Korea ARC Renewal Immigration Act §25 · Apr 2026
Renewing your Alien Registration Card? Pick your visa type — get the exact document checklist, fee, processing time, and D-day to expiry. Updated for the December 2025 Mobile ARC rollout and 2026 fee tables. Always verify with HiKorea or call 1345.
Required documents (E-7)
Estimated cost
Add optional items:
5 steps to renew
- Check eligibility & gather documents4 months before expiry. Use the checklist above to confirm everything before booking.
- Book a HiKorea appointment2-3 months before expiry. hikorea.go.kr → Reservation. Seoul/Suwon slots fill within days.
- Submit application & pay the feeIn person at your immigration office (or online for some visas). Fingerprinting on site if you're 14+.
- Wait for processing7-30 days depending on visa type. Track on hikorea.go.kr or call ☎ 1345 (English).
- Receive your new ARCPick up in person or by registered mail. Mobile ARC also issued automatically via PASS app from Dec 2025.
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: ₩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: usually OK with valid re-entry permit (now mostly automatic). Single-entry visa: 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 for smaller banks, hospitals, immigration checkpoints. 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.
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.