with the immigration office case by case.
- Spouse of a Korean national (F-6-1): grant within 1 year, issued by the head of the immigration office; documents follow the F-6-1 visa issuance documents, and some may be added or omitted during intake and screening
- Child-Rearing (F-6-2): grant of 1 year
- Marriage Breakdown (F-6-3): grant of 1 year
Also, because Marriage Migrant (F-6) is a status that allows employment, when applying for a grant of status you report your occupation and annual income through the foreigner occupation report and the annual income field of the integrated application form.
5. Does passport validity affect the grant period?
Yes. For grants of status, extensions of stay, changes of status and similar applications, the principle is that the period of stay is granted within the passport’s validity. The maximum that can be granted at one time under Marriage Migrant (F-6) is 3 years, but if your passport expires sooner, the grant may be limited to that range, so check in advance.
6. Common problems
- Learning of the loss of nationality late and missing the 30-day deadline
- Not working out which of F-6-1, F-6-2 or F-6-3 fits your purpose of stay
- Starting preparation without checking which change-of-status documents apply
- A short remaining passport validity resulting in a short grant
7. How 비전행정사사무소 (Vision Administrative Office) can help
We review how the nationality was lost and your current family situation to identify the sub-code that matches your purpose of stay, organize the applicable document list and guide the application and filing. We do not represent clients in lawsuits or court proceedings concerning nationality or family relations (outside the scope of an administrative agent).
Frequently Asked Questions
By when must I obtain a status after losing nationality?
Within 30 days of the date of the loss or renunciation of nationality or similar event.
Which status can I get after losing nationality?
A person who lost nationality while staying in Korea can be granted Marriage Migrant (F-6) according to the purpose of stay. If you are continuing married life with a Korean spouse, consider F-6-1.
Which documents are submitted?
They follow those for a change of status. For reference, an F-6-1 change of status uses the F-6-1 visa issuance documents; the specific documents for a status grant need to be confirmed with the immigration office case by case.
How long is the grant?
It follows the change of status. For reference, the change-of-status standards are within 1 year for F-6-1 and 1 year for F-6-2 and F-6-3, granted within the passport’s validity. The specific period needs to be confirmed with the immigration office case by case.
I was discharged from US Forces Korea in Korea. Does this apply?
US Forces Korea members discharged in Korea can also be granted Marriage Migrant (F-6) according to the purpose of stay.
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