Korea Visa Extension 2026: When to Apply on Hi Korea and What Documents You Need

Bottom line: If you already hold a D-2 (study), E-7 (work) or F-6 (marriage) registration and want to extend your stay, you must apply before your current permitted stay ends — either online through Hi Korea (hikorea.go.kr) or in person at your regional immigration office with a reservation. This applies only to registered foreigners staying long-term, not to short visa-free tourists.

If you didn't know: a Hi Korea receipt only proves you applied — it is not approval. If your current stay expires before the decision comes back, the days in between can be treated as an overstay. Walk-in visits require a booking; without one, you will not be seen at all and the whole day is wasted.

Required extra documents vary by visa: D-2 students are usually asked for an enrollment certificate and transcript, E-7 workers for an employment certificate or contract, and F-6 spouses for a marriage/family relation certificate. If you need to leave Korea while an application is pending, get a re-entry permit first, or you risk losing your status. If your actual status changes (for example moving from D-2 to E-7), that is a change of status application, not a simple extension.

This article summarizes official guidance. It is not legal, medical or financial advice.

Journey stage: If you miss this, a later extension or change of status can go against you — don't let the receipt date lull you into thinking you're already approved.