Korean Job Discussion Forums

[basplar]

I see many folks with F2-1 visas posting on Dave's that they extended their F2-1 visa for 2 years, but the Seoul Immigration office still swears up and down on the phone that there is no such thing as a 2 year extension. My first F2-1 visa runs out in the middle of February and I'm wondering why I'm hearing conflicting stories. Can anyone give me any references or regulations that I can slap down in front of the immi. officer's face if they decide to give me crap about extending my visa for 2 years, like I'm supposedly supposed to be able to do?? Can anyone clear this up or give me a point of reference? I've already got the Korean spouse's guidebook put out by the immi. office, but it says nothing about the length of F2 visa renewals. Please help!!!

[jbpatlanta]

I renewed my F2 visa for 2 years. No problems. I used the Daejeon KImmi office. But each office has its own interpretation of the rules. I would try to go to a different office it is is possible. If you can't go early on a Wednesday morning and be very nice to the officer.

[skconqueror]

Went to the suwon office last year.. it was my second time renewing.. they did the 2yr thing without me asking.

[john110375]

I just went on Tuesday and they lied and told me they don't do 2 years anymore.. Then I had the wife call the next day and they do offer a 2 year F-2-1, but its done on a case by case basis.. So I got screwed outta mine.

[TheBulimicFatGuy]

[Unposter]

My understanding is that you get your F-2 for 1 year. You then re-new for one year. And then after that it can be extended for 2 or more years at a time.

But, after you finish your full two years, not one day shy, I would recommend applying for an F-5.

[basplar]

Ok, so I'm hearing conflicting stories here. The "Official" Korean Spousal Handbook from Korean immigration is unclear on the extension. I have a university contract, and just signed a 2 year lease on an "a-pa-ttuu". We're also pretty close to the inlaws and have no plans of going anywhere anytime soon. Earliest would be 3 years. If my wife and I go down to the Seoul Immi. Office, are they gonna try to pull the 1 year screw job on us, forcing me to renew another year next year, just to apply for my F5 a month later? Please help. Anyone with any current and/or relevant information, we REALLY need it, because this red-tape government changing the rules from day to day depending upon their mood on any given day just isn't gonna cut it. I'd like to have a printed regulation that I can go "BAM!!" .....now give me my 2 year visa....thank you....see you in 2 years.

[Typhoon]

I got three years too.

[tob55]

basplar,

Let's see if we can clear up a little of the confusion. I have lived in Korea for just under 4 years. I have been married to a Korean national for more than 2 1/2 of those years. I was on an E2 when I married. in July, 2005. In August, 2005 I went to immigration and applied for my F-2-1. I received the F-2-1 with no difficulty.

In August, 2006 I renewed my F-2-1 visa at the same immigration office, and received a 2 year extension. I had been told that it was a discretionary thing depending on the particular immigration office, so I can only assume that what is being said by other OPs is correct. Unfortunately, there is nothing to stop one immigration office from interpreting the regulations the way they see them.

In January, 2008 I went to the same immigration office and applied for my F5 visa. I have been on my F-2-1 for 2 1/2 years now and that length of time is enough to qualify for the F5. All I needed to verify was my 30,000,000 KRW financial stability which was done through an employment contract. There are other ways to verify this requirement such as a bank account with the money in it, a rental lease agreement, or other financial holding.

My application is still in process, so I will find out something in the next month or so, but I fully expect to have no problem moving to the F5 visa.

So, if you have been on an F-2-1 visa for a minimum of 2 calendar years, you should consider moving to the F5 if you are in a financially stable position to do so. It will save much of the hassle you face with immigration and in the end free you up to think about more important concerns.

[T-J]

Just got back from immi. Three year extention. Multiple entry permit is only valid for two years though.

[KAMAKAZI]

[kprrok]

The simple answer is this: It doesn't matter what anyone else has gotten. It only matters what the person who helps you on the day you visit thinks it should be.

What people on here have gotten in the past is irrelevant.

[Chamchiman]

T-J: Was that your first renewal of your F-2?

The only official information I've been able to find on this is from the "Guidebook for Foreign Spouses of Korean Nationals" (page 67 of the English version):

1. Residence procedure overview

- Extension of period: 1 year granted each for the initial two years. Afterward, 2 years granted each time.

That said, kprrok's statement is right on the money.

[Jane]

I believe an F-2 is good for one year when you first get it, and thereafter you can extend for 2 years at a time. But you have to ask. Then, it's up to the official you are dealing with.

I got my renewed a few months ago and was sweet as sugar to the official, and she was kind enough give me a two year extension, and a two year multiple entry. This was at Seoul Immi office in Mokdong.

If the official won't grant you a two year, tell them you will come back later or something cuz you don't have enough money to pay for the stamps and then get another queueing number and pray for a different officer.

[Forward Observer]

I agree that it's discretionary and completely up to the officer you're dealing with. I got a two year extension right before I applied for my F5.