When a visa or residence application is refused
A refusal is not the end. Knowing the reason is what determines your next step.
The sequence
- Establish the reason for refusal — from the notice, or by asking the office or 1345.
- Judge whether it can be remedied — missing documents, unmet requirements, or something else.
- Remedy it and reapply, or consider objection, administrative appeal or administrative litigation.
- Check the deadlines. Challenge procedures are time-limited.
- Manage your period of stay. Expiring during review makes you an overstayer.
Common reasons for refusal
- Missing or inaccurate documents
- Requirements not met — income, residence period, Korean ability
- Past violations — fines, out-of-status activity, overstaying
- Submitting false documents — extremely serious
- Problems with the inviter or workplace
Where to get help
- 1345 — free guidance on the reason and next steps.
- 132 (Legal Aid) — legal support if you qualify.
- Migrant support organisations and family centres — document preparation and interpretation.
- Public interest legal organisations — for refugee and humanitarian matters.
Where to go
- 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages)
- Your local immigration office
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline
- Your nearest family centre or migrant support centre
Questions people ask
They won't tell me the reason. Ask 1345 and your local office. The notice often cites the legal basis.
Can I just reapply immediately? Resubmitting the same documents produces the same result. Establish what was lacking and remedy it first.
Do I need a lawyer? For complex matters or formal challenges, it helps. Get free advice from 132 first.
My stay expires during the review. Contact 1345 immediately. Left alone, you become an overstayer and your position worsens considerably.
Take care
Never pay a broker who says "I know someone who can get it approved". Assessment is based on requirements. Submitting false documents leads beyond refusal to prosecution and an entry ban. Get the accurate answer free from 1345.
Related
immigration-1345 · study-abroad-agent-scam · humanitarian-stay · legal-aid
Source
Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08