Extending Your Stay? Book on the Very First Day, 4 Months Before Expiry 📅

🧭 What changed?

First, relax. The system hasn't changed. For a stay extension you have always needed to make a visit reservation on HiKorea, and this news just shares a tip on how to secure that reservation well.

During periods when lots of people's stays expire, reservations close quickly. The reference material also says that when more people apply for reservations, the wait can get longer, so book early and leave yourself some breathing room 💡

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A foreign resident about to ex

Did the stay extension system change this time?

Kevi

No, the system didn't change. This is a booking tip. You apply for a stay extension through a HiKorea visit reservation, and you can do it from 4 months before expiry.

⏰ When can I start booking?

You can apply for permission to extend your period of stay from 4 months before your expiry date. So check your expiry date on your passport or registration card, and it helps to mark the date 4 months earlier on your calendar.

You can book a visit starting from the day after you apply, and same-day visit reservations are not allowed. Visit reservations can be made every day of the year, with no days off 📄

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A foreign resident about to ex

If I apply today, can I visit today?

Kevi

No, same-day visit reservations aren't possible. You can book a visit starting from the day after the day you apply for the reservation.

😮 What happens if I'm late?

If you apply for an extension after your period of stay has expired, a fine (범칙금) will be imposed. The basis is said to be Article 25 of the Immigration Act.

The visit reservation guidance also says that if you visit on a date after your expiry date, you could be subject to a fine (범칙금) or a administrative fine (과태료). So be sure to book a date before your expiry date. For the amounts and other details, check the original text or call 1345.

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A foreign resident about to ex

Can I book a date after my expiry date?

Kevi

We don't recommend it. If you visit after the expiry date, you may be charged a fine or an administrative fine. Be sure to book a date before your expiry date.

📄 What do I do after booking?

Once your booking is done, you can print your reservation receipt from the visit reservation status screen. Go to your local office at the booked time and hand in this receipt.

For documents, check the required documents for your visa status in the HiKorea residence status table and get them ready. By the way, a visit reservation only sets your visit date. It doesn't mean your application has been officially filed ✅

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A foreign resident about to ex

Is my extension application done once I book?

Kevi

No. A visit reservation only books your visit date. It is not an official filing. You need to go to the office on your reservation date, hand in the receipt, and submit your application.

🙅 Common mistakes

First, putting it off until right before expiry and finding that the date you want is gone. Second, booking a date after your expiry date. Reservations can only be made under your real name, and grabbing slots with someone else's personal information can lead to criminal punishment, so always use your own information.

If there are no slots available before your expiry date, check the e-civil service (전자민원) or contact your local office. The material also says that if there are no available dates before your expiry date, you should visit your local office before the period runs out 🙂

🙋

A foreign resident about to ex

What if there are no available dates at all before my expiry date?

Kevi

Check the e-civil service (전자민원) or contact your local office before the period runs out. You can also get guidance on how to proceed from 1345.

✅ What to do now, step by step

1. 1Check your period of stay expiry date on your passport or registration card, and mark the date 4 months earlier on your calendar.
2. 2On the first day applications open, make your visit reservation on HiKorea.
3. 3Once your booking is done, print your reservation receipt from the visit reservation status screen.
4. 4Check the required documents for your visa status in the HiKorea residence status table and prepare them.
5. 5If there are no slots before your expiry date, check the e-civil service or contact your local office.