Korea ARC Renewal Immigration Act §25 · Apr 2026

Renewing your ARC? Pick your visa type — get the document checklist, fee, processing time, and D-day to expiry.

Visa type

Current ARC expiry date

Today (default)

Switching visa type (change / 변경허가, ₩100,000)

Age 14+ (fingerprint required)

—

Enter expiry date

Earliest apply window starts 4 months before expiry.

Required documents (E-7)

0 of 0 collected

Estimated cost

Add optional items:

Criminal background check (apostille)~₩100,000

Health certificate (E-2 / some)₩50K–200K

TOPIK certificate₩40,000

Registered mail return₩5,000

📱 Mobile ARC (Dec 2025+): Korea Immigration now offers a digital ARC via the PASS app. Accepted at most government offices and major banks. Physical card still recommended for smaller banks, hospitals, and immigration checkpoints.

5 steps to renew

Check eligibility & gather documents
4 months before expiry. Use the checklist above to confirm everything before booking.
Book a HiKorea appointment
2-3 months before expiry. hikorea.go.kr → Reservation. Seoul/Suwon slots fill within days.
Submit application & pay the fee
In person at your immigration office (or online for some visas). Fingerprinting on site if you're 14+.
Wait for processing
7-30 days depending on visa type. Track on hikorea.go.kr or call ☎ 1345 (English).
Receive your new ARC
Pick up in person or by registered mail. Mobile ARC also issued automatically via PASS app from Dec 2025.

📌 Official Sources · References

Korea Immigration Service — HiKorea · The official portal for ARC issuance, renewal, F-2-7 points calculator, F-5 thresholds, and Mobile ARC (☎ 1345 in 19 languages)
Korea Immigration Service (KIS) · The Ministry of Justice authority for visa policy, ARC validity, and overstay penalties
Korea National Law Information Center — Immigration Act (출입국관리법) §10·§25·§31·§95 · Legal basis for ARC validity periods, renewal requirements, and overstay penalties (₩100,000–10,000,000 + entry ban up to 10 years)
Ministry of Justice (MOJ) — Immigration Policy · Official channel for visa policy changes (Mobile ARC, F-2-7 points, F-5 thresholds updated 2024-2025)

This tool provides general reference based on the Korean Immigration Act and HiKorea published guidelines as of April 2026. Required documents, fees, and processing time vary by visa type, individual circumstances, and the specific immigration office. Overstay penalties are strictly enforced — always verify your specific case directly with HiKorea or Korea Immigration Contact Center (☎ 1345) before relying on this tool.

FAQ

How early can I apply for ARC renewal in Korea?

Korea Immigration accepts applications up to 4 months before your ARC expiry (Immigration Act §25). Recommended window is 2-3 months before — Seoul, Suwon, and Suji offices fill HiKorea slots quickly (often booked 1-2 months out). Don't wait past the 30-day mark unless you can travel to a regional office.

What happens if I miss the deadline? Overstay penalties?

Under 90 days overstay: ₩100,000-1M fine, possibly waived for voluntary report. 90 days to 1 year: ₩1-3M + 1-year re-entry ban. Over 1 year: up to ₩10M + 5-10 year ban. Self-report ASAP (call 1345) — penalties often reduced 50%.

Can I leave and re-enter Korea while my application is pending?

Multi-entry ARC holders are usually OK with valid re-entry permit (now mostly automatic). Single-entry visa holders need a new visa to come back — don't leave. Application pending: most offices issue a temporary 'application receipt' valid for travel, but confirm with your case officer first.

Extension (연장) vs change (변경) of visa status — what's the difference?

Extension: same visa type, longer validity. Fee ₩60,000. Change: different visa type (e.g., E-9 → E-7, D-10 → E-7). Fee ₩100,000, requires meeting new visa criteria. Switching jobs or career fields may need change rather than extension.

What is the Mobile ARC introduced in 2025?

From December 2025, Korea Immigration introduced Mobile ARC — a digital version of your registration card via the PASS app (Korean carrier authentication). Accepted at most government offices and major banks. Physical card still recommended (some smaller banks, hospitals, immigration checkpoints require it). Replacement still costs ₩30,000.

How long does ARC renewal processing take?

D-series (student/work): 7-21 days. E-series: 14-28 days (E-7 specialist longest). F-series: 14-30 days (F-6 marriage may include interview). H-series: 7-14 days. Avoid March/April (semester change) and December (year-end) — slots are tight. Summer/early fall typically clears faster.

Can my employer or a visa agency apply on my behalf?

Yes. Employer with power of attorney + verified employment can submit. Licensed visa agency (출입국 행정사) charges ₩100,000-300,000 on top of government fee. Spouse can submit for F-6 renewals; parents for minors. You usually still appear in person for fingerprinting (over 14) unless Mobile ARC + biometrics on file.

What if my passport is expiring soon — do I renew that first?

Yes. Korea Immigration requires passport valid at least 6 months beyond new ARC validity. If passport expires within 6 months, renew it first at your country's embassy in Korea, then apply for ARC renewal with new passport. Embassy renewal takes 2-6 weeks.