Getting help from agents and lawyers
Most residence applications you can make yourself. Ask 1345 first.
Who can help
- Registered immigration application agencies — agencies registered with the Ministry of Justice may file residence applications on your behalf.
- Lawyers — for litigation, appeals and complex legal disputes.
- Free advice services — 1345, Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132, foreign residents' support centres. See free-legal-aid-visa.
What to check
- Confirm they are registered and qualified. Ask for a card, business details and registration certificate.
- Set the fee and scope of work in a written contract.
- Clarify success fees and extra charges.
- Don't hand over original documents. Work from copies and keep the originals yourself.
- You can track progress yourself on HiKorea.
These lines mean fraud
- "I guarantee approval"
- "I know the officer", "pay extra and it'll be faster"
- "I'll produce the documents for you" — false documents mean you are prosecuted and your status cancelled.
- Any demand to hand over your original passport or residence card
Where to go
- 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (free, multilingual)
- HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr (apply and track yourself)
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
- Your local immigration office
- Local foreign residents' support centres
Questions people ask
I find it hard to do alone. 1345 is free and multilingual. Local support centres also help with forms. Try them first.
What is a reasonable agency fee? It depends on the case. Ask several and compare, and never pay without a contract.
The agency isn't doing the work. Gather the contract and payment records and consult 132. If it is fraud, report to 112.
When do I need a lawyer? For appeals or litigation against a refusal, or where criminal matters are involved. Take free advice from 132 first.
Take care
If an application uses false documents, it is you, not the agent, who is punished. It can lead to status cancellation and departure orders. Always understand what you are signing. Never sign documents you don't understand.
Related
free-legal-aid-visa · study-abroad-agent-scam · hikorea-online-application · visa-fee-payment · legal-aid-overview
Source
Ministry of Justice www.moj.go.kr / As of 2026-08