Overseas Korean visa (F-4): change & extension
From 2026-02-12, the H-2 visa is part of F-4. H-2 does not change by itself. You need to apply to change to F-4 before your stay ends.
Who this is for
- Overseas Koreans staying in Korea with H-2 now
- People whose F-4 stay will end soon
- People who want to move from F-4 to permanent residence (F-5)
- People who are not sure which family papers they need
Main requirements
- Papers that show you are an overseas Korean (you, a parent or a grandparent had Korean nationality)
- Your current visa and stay period are still valid (apply before it ends)
- No criminal record or other problems that block the visa
- No government fee to change from H-2 to F-4 until 2027-12-31
Documents you usually need
- Passport and residence card
- Family papers that show you are an overseas Korean (hukou, birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of address (rental contract, etc.)
- 1 photo
- Some people need more papers (criminal record papers, etc.)
Rules and documents can change and are different for each person. We check the latest rules again before you apply. (Last checked: 2026-11-05)
How it works
- 1
Free consultation
Tell us your visa now and when your stay ends.
- 2
Pre-check
We check your family papers and any problems first.
- 3
Prepare papers
We give you a list and fill in the application.
- 4
We apply for you
We book the immigration visit and submit for you.
- 5
Approval & aftercare
We tell you your next extension date and when you can apply for F-5.
How long it takes
Once your papers are ready, we usually submit in 1–2 weeks. Review time depends on the immigration office. Start 1–2 months before your stay ends.
What MyVisaStay does for you
- Check your family papers
- Fill in the application and power of attorney
- Book the visit and submit for you
- Handle requests for more papers
- Remind you of your next extension date
Every case needs different papers, so we give you a clear quote after a free consultation and pre-check. Fees you pay to the government are separate.
Questions
Does H-2 change to F-4 by itself?
No. You must apply to change to F-4. You can stay with H-2 until its maximum period, but it is safer to change early.
Is there a fee to change?
There is no government fee to change from H-2 to F-4 until 2027-12-31. Our service fee is given as a quote after the consultation.
How long can I stay with F-4?
Usually 1~3 years at a time, and you can extend it. The exact period depends on the review.
Can I move from F-4 to permanent residence (F-5)?
Yes, if you meet the rules for stay period, income and basic knowledge. We tell you when you can apply.
Ask us first if your case is possible
The pre-check is free. We tell you if it is possible and what is missing.