Korea F-3 Accompanying Person Visa: Complete Guide 2026 — Eligibility, Documents & Work Rights
The F-3 (Accompanying Person) visa allows the spouse and minor children of foreign nationals lawfully residing in Korea to live together as a family. It is the standard way for dependents of E-7, E-1, D-8, and other long-term visa holders to join their family member in Korea.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is the F-3 Visa?
- 2. Eligibility: Which Visa Holders Can Sponsor F-3?
- 3. Required Documents
- 4. Application Process
- 5. Stay Period and Extension
- 6. Work Authorization
- 7. Transitioning from F-3 to Other Statuses
- 8. F-3 vs F-1 vs F-6 Comparison
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. Consultation
1. What Is the F-3 Visa? {#section-1}
F-3 is the "Accompanying Person" status under Korea's Immigration Act. It is issued to the spouse and minor children of foreign nationals who are lawfully residing in Korea, allowing the family to live together in Korea.
Key features:
- Dependent visa tied to the primary visa holder's status
- Applies to spouse and minor children only (parents, siblings, etc. → F-1)
- Employment generally not permitted (separate permit required for limited work)
- Stay period is limited to the primary visa holder's duration
2. Eligibility: Which Visa Holders Can Sponsor F-3? {#section-2}
F-3 can be sponsored by foreign nationals holding the following visa types:
| Primary Visa | F-3 Available |
|---|---|
| E-1 (Professor) | Yes |
| E-2 (Native English Teacher) | Yes |
| E-3 (Research) | Yes |
| E-4 (Technology Guidance) | Yes |
| E-5 (Professional Occupation) | Yes |
| E-6 (Arts/Entertainment) | Limited (subject to review) |
| E-7 (Designated Activities) | Yes |
| D-7 (Intra-Company Transfer) | Yes |
| D-8 (Corporate Investment) | Yes |
| D-9 (Trade/Business Management) | Yes |
| F-2 (Residency) | Yes |
| F-4 (Overseas Korean) | Yes |
Note: If the primary visa holder is on a short-term visa (B, C-3, etc.) or a D-2/D-4 student visa, F-3 is generally not available.
3. Required Documents {#section-3}
Common Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa application form | Korean embassy/consulate or MOJ format |
| Original passport | At least 6 months validity |
| Photo | 3.5×4.5cm |
| Marriage certificate or birth certificate | Proving spousal or parent-child relationship (notarized or apostilled) |
| Copy of primary visa holder's foreign registration card | |
| Primary visa holder's employment certificate or residency status confirmation |
Additional Documents for Children
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Notarized or apostilled |
| Proof of parent-child relationship | Family registry, etc. |
4. Application Process {#section-4}
- Prepare family relationship documents — Notarize or apostille marriage/birth certificates
- Apply at Korean embassy/consulate — If the dependent is abroad or Apply for status change at immigration office — If already in Korea
- Document review — Typically 5–10 business days
- Visa issuance or status change approval
- Foreign national registration — Within 90 days of entry
5. Stay Period and Extension {#section-5}
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial stay period | Same as or shorter than the primary visa holder's stay |
| Extension | Renewed together with the primary visa holder's renewal |
| Maximum stay | Within the primary visa holder's authorized stay |
If the primary visa holder leaves Korea or loses their status, F-3 extension may be denied.
6. Work Authorization {#section-6}
F-3 does not permit employment by default.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Default work authorization | Not permitted |
| Part-time work | Possible with a separate part-time work permit |
| Working without a permit | Violation of the Immigration Act (grounds for deportation and visa cancellation) |
If an F-3 spouse wants to work in Korea, they must either:
- Apply separately for a part-time work permit, or
- Change to a work-eligible status such as E-7
7. Transitioning from F-3 to Other Statuses {#section-7}
F-3 can transition to various other statuses depending on circumstances.
| Situation | Transition Path |
|---|---|
| Secured employment in Korea | Change to E-7, E-2, or other work status |
| Marriage to a Korean national | F-6 Marriage Immigration |
| Meets long-term residency requirements | F-2-7 points-based residency or F-5 permanent residency |
| Plans to study in Korea | D-2 (student) or D-4 (language training) |
8. F-3 vs F-1 vs F-6 Comparison {#section-8}
| F-3 Accompanying | F-1 Family Visit | F-6 Marriage Immigration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary target | Spouse/children of specific visa holders | Family cohabitation in Korea | Foreign nationals married to Korean citizens |
| Work authorization | Not permitted by default (separate permit required) | Not permitted by default (separate permit required) | Permitted without separate authorization |
| Sponsor requirement | Holder of a specific work/investment visa | Family member lawfully in Korea | Korean national spouse |
| Independence | Tied to primary visa holder | Relatively independent | Independent |
| Path to PR | F-5 (indirect) | F-5 (indirect) | F-5-2 (direct) |
9. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-9}
Q. Can the spouse of an E-7 visa holder come to Korea on F-3? A. Yes. The spouse of an E-7 holder can stay in Korea on F-3 (Accompanying Person) status. Required documents include a notarized marriage certificate and a copy of the primary holder's foreign registration card.
Q. Can I work part-time on F-3 in Korea? A. F-3 does not permit employment by default. To work part-time, you must apply for a separate part-time work permit. Working without it violates the Immigration Act and may result in deportation.
Q. My husband is on a D-2 student visa. Can I get F-3? A. D-2 (Student) and D-4 (Language Training) visa holders are not eligible to sponsor F-3. If family cohabitation is needed, consider F-1 (Family Visit) or a discretionary MOJ approval.
Q. Can I change from F-3 to F-6 while in Korea? A. Yes — once you have legally married a Korean national while on F-3 status, you can apply to change to F-6 (Marriage Immigration).
Q. Can an F-3 spouse accumulate F-2-7 points and get permanent residency independently? A. Yes — F-3 stay periods are included in F-2-7 point calculations. If you accumulate 80 or more points (Korean language, income, stay duration, etc.), you can apply for F-2-7 residency and then proceed to F-5 permanent residency.
10. Consultation {#section-10}
F-3 visa preparation depends on the primary visa holder's visa type, how the family relationship is documented, and any plans for future employment or permanent residency. Consulting together with the primary visa holder's renewal or F-2-7/F-5 planning makes the process more efficient.
Vision Administrative Office provides support for F-3 visa applications and renewals, F-6 marriage immigration transitions, F-2-7 residency planning, and F-5 permanent residency.
Free consultation: 02-363-2251
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