Lessons Learned from Extending My F-2 Visa in Korea
I recently went through the process of extending my F-2 visa in Korea (point-based system) and noted a few important points that aren’t always obvious from the official resources. This post is a summary of practical information that could be useful if you're preparing for the same process.
1. The Required Documents Are Mostly Listed in the Scoring Form
The F-2-7 Points Sheet (opens in a new tab) includes not only the scoring breakdown but also a fairly comprehensive list of the required documents for each scoring category. It’s important to review this form carefully before submitting your application, as it serves as a checklist for what you need to prepare.
2. Additional Tax Documents May Be Required from Your Employer
In addition to the documents listed in the scoring form, the immigration office may request two additional certificates from your employer, which are not explicitly mentioned in the form:
- 납세증명서 (Certificate of National Tax Payment)
- 지방세납세증명서 (Certificate of Local Tax Payment)
These may be required even if you are submitting proof of employment and income, so it is recommended to request them from your HR or finance department in advance.
3. Proof of Residence Is Needed if Housing Contract Period Has Expired
In Korea, housing contracts are still considered legally valid up to one year after their original expiration date unless formally terminated. However, if your housing contract has long passed its stated period (in my case it was around 8 months), the immigration officer may request additional documentation to confirm that you still reside at the same address.
Acceptable documents include:
- A recent 관리비 고지서 (maintenance bill), or
- The visa extension reminder letter sent by the immigration office, which lists your current registered address
Bring at least one of these to support your case if your housing contract appears outdated.
4. Proof Is Required for University Rankings Claims
If you are claiming points under the “Top-Ranked University Graduate” category, you must provide documentation proving the university’s ranking. A common and accepted method is:
- A screenshot from the QS World University Rankings (or another recognized ranking system) showing your university’s position
Although this was not requested when I first applied for the F-2 visa, they requested it on my extension application so I recommend doing so to avoid any issues.
Closing
Hopefully this helps anyone preparing to extend their F-2 visa under the points-based system. As with many immigration processes in Korea, the key is in the small details and thorough documentation. All the best for your F-2 visa extension!