F-6-3 Humanitarian Grounds Visa
A humanitarian special residence status for foreign nationals whose marriage ended for unavoidable reasons, such as the death of the spouse or a divorce caused by the spouse (domestic violence, abandonment, etc.). However difficult your situation, Vision Administrative Office is here with you.
Is this an emergency? If you need immediate help, for example as a victim of domestic violence, please contact us right away at 02-363-2251. Your consultation is kept strictly confidential.
What Is the F-6-3 Visa?
The F-6-3 (Humanitarian Grounds) visa is a residence status granted on humanitarian grounds to a foreign national whose marriage to a Korean citizen ended through no fault of their own. It is not for an ordinary divorce; it applies to special situations in which the foreign spouse is not at fault.
Such grounds include ① the death of the Korean spouse, ② divorce due to reasons attributable to the Korean spouse (domestic violence, abandonment, refusal to provide support, etc.), and ③ other humanitarian grounds recognized by the Minister of Justice. Because a demanding process of proof is required, professional help is essential.
Eligible Grounds
Death of the spouse
When the marriage ended because the Korean spouse died. This is proven with a death certificate, Family Relationship Certificate, and similar documents.
Divorce due to domestic violence
When you divorced because of the spouse's domestic violence or abuse. Police report records, medical diagnoses, and shelter admission records serve as evidence.
Abandonment or disappearance of the spouse
When you divorced because the Korean spouse cut off contact for a long period and refused to provide support. Evidence of the loss of contact and related documents are required.
Other humanitarian grounds recognized by the Ministry of Justice
Beyond the grounds above, permission may be granted through individual review where the Minister of Justice recognizes it as necessary on humanitarian grounds.
Can I stay in Korea after divorcing my Korean spouse on an F-6 visa?
It depends on why the marriage ended. If the Korean spouse died or went missing, or the marriage ended for another reason that is not your fault, the F-6-3 (Humanitarian Grounds) status may apply; an ordinary divorce is not covered. A foreign parent who is raising, or will raise, a minor child born in the marriage to a Korean national in Korea may be eligible for F-6-2 (Child Rearing). Even if F-6-3 does not apply, a separate F-1 (Visiting and Residing) stay permit may be considered when staying in Korea is unavoidable, for example for division of property or settling household affairs, so each case needs individual review.
Required Documents
For F-6-3, the required documents vary greatly depending on the grounds. Below are the common required documents; please confirm additional documents for your grounds through a free consultation.
Marriage Relationship Certificate (showing divorce or death)
Confirms the end of the marriage and the reason
Death certificate (if applicable to death)
Proves the spouse's death, notarization required
Divorce judgment or mediation record
Proves divorce grounds attributable to the spouse (domestic violence, abandonment, etc.)
Family Relationship Certificate
Confirms your relationship with your children
Proof of harm (if applicable)
Police report receipt, medical diagnosis, shelter admission records
Proof of life in Korea
Lease agreement, health insurance enrollment confirmation
Passport copy
At least 6 months of validity remaining
Passport-size photo
Taken within 6 months, white background
In sensitive matters such as domestic violence, during document preparation a licensed administrative agent personally visits the relevant institutions or collects the documents on your behalf. Your consultation is kept strictly confidential.
Process
- 01
Assessing the type of grounds and urgency
Same day – 1 dayDepending on the type — death, divorce caused by the spouse, domestic violence, etc. — we first confirm the processing route and whether urgent action is needed. We provide immediate support when necessary.
- 02
Preparing proof of humanitarian grounds
1 – 3 weeksWe systematically assemble proof suited to each ground. Especially in cases of domestic violence or abandonment, we support the collection of records from the relevant institutions.
- 03
Special stay application
1 – 2 daysWe file the application under F-6-3 status at the immigration office. As a humanitarian special case, review criteria different from the standard procedure apply.
- 04
Stay permit and follow-up support
Varies by authorityAfter approval, we give you comprehensive guidance on your period of stay, renewal conditions, and even the possibility of later switching to F-5 permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have suffered violence from my spouse. Can I get help immediately?
Q. Does this apply if my Korean spouse suddenly cut off contact and went missing?
Q. Can I switch to permanent residency (F-5) after F-6-3?
Q. Can I stay in Korea after divorcing my Korean spouse?
Related Blog Posts
- From F-6 to F-5 Permanent Residency: Requirements, Documents and Length of Stay for Marriage Migrants (F-5-2)With 2+ years of continuous F-6 stay plus good conduct, financial means and basic knowledge, you can apply for F-5-2.
- F-6 Marriage Visa Refusal and Reapplication: The 6-Month Rule, Exceptions and What to FixAfter an F-6 refusal, reapplying with the same spouse is allowed 6 months after the refusal date. Review items, the 6-month exception and what to fix.
- Choosing an Administrative Agent for an F-6 Marriage Visa: Scope of Work, Qualifications and Advertising ChecklistWhat to check under Korean law before hiring an administrative agent for an F-6 visa: scope of work and its limits, registration and ads to avoid.