The F-1 visiting and cohabitation visa
F-1 is for visiting or living with family in Korea. Employment is restricted in principle and needs separate permission.
Who this covers
- Parents and other family abroad of marriage migrants
- Relatives of nationals and permanent residents within the scope set by law
- Some categories of family of foreign students and workers
- Children granted status after birth
Steps
- The inviting family member prepares the documents — family relationship and income evidence.
- Apply at a Korean embassy or obtain a certificate of visa eligibility.
- Register as a foreign resident after entry.
- Apply for an extension before expiry.
- To work, obtain permission for activity outside your status.
What you need
- Passport
- Family relationship documents (translation or apostille may be needed)
- The inviter's identity and income evidence
- Proof of address
- The fee — check on HiKorea
Where to go
- HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr · 1345
- Your immigration office
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages)
Questions people ask
Can I work on F-1? Not in principle. Permission for activity outside your status is possible in some circumstances — check with 1345.
My parents came to help with childcare — can they stay long? Extension depends on the reason and the inviter's situation. Get advice before expiry.
What about health insurance? It depends on the period of stay and status. Check with 1577-1000.
How does it differ from F-3? F-3 is for the spouse and minor children accompanying certain status holders; F-1 covers other visiting and cohabitation categories.
Take care
Working without permission harms both you and the family who invited you. If you need to work, ask 1345 about activity-outside-status permission first.
Related
f3-dependent · c3-short-term-visit · change-of-status · f6-visa-basics
Source
Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08