How do I apply for the F-6 marriage migrant visa, and what documents are required?
I am from China and about to marry my Korean fiance. For the F-6 marriage migrant visa I am confused about the order: do I need to register the marriage first, or do I do it at the same time as the visa application?
Is there an income requirement or a Korean language proof, and is it faster to apply from my home country or to change status inside Korea?
1 Answer
The F-6 visa with a Korean spouse is usually applied for after the marriage is legally established. You register the marriage in Korea and have it recognized in China as well, then apply for the visa based on the marriage certificate. For a first issuance, the common route is to apply for the F-6 (marriage and cohabitation) visa at the Korean consulate in China, while if you are already in Korea on another status you can change status at immigration. The requirements include an income requirement for the Korean spouse who is inviting you, meaning income at or above a set level based on the prior year, and a basic Korean ability requirement for the foreign spouse such as TOPIK level 1 or completing Korean education at a designated institution, though this can be waived if the couple shares a common language they communicate in or if you meet certain education criteria. For some countries an international marriage orientation program is also required. Applying from your home country involves a genuineness-of-marriage review with documents and sometimes an interview, so it takes time and careful preparation. Since the exact income figure, language waivers, and document list change a bit each year, I would confirm for your case on HiKorea or by calling 1345.