The F-3 dependent visa

F-3 is the dependent status for the spouse and minor children of people on statuses such as study or professional work. Employment is restricted in principle.

Who this covers

• Spouses of holders of statuses that allow dependants, such as D-2 and E-7
• Their minor children
• Some statuses, including E-9, do not allow dependants. Check your own status with 1345.

Steps

1. Confirm the main holder's status allows dependants.
2. Prepare the invitation documents — marriage and family certificates, income and housing evidence.
3. Apply at a Korean embassy or obtain a certificate of visa eligibility.
4. Register as a foreign resident after entry.
5. Extend in line with the main holder's period of stay.

What you need

• Passport
• Marriage and family relationship certificates (translation or apostille may be needed)
• The main holder's employment, enrolment and income evidence
• Housing documents
• The fee — check on HiKorea

Where to go

• HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr · 1345
• Your immigration office
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline

Questions people ask

Can I work on F-3? It is restricted in principle. Permission for activity outside your status may be possible — check with 1345.

Can my child attend school? Yes. Ask the district education office or the school. You need the Alien Registration Card and proof of address.

What if the main holder loses their status? Dependent status is affected too. Contact 1345 immediately.

I'm on E-9 and want my family here. E-9 does not allow dependants. Look into converting to E-7-4 or similar.

Take care

If a dependent works without permission it affects the main holder's status too. If work is needed, ask about activity-outside-status permission first.

Related

f1-visit-cohabit · e7-4-skilled-worker · d2-student-visa · change-of-status

Source

Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08