Can I change from F-1 (Visiting and Residing) to another status of stay?

Yes, in some cases you can change from F-1 to another status of stay. But what is allowed depends on your F-1 subtype (F-1-1, F-1-15, etc.). It depends on your type and your purpose.

Requirements checklist

• You must be staying legally and be registered as a foreigner. After your period of stay ends, it is hard to even apply for a change.
• You must separately meet the requirements of the status you want. Education, income, employment contract, family relationship, and so on differ by status.
• You must have no grounds for disqualification. If you have a record of stay violations, your application may be refused.
• You must apply before your period of stay expires. The change fee is 100,000 KRW (200,000 KRW for a change to Permanent Resident F-5).

Common change paths

• Residence (F-2) and Permanent Resident (F-5): If you have a family relationship, such as being the child or spouse of a Korean national or permanent resident, this can be considered.
• Work statuses (E-2, E-7, etc.): Some F-1 holders can work by getting a 'permit for activities outside the status of stay' without changing status. For example, F-1 and Accompanying (F-3) holders can work as a foreign language conversation instructor (E-2) or a foreign school teacher (E-7). You will need documents such as an employment contract, business registration certificate, degree certificate, criminal record certificate, and a pre-employment medical examination certificate.
• Chinese compatriot F-1: If you meet the requirements for a work status, you can get a permit for activities from Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7).
• Naturalization and nationality restoration applicants: You can submit documents such as a certificate of the fact of your application for naturalization permission or nationality restoration permission, and change to F-1-7.

⚠️ Points to note

• Do not work without a permit. F-1 is, in principle, a status for people who do not work. You need a permit first if you want to work.
• For F-1, extension may be restricted if you lack the means to support yourself or your reason for staying is unclear.
• The maximum period of stay per grant is 2 years.

Tell me which status you want to change to and your F-1 subtype (for example, F-1-1 or F-1-15), and I can give more specific guidance. Please check again whether your change is possible at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).