Korean Job Discussion Forums

Paddycakes · Joined: 05 May 2003 Location: Seoul

Wife and I are not in Korea anymore so walking into the Immigration office is not an option...

Question for the F-5 visa...

Do you need to have held an F-2 visa "continuously" for 2 years to qualify for an F-5?

Key word: "continuously"

I've held an F-2 for two years, but there was a slight break when I had to leave the country for a month (dumb dumb me didn't bother getting a multiple entry stamp) so I had to re-apply for the F2 when I got back.

Ergo, although I've held and F2 for 2 year, it's had not been "continuous".

Anyone with a similar situation?

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I'm curious about the answer to that question so I'm bumping this thread back up.

I want to also add this question:

Does anyone know if once you get an F-5 can you come and go from Korea (like live outside the country) or do you have to maintain an address?

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

According to the Korean version of the immigration bureau website, you have to stay here inside the country continuously in order to apply for an F5.

Cheonmunka · Joined: 04 Jun 2004

Yep, same position. Had to renew F2 after one year away. So, coming up to a 'continuous' 18months. Then will get it.

It kind of pees me off as I've had F2 longer than four years. But, 'Dems da brakes, man.'

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

DHC · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I have an F-5 visa. You must reside in Korea for 2 years ( 365 x2 ) holding the F-2. After obtaining the F-5 you may come and go as often as you wish but you must return to Korea at least one ( 1 ) day in each calendar year. Failure to do so will result in the cacellation of your F-5 ( This applies to the F-2 as well .).

endofthewor1d · Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Location: the end of the wor1d.

maybe this is a stupid question, but when you say i have to reside in korea for two years after getting my f2, does that mean i can't visit other countries during that time?

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

DHC · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Perhaps you misunderstood my post. Once you have your F-2 you can leave Korea as many times as you want as long as you have a multiple entry permit. To qualify for the F-5 you must live in Korea a minimum of two years ( 730 days ) after obtaining the F-2. Immigration will count the days that you are actually physically present in Korea after obtaining the F-2. When the number of days total 730 then you qualify to apply for the F-5. It took me almost 5 years to accumulate the 730 days because of my frequent travel. I hope this clears things up.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Ok, my questions is though is once you get an F-5, can you be outside the country for several years and then come back.

endofthewor1d · Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Location: the end of the wor1d.

DHC · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

You do not need to be in Korea for 730 consecutive days to qualify to apply for the F-5. The 730 days are days accumulated after obtaining your F-2.You cannot remain outside Korea for several years and keep your F-2 or F-5. You must return to Korea at least one ( 1 ) day in each calendar year to maintain your F-2 or F-5 status.