Procedures for Reissuing Your Alien Registration Card After a Change of Status
Are you currently working or studying in Korea and have been notified that you need to change your status of stay? If you initially entered Korea on a tourist or short-term visa and your status later changes to employment or study, you must also update your Alien Registration Card accordingly. This article explains step-by-step the entire process from filing for a change of status through obtaining a new Alien Registration Card, required documents, and important considerations.
What Is a Change of Status of Stay?
A change of status of stay is an administrative procedure in which a foreign national already residing in Korea converts their current status to a different one.
It refers to changing the status of stay (tourism, employment, study, etc.) granted to a foreign national upon initial entry. For example, if a foreign national who entered on a tourist visa begins working at a Korean company, they must change their status of stay to an employment visa.
Cases Where a Change of Status of Stay Is Necessary
When beginning employment in Korea for work purposes
When enrolling in an educational institution such as a university or graduate school
When starting a business and needing to change to a business owner status
When establishing family relationships, such as with a spouse or children
When the validity period of the existing status of stay expires and renewal is needed
If you do not change your status of stay, you will be considered to be in illegal residence and may be subject to deportation.
Procedures for Changing Status of Stay and Alien Registration
The application for a change of status of stay and issuance of an Alien Registration Card are processed together. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Reasons for Change and Prepare Documents
You must first confirm the requirements for the status of stay you wish to change to. For example, to change to an employment visa, you will need employment confirmation documents from your Korean employer, salary-related certificates, and other documentation. Since required documents vary by status of stay, it is essential to check the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Service (IRCS) website in advance.
Step 2: Submit Application to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Service
You can either visit the immigration office that has jurisdiction over your residential area in person or apply through an online appointment reservation system. When completing the application form, you must clearly enter your accurate passport information, current status of stay, and the status of stay you wish to change to.
Step 3: Review and Approval
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Service reviews the submitted documents for eligibility. Generally, review is completed within 5–7 days, but may take longer if additional verification is necessary.
Step 4: Issuance of Alien Registration Card
Once your change of status is approved, you will receive a new Alien Registration Card. You must return your existing card, and your new card can either be received on-site immediately or delivered by mail.
Conditions for Issuance of Alien Registration Card
You plan to stay in the Republic of Korea for more than 90 days
Your approved new status of stay is subject to alien registration
You possess a valid passport
You consent to biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph)
The application for a change of status of stay and issuance of an Alien Registration Card are separate procedures, but you must obtain a reissued Alien Registration Card after your change is approved.
Required Documents for Changing Status of Stay
There are basic documents that must be submitted when applying for a change of status of stay.
Basic Document Checklist
Application for Change of Status of Stay (IRCS form)
Valid passport (original or copy)
Copy of existing Alien Registration Card
Copy of identification (if issued in Korea)
Proof of residence documents (lease agreement, household registration certificate, etc.)
Health examination report (required for certain statuses of stay)
Certificate of no criminal record (issued by your home country)
When Changing to Employment Visa (E-1)
Employment confirmation document, employment contract, employer identification documents, copies of salary bank statements, etc.
When Changing to Student Visa (D-2)
Admission notification letter, proof of academic ability, financial capability evidence (bank balance, scholarship confirmation, etc.)
When Changing to Business Visa (D-10)
Business registration certificate, business plan, proof of investment, real estate lease agreement, etc.
When Changing to Marriage Visa (F-2)
Marriage confirmation documents, spouse identification documents, copy of marriage registration, etc.
Since the required documents vary significantly depending on the status of stay you are changing to, you must confirm the exact requirements with the relevant immigration office before applying.
Difference Between Changing Status of Stay and Naturalization Application
Changing status of stay and applying for naturalization are completely different procedures. Many foreign nationals tend to confuse the two, so it is important to distinguish between them clearly.
Change of Status of Stay
You select one of Korea's various statuses of stay and change your legal residence status to reside lawfully. After changing your status of stay, you retain your original nationality, and you will depart Korea when your period of stay ends.
Naturalization Application
This is the procedure by which a foreign national acquires Korean nationality and becomes a citizen of the Republic of Korea. Once naturalization is approved, you must relinquish your original nationality, and you will receive a household registration certificate (Resident Registration Card) rather than an Alien Registration Card.
A naturalization application generally requires at least 5 years of continuous residence, so a change of status of stay is more appropriate for foreign nationals planning a short-term stay.
Processing Time by Procedure
A change of status of stay typically takes 5–7 days, while a naturalization application review period takes approximately 6 months to 2 years. Therefore, if you need to change your status urgently, it is more practical to proceed with a change of status of stay first.
If you plan to continue residing in Korea as a foreign national, you should proceed with a change of status of stay; if you intend to become a Korean citizen, you should apply for naturalization.
Important Considerations When Reissuing Your Alien Registration Card
There are important considerations when reissuing your Alien Registration Card after a change of status of stay.
Obligation to Return Your Existing Card
When receiving your new Alien Registration Card, you must return your existing card. Failure to return it may result in fines for violating relevant regulations. Card return is processed immediately on-site, so no separate procedure is required.
Fingerprint and Photograph Re-collection
When issuing an Alien Registration Card, biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) are collected again. It is advisable to prepare a recent photograph in passport format; fingerprint collection is completed on-site.
Verification of Validity Period
The validity period of your newly issued Alien Registration Card will be set according to the duration of your changed status of stay. You must file a renewal application before the validity period expires to continue residing in Korea.
Risks of Failing to Report Changes
If you change your status of stay but fail to renew your Alien Registration Card, your new status may not be recognized. In this case, you could face penalties for illegal residence.
Using Online Inquiry Services
After your Alien Registration Card is issued, you can check your registration information through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Service online portal. It is important to verify that your changes have been accurately reflected.
Reissuing your Alien Registration Card after a change of status of stay is a straightforward process, but you must complete it within the required timeframe to avoid legal issues.
Tips for Processing Status of Stay Change and Alien Registration Quickly
Using the Online Reservation System
Online advance booking for visits to the immigration office can significantly reduce waiting times. Most regional immigration offices operate online reservation systems, so it is efficient to book in advance before visiting.
Thorough Document Preparation
Preparing all required documents before applying can prevent delays in review. To avoid having to make a return visit due to missing documents, it is a good idea to call the relevant office beforehand to double-check the document checklist.
Even if one document is missing, your review will be delayed, so please confirm thoroughly by phone with the immigration office before applying.
Preparing English or Native Language Translations
For documents not issued by Korean authorities, official or notarized translations may need to be submitted. While there is a translation cost, it helps to process your review smoothly.
Consulting with Professionals
For complex changes of status of stay or special circumstances, it is wise to seek assistance from an immigration specialist administrative attorney. Professional organizations like Dasiibom Administrative Attorneys provide customized consultation and document preparation support for each individual.
Regular Status Updates
If you haven't heard back 5–7 days after applying, it is good to inquire about your application status with the immigration office. Additional document submissions may be necessary, so proactively checking can save time.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Change of Status of Stay
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