What can and can't I do on an F-6 marriage immigrant visa?

With an F-6 marriage immigrant visa, there are no work restrictions. You can do most jobs without getting separate permission. But if you break stay rules or your marriage is suspected of not being genuine, it may become hard to stay.

What you can do

• Work in any type of job: Office jobs, part-time jobs, factories, restaurants, interpreting, and more are all fine.
• Change workplaces without permission or reporting: You do not need permission for activities outside your status of stay or permission to change your workplace.
• Run a business: You can usually register a business and be self-employed.
• All sub-types are covered: Spouse of a Korean national (F-6-1), child-rearing (F-6-2), and marriage breakdown (F-6-3) can all work.
• Make short trips abroad: If you return within 1 year of the day you leave, you do not need a re-entry permit. If your remaining period of stay is shorter than 1 year, you must return within that period.

What you must not do

• Sham marriage: If there is no real married life, your stay may be restricted. This is also true if you live together without registering the marriage. You may also face criminal punishment.
• Work in illegal businesses: There are no work restrictions, but you cannot do work that Korean law bans. For example, illegal prostitution businesses or illegal gambling places.
• Commit crimes: If you receive criminal punishment, your extension may be denied or you may be subject to departure.
• Delay reporting: If you move, report your change of residence within 15 days. You can do this at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at a community center (주민센터).
• Let your stay expire: Apply for an extension from 4 months before expiry up to the expiry date. The extension fee is 30,000 KRW.

💡 Good to know

If your marriage situation changes, such as divorce or the death of your spouse, it can affect your status of stay. In that case, first get a consultation from the Kevi Administrative Agent (행정사) (Visa Service in the app).

If you are not sure about a type of work, check with HiKorea or the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터) (1345) before you start.