International marriages are no longer unusual in Korea.
It is common to see couples who grew up in different countries building a life together here.
Many people believe that once the marriage is registered, everything is finished.
In reality, that is often when another important process begins—the immigration process that allows you to live together in Korea legally and safely.
If you are planning to live in Korea with your Korean spouse, you will likely apply for the Marriage Migrant (F-6) status of stay, often called the F-6-1 visa.
This visa is not granted automatically.
It is issued based on an official invitation from your Korean spouse and a review by the immigration authorities under the IMMIGRATION ACT and the ENFORCEMENT RULE OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT.
In simple terms, the government does not only check whether you are legally married.
It also looks at whether you are truly prepared to live together as a family in Korea.
The process usually begins with your Korean spouse, who is legally described as a spouse of a national, submitting documents to support your visa application.
Immigration officers will examine whether there are any issues related to Prohibition of entry, etc., meaning whether there are legal reasons that could prevent entry into Korea.
They also review your relationship history, your genuine intention to marry.
One of the most common concerns involves income.
The Korean spouse must show a certain level of annual income.
Immigration does not simply look at how much money is in your bank account on one day.
Instead, they review whether the couple can reasonably support daily life in Korea.
This income requirement is designed to ensure stability.
Housing is another key issue.
The couple must have a normal and stable residential space where they can live together on a continuing basis.
Places such as very temporary accommodations are generally not considered appropriate.
Immigration wants to see that your life in Korea will have a practical and realistic foundation.
Language ability also matters.
The foreign spouse is usually required to show Korean language skills, either by passing a recognized test or completing a language program.
Immigration may also review the Korean spouse’s background.
For example, whether the sponsor has invited another spouse within the past five years, or whether there is a serious criminal history.
Some foreign spouses are already an alien staying in the Republic of Korea under a different visa.
In that situation, instead of applying for a new visa abroad, you may seek Permission to change status of stay.
Legally speaking, A person who intends to obtain permission to change his or her status of stay shall file an application for change of status of stay that shall be accompanied by documents.
In practical terms, this means submitting the proper application form, proof of marriage, proof of income, housing documents, and other supporting materials.
These legal phrases may sound complex, but at the heart of the system is a simple idea: the government wants to confirm that your marriage is real and that your life together in Korea will be stable and sustainable.
Marriage is a personal promise between two people.
Immigration procedures, however, are a public legal process.
Many couples face the same questions.
Taking the time to understand the rules under the IMMIGRATION ACT and preparing step by step is often the safest and fastest path forward.
Living together, sharing meals at the same table, and building an ordinary day as a family in Korea—those simple goals are worth careful preparation.
※ All content posted on this blog is intended to provide general legal information. The application of the law may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case, so please consult with an attorney for detailed legal advice before making any decisions based on the content of this blog. Please be advised that the operator of this blog assumes no legal responsibility for any issues that may arise from the use of the information obtained here.
