Notification of Changes in Overseas Korean System in Accordance with Extension of the Range

As the「Act of Overseas Koreans」was revised on July 2, 2019, the range of overseas Korean has been expanded to all direct descendant. Therefore we announce about changes in system related to all overseas Korean as following,  including 4th generation and later.

□ Main Content

 1. Maintain basic framework of current regulations (Only classification of generation abolished)

  ○ 4th generation and later became able to receive status of residence* related to Overseas Korean.

     * Short term Visitor(Overseas Korean)(C-3-8), Work and Visit(H-2), Overseas Korean(F-4), Permanent Residency(Overseas Korean)(F-5)

 2. Mandatory submission of Korean language proficiency and overseas criminal history verification documents

 ○ As the range of overseas Korean expand, documents showing proof of Korean language proficiency and overseas criminal history must be submitted in case of applying for visa or changing․extending of residence status in consideration of improving awareness of Koreans and support for settlement of Korean society. 

 ○ Proof of Korean language proficiency (one of the following documents)

   - Scorecard of pre-assessment of Korea Immigration and Integration Program (over 21points)

   - Certificate of Education of Korea Immigration and Integration Program(Complete Level 1 or higher)

   - TOPIK Level 1 or higher

   - Certificate of completion of King Sejong Institute beginner 1B course or higher

 ○ Documents confirming overseas criminal history

   - (Submitted) Overseas Koreans over 14 years old

   - (Requirement) A public document issued within 3 months by the competent authority of the country, including all criminal history of his/her own country.

     ※ If you had lived abroad for more than 6 months in other country, criminal history of the country must be included

 3. Other Improvements

 ○ Korean-Chinese who enter Korea with Short term Visitor(Overseas Korean(c-3-8) visa and have no family or friends, will be able to change their Status of residence to Work and Visit (H-2) (will be enforced from ‘19. 12. 1, due to development of computer system)

 ○ Granting status of Overseas Korean(F-4) to Korean nationals in China and the former Soviet Union nationality who have completed Korea Immigration and Integration Program Level 4 or higher, while living in Korea.

□ Enforcement Date

 ○ ’19. 9. 2.(mon)