Before your first immigration appointment
A reservation is only one part of the visit. The right office, the right service and a complete folder matter just as much.
By Seemile · Sources checked
Book the correct service
- Use the official HiKorea site rather than a link sent by an unknown agent.
- Check the office’s jurisdiction against your residence address.
- Save the appointment confirmation, including the service, date and time.
Ask before the visit
- Call 1345, the immigration contact centre, with your status code and the name of the application ready.
- Ask whether originals, copies, translations or recently issued certificates are needed.
- Confirm the current fee and accepted payment method rather than relying on an old blog post.
Make the visit easier
- Arrange the folder in checklist order and bring a pen.
- Plan the route to the actual office building, not just the nearest subway station.
- If you cannot attend, use the official cancellation or change process so the slot can be released.
A little Korean goes a long way
- 방문 예약을 했어요. — I have an appointment.
- 원본과 사본이 모두 필요한가요? — Do I need both the original and a copy?
Official information
- My Seoul+ · Change of residence status — Seoul Metropolitan Government
- HiKorea · Immigration services — Ministry of Justice
Keep going
Before you fly: check your entry purpose
A holiday, a degree course and a paid job need different checks. Start with what you will actually do in Korea, rather than the name of a visa you have heard about.
Getting your residence card organised
For many long-term arrivals, foreigner registration is the next administrative task after finding an address. Book early enough to leave room for missing documents.
Extending your stay or changing its purpose
An extension gives you more time under a status; a change of status concerns a different purpose. Explain your next activity clearly before choosing an application.
Moved home? Update your registered address
Changing the address on a delivery app does not update your immigration record. Make official address reporting an early part of your moving checklist.