If you’re staying in Korea long-term, “visa extension” (permission to extend your period of stay) is one of those things you can’t afford to do last-minute. Not because the form is hard—but because one small mistake can force you to rebook an appointment and lose days.
This guide walks you through the extension timeline, what documents you’ll realistically need, when online e-Application is possible, and what to do when HiKorea shows “no slots” or your e-Application won’t submit.
Official Links (Use These Only)
- HiKorea (English): https://www.hikorea.go.kr/
- HiKorea Visit Reservation Intro (official rules): https://www.hikorea.go.kr/resv/ResvIntroR.pt
- Korea Immigration Service (English): https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/
- Immigration Contact Center 1345 (English page): https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/1862/subview.do
- Guide to Immigration Petitions (official PDF, includes extension rules & Form No. 34): https://www.immigration.go.kr/bbs/immigration/47/447103/download.do
When to Apply (This Timing Rule Saves People)
One official rule that matters: you can generally apply for an extension up to 4 months before your stay period expires. Online e-Application often has a practical cutoff: many cases must be filed by the day before your expiry date (not on the expiry date itself).
Human tip: Don’t aim for the final week. Aim for “I’m done with this” at least 2–3 weeks before expiry, because appointment slots can disappear fast.
Online vs In-Person: Which One Should You Use?
Option A) Online e-Application (HiKorea): If your status of stay and petition type are eligible for online filing, e-Application can save you a trip. The official Immigration Petition guide notes that some extensions can be applied online if your visa is eligible.
Option B) In-person visit (Immigration Office): If your case requires a visit, or if e-Application is unavailable for your visa type, you’ll need a reservation and an office visit.
Fast decision rule: If you’re not sure whether your visa can be extended online, call 1345 and ask: “Is my status of stay eligible for online extension on HiKorea?” This is faster than guessing and losing time.
Documents You’ll Commonly Need (The “Core Set”)
For many extension petitions, the official guide lists a standard baseline: an integrated application form (Form No. 34), passport, residence card (ARC), and documents that prove your residence/place of stay.
Core checklist (bring these even if your case is simple):
- Passport (valid — your extension period can be limited by passport validity)
- ARC / Residence Card (original)
- Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34)
- Proof of residence (rental contract, dorm confirmation, etc.)
- Any status-specific documents (depends on your visa type: student, worker, spouse, etc.)
Human tip: Bring your address in Korean text on your phone. Even if your paperwork is bilingual, the counter process is faster when your address is ready in Korean format.
Step-by-Step: In-Person Extension (Reservation → Visit)
Step 1) Make a Visit Reservation on HiKorea (if your office requires reservations). Start from the official reservation intro page so you follow the correct flow.
Official reservation intro: https://www.hikorea.go.kr/resv/ResvIntroR.pt
Step 2) Choose the correct immigration office (jurisdiction is often based on your registered address). Booking the wrong office is one of the most common “wasted trip” problems.
Step 3) Prepare documents + cash/card as required (fees and payment methods vary by petition and office; confirm via official guidance or 1345 if unsure).
Step 4) Arrive early and keep your story simple: “I’m applying for an extension of stay. Here are my documents.” Over-explaining creates confusion, especially if you don’t have all supporting documents.
Step-by-Step: Online Extension (HiKorea e-Application)
Step 1) Log in to HiKorea and find the e-Application menu.
Official HiKorea (English): https://www.hikorea.go.kr/
Step 2) Submit your extension petition and upload the required documents (especially proof of residence).
Step 3) Submit before the cutoff. A detail many people miss: for e-Application, the practical deadline can be the day before your expiry date. Don’t leave it to the expiry day and hope the system accepts it.
Step 4) Save proof of submission. Screenshot the confirmation page and keep any receipt number you receive.
Why Extensions Get Delayed or Rejected (Real Reasons People Don’t Expect)
- Passport expiry is too soon: your stay period may be limited by passport validity.
- Residence proof is weak or inconsistent: address mismatch is a common issue.
- Unpaid taxes / health insurance premiums: the official petition guide warns this can lead to consequences including restrictions in extension.
- Wrong jurisdiction office: you booked the wrong place and get told to rebook.
- Waiting too late: no slots, no time buffer, and you end up stuck.
Human tip: If you suspect unpaid taxes or insurance, don’t “hope it’s fine.” Ask 1345 what document or payment confirmation you need before you visit.
If You Can’t Get a Slot / HiKorea Errors (What to Do)
If HiKorea shows “no slots,” it usually means the office is fully booked. The practical fixes are: widen your date range, check multiple times per day for cancellations, and confirm you selected the correct office and service category.
If you keep getting identity errors (name mismatch / passport issues), do not guess variations. Use your passport exactly, including spacing and hyphens.
When you’re stuck, the fastest path is still 1345. Ask them the specific question: “I need to extend my stay. Which office has jurisdiction for my address, and am I eligible for online extension?”
Official 1345 page: https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/1862/subview.do
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Q1) How early can I apply for an extension of stay?
A commonly published rule in official guidance is up to 4 months before your stay period expires.
Q2) Can I apply online on the expiry date?
Don’t rely on that. For e-Application, official guidance notes a cutoff that can be the day before expiry for certain online petitions. Apply earlier.
Q3) What documents are “always” required?
For many cases: integrated application form (Form No. 34), passport, ARC, and proof of residence—plus status-specific documents.