Korean Job Discussion Forums

wchoi628 · Joined: 24 Dec 2007

Im currently in Korea on a d-2 visa and need to renew. I want to stay another 6 months but since i cant renew my d-2 (as a student) i need to change it to an f-4. I recently spoke with someone from the immigration office who said i must serve military service if my name is in my familys registry regardless of whether i was born in the u.s. or not.

Where do i get my familty registry info? im currently in incheon.

crsandus · Joined: 05 Oct 2004

I can't really say for Incheon but across the stree from the immigration office in Mokdong, you can request your family registry information. Be prepared to know your family history to get the proper documents. I had to have my sister tell the officials exactly what I needed via cellphone. The workers were kind of snide about it too.

stayfocused · Joined: 27 Jul 2009 Location: Seoul

How is getting your f4 related to military service? Can't you just say no it's not on the registry? If he is the one asking you to check.

You're going to be prevented from leaving the country?

aphase · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

stayfocused · Joined: 27 Jul 2009 Location: Seoul

So if it's on the registry he needs to try to quietly leave the country then?

aphase · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

js99 · Joined: 25 May 2009

You can get a copy of your registry in the neighborhood (~Dong) office or district (~Gu) office.
However, if you are on the registry, you will have to do your mandatory service. If not, just go home, go to school and get a degree so you can get an E2 visa.

But if you do your service, not only are you eligible for an F-4 visa, but you could also work for a Korean company. Those that forsake their service are barred from many kinds of work since many employers look at a person's military record.

djbeans · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Location: US

someone on the family registry can only get it (depends on who the head of the family is...most likely your dad). you need to check with your family, specifically your parents to find out which district to go to, and if your dad is listed as his own head of the family (happens when sons go off and start their own family).

as for if you're on the hojuk...i would ask your parents/family about that...if you are, you can ask a relative (immediate family member of your parents, or whichever side of the family you're getting the hojuk from) to take you off of the registry if you're on it, before you submit it for a visa. the issue is that if you're on the hojuk it more or less means that you are a korean national, and as an eligible male, need to serve in the military...so yeah...you might or might not get enlisted if you're on the hojuk.

hope this helps.