Extension of Educational Rights for Long-Term Foreign Children in South Korea Until 2028
Hello! This is the Cheongju Administrative Office. We specialize in providing consultations related to the residency of foreigners in South Korea and are committed to keeping you informed about the educational rights and residency issues facing foreign children living here.
Recently, the government announced an important update regarding the “Measure for Granting Residency Rights to Ensure Educational Rights for Long-Term Foreign Children,” extending the program until March 31, 2028. This decision is a significant step towards ensuring that foreign children—who are vital to the future of our society—can focus on their studies without the worry of residency instability.
Overview of the Program Extension
The Ministry of Justice has decided to extend the residency rights program for foreign children, initially set to end on March 31, 2025, by another three years, now lasting until March 31, 2028. This initiative aims to protect the educational rights of foreign children who may currently be living in the country unlawfully. With this extension, over 2,700 children and their families will benefit from increased stability in their residency status.
Eligibility and Requirements for Residency Qualification
Children Born in Korea or Entering Before Age Six:
- Must have resided in Korea for at least six years.
- Must be currently enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school, or have graduated.
Children Entering After Age Six:
- Must have resided in Korea for at least seven years.
- Must be currently enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school, or have graduated.
Upon application, children will receive either the D-4 or G-1 residency status. They will also have the option to switch to a work or study visa after graduating from high school. Additionally, qualifying children’s underage siblings can also receive G-1 status, enhancing the family’s overall stability.
Measures for Parents and Obligations for Social Integration Education
The extended program also strengthens regulations regarding parents. Parents will be allowed to pay a reduced fine for illegal residency and can remain in Korea temporarily until their child graduates from high school or reaches adulthood. They will be required to participate in social integration programs, which will reinforce their responsibilities in education and child-rearing. However, parents who do not actively protect and care for their children will be excluded from the application process. This measure aims to prevent misuse of the system and ensure that benefits go to those genuinely caring for their children.
Application Process and Important Information
The application window will be open from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. Applications can be submitted through the local immigration office. The required documents can be checked on the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Policy Headquarters website or the Hi Korea site.
If you need more detailed guidance on the application process or required documents, please feel free to reach out to the Cheongju Administrative Office.
Consultation Request Link: 1:1 Consultation Board
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This information is accurate as of the writing date and may change depending on government policies. Please note that this is purely informational and does not constitute legal advice or interpretation.
For any further inquiries, you can also visit our 1:1 Consultation Board.