Guide to Permission for Change of Status of Stay

A change of status of stay (체류자격변경) refers to a case where a foreigner residing in the Republic of Korea stops the activity corresponding to their current status of stay and intends to engage in an activity corresponding to a different status of stay. Under HiKorea (하이코리아), the principle is to leave the country, obtain the VISA (사증) for that status of stay, and then re-enter. However, if the requirements necessary for changing to that status of stay can be met within Korea, a change of status of stay may be granted on a limited basis after a strict review.

Therefore, this guide does not advise on the likelihood of success, cost, processing period, scores, or recommendation for individual transition paths such as D-2 to D-10, D-10 to E-7, E-9 to E-7-4, or F-4 to F-5. The requirements and documents to submit for each status of stay you wish to change to must be confirmed through HiKorea's latest Integrated Guidance Manual by Status of Stay (체류자격별 통합 안내 매뉴얼), 1345, and the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) with jurisdiction over your place of residence.