It’s Tougher Than You Think: Getting Permanent Residency (F-5) as a Marriage Immigrant!
Many immigration newcomers express the desire for a more stable permanent residency status, often saying, “I want to secure my permanent residency.” This sentiment is especially common among those holding an F-6 marriage visa, who are often left wondering, “Can I convert to an F-5 permanent residency?” Today, we’ll break down the application process and necessary preparations for marriage immigrants seeking permanent residency. By the end of this article, you’ll have some practical tips to ensure a smooth approval process without any hiccups.
Who is Eligible to Switch from an F-6 Marriage Visa to an F-5 Permanent Residency?
In South Korea, there are a total of 27 different types of permanent residency (F-5). However, for marriage immigrants, the specific type available for application is the ‘F-5-2 Spouse of a National.’ This means that you must maintain a marriage with a South Korean national and have lived in Korea for over two years on an F-6-1 visa. Additionally, it’s not enough to just register your marriage; you must also meet specific criteria related to residence duration, income, conduct, and Korean language proficiency.
- Income Requirements – Meet at Least One of the Following
The most crucial aspect of the permanent residency application process is proving “economic stability.” You must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:
- Income Requirement: Your annual income must be at least the per capita GNI for the previous year (approximately 47.24 million KRW as of 2024).
- Asset Requirement: The couple’s net worth should be around 420 million KRW or more.
- Tax Requirement: You must have paid at least 500,000 KRW in property taxes collectively.
Note that while you can consider the income of family members, your own income must constitute at least 50% of the total.
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Good Conduct Requirement – Submit a Foreign Criminal Record Certificate
When applying for permanent residency, you must submit a criminal record certificate issued by your home country. This document needs to undergo a translation into Korean, notarization, and consular certification (or apostille) to be valid. Even a minor criminal history or mistakes in paperwork can greatly increase the chances of denial. -
Basic Competency Requirement – Assessing Adaptability to Korean Society
You need to fulfill at least one of the following conditions:
- Pass the comprehensive assessment for permanent residence administered by the Ministry of Justice.
- Complete Level 5 of the Korean Immigration Integration Program (KIIP).
Many applicants opt for KIIP, but keep in mind that each level requires a specific amount of time for preparation, so plan ahead.
- Review Period and Important Notes
The review process typically takes between six months to a year after submission. During this period, you must report any changes to your residence or workplace within two weeks. Importantly, it’s crucial to remain employed during the review process. If you resign, your chances of approval drastically decrease.
Reasons for Denial and Reapplication Tips
While marriage immigrants have a relatively high approval rate for permanent residency, there are common pitfalls that lead to denial, such as:
- Insufficient proof of income
- Missing criminal record certificate
- Failure to complete KIIP or passing the exam
- Failure to report a change of address
In these cases, you will need to prepare all documents from scratch, leading to wasted time and increased costs.
Summary
- F-6 marriage visa holders can apply for F-5-2 permanent residency.
- Maintaining the marriage for over two years along with meeting income, conduct, and competency requirements is essential.
- Changing jobs or addresses during the review period poses a risk of denial.
- Consulting with an expert can significantly improve your chances of approval.
If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with fellow marriage immigrants! 😊 If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll respond in detail.