LINKRIGHTS

I want to know what my residence status is and what I'm allowed to do

Your residence status (visa type) sets out what you are allowed to do in Korea. Knowing your status exactly is the first step for every procedure.

Source
Ministry of Justice See sources
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
This translation was prepared by the LINKRIGHTS team and is still being checked. If anything is unclear, ask one of the organisations below.

Is this your situation?

  • I don't understand what the letters on my residence card mean.
  • I wonder whether my visa allows me to work part-time.
  • Do I need to change my status if I change schools or get a job?
  • My parents' visa seems to be different from mine.

Rights you should know

  • You have the right to check your residence status

    Your residence card shows your residence status and period of stay. If it is hard to understand, you can ask 1345.

  • What you can do depends on your status

    Each residence status allows a different range of work or part-time jobs. Doing an activity that is not allowed can cause problems, so check in advance.

  • If your situation changes, you may need to report it or change your status

    When your address, school or workplace changes, you may have to report it within a set period. Ask 1345 which report you need.

Try this

  1. 1.

    Save a photo of your residence card

    Taking photos of the front and back and keeping them somewhere safe helps if you lose the card. Don't send them to other people carelessly.

  2. 2.

    Call 1345 and ask what your status allows

    Asking a specific question such as "My residence status is XX. Can I work part-time?" will get you an accurate answer.

  3. 3.

    Get guidance on changing your status if needed

    If you have changed schools or jobs, check on HiKorea which application you need and make an appointment.

Please note

Only the immigration authorities can make decisions about residence status. LINKRIGHTS's explanation is for reference only, so always check with 1345 or HiKorea.

Checklists to use with this information

You might also want to know

Where to get help

  • Immigration Contact Center 1345 (HiKorea)

    Area: NationwideStay & visa

    How they can help

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

    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    1345 Website

    hikorea.go.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Danuri Call Center 1577-1366

    Emergency line

    Area: NationwideFamilyViolence & safety

    How they can help

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

    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
    Opening hours
    24 hours
    1577-1366 Website

    liveinkorea.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Korea Legal Aid Corporation 132

    Area: NationwideLegal

    How they can help

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

    Languages
    Korean
    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    132 Website

    klac.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

Choose your area
What to say once the call connects

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

Official sources (organisation websites, open in a new window)

Last reviewed 6 September 2026

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