Priority A-1: Visa Status (체류자격) Explained for Foreigners in Korea

📋 Priority A-1: 체류자격 (Status of Sojourn / Visa Status)

Explained for Foreigners in Korea

체류자격 is like the root of life in Korea for foreigners.

If this root is unstable, everything else can be affected.

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1. What does it mean?

체류자격 (Status of Sojourn / Visa Status) refers to your legal status that allows you to stay in Korea.

It defines what you are allowed to do and how long you can stay.

You will usually see it written as a code, such as D-2, E-7, F-6, or F-2.

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2. Why is this so important?

In Korea, your 체류자격 determines almost everything related to your life:

• Work
  Whether you are allowed to work, and what kind of job you can do.

• Stay Period
  How long you can legally remain in Korea.

• KIIP
  Which KIIP level you need when applying for a change of status,
  especially for F-5 (Permanent Residency) or Korean nationality.

⚠️ Warning

If you do something not allowed by your 체류자격

(for example, working part-time on a student visa without permission),

you may face a fine, visa cancellation, or deportation.

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3. Real-Life Situations

A. At the Immigration Office (출입국관리사무소)

An officer may ask:

“체류자격이 어떻게 되세요?”

(What is your visa status?)

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B. On Your ARC (외국인등록증)

On your ARC, you will see a code such as D-2, E-9, or F-5.

That code is your 체류자격.

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C. In KIIP Notices

You may see sentences like:

“체류자격에 따라 배정되는 단계가 다를 수 있습니다.”

(Assigned KIIP levels may vary depending on your visa status.)

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4. Useful Example Sentences

제 체류자격은 F-2-7입니다.

(My visa status is F-2-7.)

체류자격 변경을 신청하고 싶어요.

(I want to apply for a change of visa status.)

체류자격 외 활동 허가를 받았나요?

(Did you receive permission for activities outside your visa status?)

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⚠️ Common Mistake: Visa vs. 체류자격

In daily conversation, Koreans often say “비자 (Visa)”.

However, in official administration, these are different:

• Visa (사증)
  → An entry permit used to enter Korea.

• 체류자격 (Visa Status / Status of Sojourn)
  → Your legal status after you are already living in Korea.

This distinction is very important for extensions, work permission, and KIIP.

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💡 Living in Korea Tip

If you see the word 자격 (qualification/status) in any document,

always check whether it refers to your 체류자격.

https://korea-living-guide.blogspot.com/2026/01/must-know-korean-words-for-visa-kiip.html