One form for almost everything at Korean immigration
If you need to extend your stay in Korea, change your visa status, or handle most other immigration applications, you will use the same document: the Integrated Application Form (통합신청서, Annex Form No. 34 of the Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, revised 12 April 2022). The good news: the official form is printed in both Korean and English, so you can read every field. This guide walks you through what to write in each one — and the mistakes that get applications sent back.
You can fill out the form field by field (with tooltips for every item) on our Integrated Application Form page and download it as a PDF.
Before you start: timing and reservation
- When to apply: The law only says you must obtain the extension before your current period of stay ends (Immigration Act Art. 25(1)). It does not set how early you may apply — check the current window on HiKorea or call the Immigration Contact Center (1345). Do not wait until the last week.
- Extension vs. change of status: Same activity, more time = extension of stay (Art. 25). A different activity (e.g., D-2 student → E-7 worker) = change of status of sojourn, which you must obtain before starting the new activity (Art. 24).
- Visit reservations: Most immigration offices run on reservations — book on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr). Many applications can be filed online through HiKorea's e-application, which also cuts the fee by 20% (Enforcement Rule Art. 74(2)).
- Overstaying without an extension is a criminal offence — up to 3 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million won (Art. 94(17)) — and a ground for deportation (Art. 46(1)8).
Field-by-field guide
- Select application (신청/신고 선택): Tick "Extension of sojourn period" or "Change of status of sojourn" (and write the status you want in the brackets).
- Name (성명): Surname and given names go in separate boxes. Write them exactly as printed in your passport, in capital letters.
- Gender / Date of birth / Nationality: As shown in your passport. Date of birth in YYYY-MM-DD order.
- Foreign resident registration no. / Passport no., issue and expiry dates: Copy them from your ARC and passport photo page. If your passport was renewed, use the new details — a changed passport number must be reported within 15 days anyway (Art. 35).
- Current status of stay: There is no applicant box for it on the current form — the officer fills in your status and period in the "For Official Use Only" section.
- Status to apply for (희망 자격): Only if you are *changing* status. For a simple extension, leave it empty.
- Address in Korea: Your actual residential address. A move must be reported within 15 days (Art. 36(1)); failing to do so carries a fine of up to 1 million won (Art. 98(2)).
- Workplace (근무처): Current workplace with its business registration number and phone; fill in "New workplace" only if you are changing employers.
- Annual income, occupation, e-mail, consent for sharing administrative information: Fill them in — if you consent, the officer checks documents available through the government data-sharing system so you do not have to submit them.
- Truthfulness: Submitting forged documents or false statements is punishable by up to 3 years' imprisonment or a 30 million won fine (Art. 26, Art. 94(17-2)), and a permit obtained by deception can be cancelled (Art. 89).
Required documents (extension of stay)
Attachments are set by Annex 5-2 of the Enforcement Rule (Art. 76(2)), by status and application type:
- Integrated Application Form
- Passport and Alien Registration Card (plus a certificate of enrollment if you attend elementary, middle or high school)
- Proof of residence (e.g., lease contract) — for an extension of stay
- Status-specific documents listed in Annex 5-2 — for example, an E-7 extension lists the employment contract, business registration certificate (corporate register for a corporation) and a tax payment certificate (납부내역증명서)
- No photo for a plain extension — the form says photos are attached only for alien registration and card reissuance
- Fee (Art. 72): 60,000 KRW for an extension (30,000 KRW for F-6), 100,000 KRW for a change of status (200,000 KRW to F-5); 20% off when filed online
Common rejection reasons
- Applying after the expiry date — you are already in breach of Art. 25
- Not meeting the requirements of the status you want to change to
- Missing Annex 5-2 documents — the office may also add or remove documents during review, so confirm on HiKorea for *your* visa type
- If refused, the notice normally gives you up to 14 days to leave (Enforcement Decree Art. 33)
This guide summarises the Immigration Act, its Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rule as checked against the official texts. Requirements change often and depend on your situation — confirm with the Immigration Contact Center (1345) or your immigration office, or consult an administrative agent (행정사).
Ready to fill it out?
Open the Integrated Application Form with English guidance — every field has an example and a warning where people usually make mistakes. Fill it out, download the PDF, and bring it to your reserved immigration visit.
If you are registering in Korea for the first time, start with the Alien Registration guide instead.