Can I change from C-3 (short-term visit) to another status while staying in Korea?

Yes, you can, but only if the specific guidelines allow it. In principle, Korea rarely approves a change of status from C-3. Usually, you have to leave the country, get a new visa, and enter again.

Check whether you can change like this

• Do the guidelines for the status you want allow short-term visitors to change? For example, the guidelines for the student visa (D-2) list short-term visitors as eligible to change. However, some countries and some statuses are excluded.
• Can you meet all the requirements of the new status while in Korea? Examples are investment (D-8), or marriage migrant (F-6) if you are married to a Korean.
• Is your purpose of stay clear, with no suspicion of illegal work? If the purpose is unclear, approval is restricted.
• If you are a group tourist (C-3-2) or on a guaranteed individual visa, do you have an unavoidable reason, such as applying for permanent residence or naturalization? You can change only when you have such a reason.

What to know before you apply

• You must start the new activity only after you get approval for the change. Apply at the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) in charge of your address.
• If the guidelines allow the change, and you apply within 30 days of the day you entered, the new status activity you did on C-3 during that time will not be treated as a problem.
• The fee is usually 100,000 KRW. It is 200,000 KRW to change to permanent resident (F-5), and it is waived for corporate investment (D-8).
• Documents differ by the status you want. Check the required documents for that status.

If it is not possible, do this

• Leave Korea, get a new visa, and enter again.
• If you have an unavoidable reason, such as an accident or illness, you can apply to extend your period of stay. It can be extended within 90 days from the day you entered.

⚠️ If you do activities of another status without approval, you may have to pay a fine. It is 500,000 KRW even if the period is under 1 month, and it grows with longer periods. You may also be ordered to leave Korea. For complex cases such as marriage or investment, try the Kevi administrative agent consultation (비자서비스).

Be sure to check the requirements of the status you want at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.