Overview
F-6-1 is the most common marriage-immigration visa under Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act. It is granted to a foreign spouse whose marriage to a Korean national is legally established. The marriage must be officially registered in both Korea and the spouse's home country before the visa can be applied for.
Eligibility Requirements
- A legally valid marriage to a Korean spouse (registration completed in both countries)
- The Korean spouse (sponsor) must meet income and housing requirements
- Communication-ability standard (Korean-language proof or a verifiable shared common language, depending on the applicant's country)
- The sponsor has not invited a foreign spouse three or more times in the past
- Neither sponsor nor applicant has disqualifying records (criminal record, history of fraudulent marriage, etc.)
- Visa application form (foreign spouse)
- Passport copy and ID-style photo
- Marriage certificates from both countries (Korean family-relation and marriage certificates plus the home-country marriage certificate)
- Korean spouse's identity-guarantee letter and financial proof (income statement, employment certificate, lease agreement, etc.)
- Foreign spouse's criminal-record certificate (apostille or consular authentication)
- Health certificate
- Communication-ability evidence (when applicable)
- Wedding photographs and other evidence of a genuine relationship
Common Required Documents
Application Procedure
Processing Time
Generally 4–12 weeks, varying by country and consulate. Additional time may be required if supplemental documents are requested.