LINKRIGHTS

How do I extend my period of stay (visa)?

Apply for an extension before your current period of stay ends. Book a visit on HiKorea and then apply at the immigration office.

Reviewed 6 September 2026

Is this your situation?

  • The stay period on my alien registration card ends soon.
  • I am told to visit immigration but do not know how to book.
  • I do not know which documents I need.
  • My stay period has already passed and I do not know what to do.

Rights you should know

  • You can apply in advance

    You may apply well before the expiry date, so applying early is the safest choice.

  • Multilingual guidance is available

    The Immigration Contact Center (1345) answers in several languages, so you can ask your questions before you go.

  • If your stay has already expired, get advice quickly

    Leaving an expired stay unresolved can make things much worse. Do not decide alone. Call 1345 or a legal advice service first.

Try this

  1. 1.

    Check your expiry date first

    Look at the back of your alien registration card or check on HiKorea, then set a reminder in your phone calendar.

  2. 2.

    Book a visit on HiKorea

    Reserve an appointment at your local immigration office at hikorea.go.kr. Slots fill up, so book early.

  3. 3.

    Ask 1345 which documents you need

    Requirements differ by visa type. Tell them your status and prepare exactly what they list.

  4. 4.

    Take someone with you if it feels hard

    A guardian, a teacher or a migrant support worker can go with you to the office.

Please note

LINKRIGHTS cannot judge or guarantee whether a visa will be approved. Always confirm eligibility and documents with HiKorea or 1345.

You might also want to know

Where to get help

  • Immigration Contact Center 1345 (HiKorea)

    How they can help

    Multilingual advice on visa status, extensions and alien registration. Office visits are booked on HiKorea.

    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    Area
    Nationwide
    Languages
    한국어 · English · 中文 · Tiếng Việt · +
    1345 Website

    Reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Danuri Call Center 1577-1366

    Emergency line

    How they can help

    A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.

    Opening hours
    24 hours
    Area
    Nationwide
    Languages
    한국어 · English · 中文 · Tiếng Việt · +
    1577-1366 Website

    Reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132

    How they can help

    Free legal advice from a public body, with free litigation support if you meet the criteria.

    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    Area
    Nationwide
    Languages
    한국어
    132 Website

    Reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Government Complaints Hotline 110 (e-People)

    How they can help

    A single government window that tells you which office handles your issue, and lets you file a complaint.

    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    Area
    Nationwide
    Languages
    한국어 · English
    110 Website

    Reviewed 6 September 2026

Before you call, try saying this

If you are not sure how to start the call, use these sentences as a guide. They are only examples and do not replace advice from the organisation.

  1. 1. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about Visa & Stay.”
  2. 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
  3. 3. “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

Tips for the call

  • If Korean is hard for you, ask: "Can I get advice in another language?"
  • Keep dates, places and things like text messages or contracts next to you so it is easier to explain.
  • You only need to give your name or contact details if the counsellor asks for them.

Follow the organisation's own guidance on how advice works. If you are in danger now, call 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance) straight away.

Sources for this page

Describe your situation in your own words. Write in any language and the answer comes back in that language.

Ask about my situation