Sure, here’s a rewritten version of the content in English, considering the points you’ve mentioned:
Exploring Visa Options for Foreign Families in South Korea: F1 and F3 Visas Explained
When foreign families are looking to stay in South Korea together, the F1 and F3 visas are two options worth considering. While they may seem quite similar at first glance, they each serve distinct purposes and have different eligibility criteria. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two visas and highlight their unique features.
F1 Visa: What is the Family Visit Visa?
The F1 visa is designed for inviting family members from your home country to South Korea with the primary aim of taking care of children. It’s particularly useful for foreign spouses who are residing in Korea and need additional family support for child-rearing. This visa allows family members from the home country to join in the care of children.
The F1 visa, also known as the family visit visa, is issued to the family members of Korean citizens or to spouses and minor children of foreigners engaged in specific activities (D-1 to E-7 visas).
Types of F1 Visa:
- Accompanying Family of Foreigners on Specific Activities (D-1 to E-7):
- Spouses and minor children of foreigners engaged in cultural and artistic activities (D-1) or any of the specified activities (E-7), excluding Trainees (D-3).
- Other Categories:
- Domestic helpers for foreign diplomats, investors, or specialized professionals.
Eligibility for the F1 Visa
To qualify for an F1 visa, applicants must meet certain conditions. Key eligibility criteria include:
- A dependent minor child requiring support from a parent who holds custody.
- Overseas adoptees who were South Korean nationals at birth.
- Domestic helpers for foreign diplomats.
- Immediate family members of individuals with diplomatic status or those under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) who are not part of their household.
- Spouses or minor children of people with residency rights.
- Individuals needing to stay in Korea for an extended period without professional activities.
It’s important to note that employment activities are generally prohibited under the F1 visa, and it typically takes about a month from application to issuance, although exceptions for activity permits may exist.
F3 Visa: What is the Accompanying Visa?
On the other hand, the F3 visa allows foreigners studying or working as professionals in Korea to accompany their families. This visa is granted to the spouses and children of foreigners holding D-1 to E-7 residency statuses. However, holders of D-3 visas are excluded, and for those with D-5 status, the employer must have a representative office established in Korea.
F3 Visa Overview:
- Spouses and Minor Children of Foreigners on Specific Activities (D-1 to E-7):
- Required documentation includes proof of family relationship and proofs of the foreigner’s maintained residency status.
Employment Eligibility for F3 Visa Holders
F3 visa holders are typically in Korea as dependents and, as a rule, cannot engage in employment. However, exceptions may apply for the spouses of highly qualified scientists or investors with over $500,000 in investments.
Additionally, the duration of stay on the F3 visa corresponds to the primary applicant’s visa duration, allowing dependents to stay for the same period. Required documentation for application includes a copy of the passport, marriage certificate, and proof of family relationship.
Key Differences Between F1 and F3 Visas
While both the F1 and F3 visas allow families to reside together in Korea, they differ mainly in purpose and eligibility. The F1 visa focuses on bringing family members for child care assistance, commonly used when inviting foreign spouse’s parents or domestic helpers. In contrast, the F3 visa is for family members accompanying foreigners who are studying or working in Korea.
Documentation for F1 and F3 Visa Applications
While the required documents for both visas slightly differ, there are common requirements:
- Copy of the passport
- Marriage certificate or proof of family relationship
- Documentation of the inviter’s or primary applicant’s residency status
It’s crucial to choose the correct visa that aligns with your purpose and to gather all necessary documents thoroughly. If employment during the stay is necessary, make sure to verify in advance if activity permits can be obtained.
— This content is accurate as of the time of writing, and regulations may vary over time. The information provided is purely informational and does not constitute legal advice. For further assistance, please visit our 1:1 Consultation Page.