Korean Job Discussion Forums

[madkisso]

Hope I'm not re-asking an answered question (did a quick search and didn't find an exact answer).

I've been reading about the F-visas and can only really find the different requirements. I was wondering, though, which is best? If one is best.

More specifically, I currently have an F-4 Visa (Korean mom) and recently married a Korean citizen (I've been living here 2 yrs and plan to stay forever). Is an F-4 visa better than the F-2 resident visa? or the same? I didn't know if it would be better to try and get the points and switch to the F-2. If that sounds stupid, it's because I am super confused.

Also, I read someone's post about Korea's new-ish policy on Dual Citizenship, and if I understand it correctly, I could potentially apply for that down-the-road, which I would like to do. Would one path or the other (sticking with my F-4 or getting the points and applying for the F-2 residence visa) make that easier?

Thanks in advance for any info or help. I'm searching and searching but still confused.

Edited to add - been reading more on the dual citizenship. It's possible I didn't understand that person's post fully. Now I'm also confused about that. Sorry.

[greatunknown]

[jvalmer]

I think the F-5 visa is what you're talking about. It's a permanent resident visa. I think once you have it you'll never have to renew.

However, the F-4 is the next best thing. If you didn't have to renew every 3 years it would even better. It's not like you'll change your ethnicity in your life.

If you can get the F-5 visa, by all means go for it.

[alongway]

Yes they still give F2s, some people's children...

The F2 is a points/refugee/spouse of F5/a few other thing visa

The Korean spouse visa is F6

Gyopo is F4

permanent residence is F5.

F5 is your "best" visa. No expiry date, if you aren't married to a Korean you can sponsor your spouse for an F2, you can vote in local elections.

You can't apply for an F2 points visa as you already have an F4. They're functionally identical, and the F2 actually requires you transfer from a qualifying visa, F4 isn't one of them. The only real upgrade for you at this point is to go to dual citizenship if you qualify. You'd have to call immigration and ask.

[Yaya]

I assume that you are half-Korean, and if so, you can try for dual citizenship. Gyopo men who didn't serve in the Korean Army aren't eligible for dual citizenship (like me), though the F4 is second only to the F5 in convenience.

I'm not sure if you having married a Korean national qualifies you for the F5 after three years of marriage since I think (and I could be wrong) that those who qualify for the F4 cannot get an F5 simply through marrying a Korean national.

I, as an F4 holder, can only get the F5 if 1) I have more than 500 million won in assets in Korea; 2) was the son or relative of a recognized patriot or person of merit (not sure about this); or 3) earn double the national GNI in Korea, which is believe is around 25 million won a year.

[SocialParasite]

A sovereign citizen is "best" I suppose. Having a F5 permanent residence visa that gives you "government permission" to reside within arbitrarily lines which were drawn up generations ago by feudal lords on this "Blue Planet. isn't "best...at least not in my reckoning. But hey, almost all humans grovel towards governments to allow them the luxury to remain within designated borders or even worse...to "earn" fiat currency within these imaginary lines.

[Weigookin74]

F5 is prob the best one to have if you're going to live here long term. I have heard talk about making the F5 renewable every few years. But, it's a rumor and I really don't know if it's true or if anything will come of it.

[World Traveler]

[chellovek]