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ExtensionC-3

I entered Korea with a C-3 Short-Term Visit status. Can I extend my period of stay?

Based on: Ministry of Justice (법무부) 「Residence Civil Service Manual by Status」 (as of 2026.10.19) · HiKorea (하이코리아) 「Immigration/Stay Guide」 (revision date not confirmed) · K-Visa (케이비자) practical reference 「Stay Practice Guidelines」 (as of 2023.7.)

Yes, you can extend it. But the conditions are strict. Even with an extension, your total stay cannot exceed 90 days from your date of entry1. The Short-Term Visit status is basically a status for which extensions are discouraged3.

Requirements for extension

  • You must stay within the allowed activities of Short-Term Visit (C-3)1.
  • You must not be suspected of illegal employment1.
  • You must be recognized as having a real need to extend1.

Examples of reasons that may be accepted1

  • There is no flight or ship available to leave Korea
  • An unexpected accident or illness happened after you entered
  • You came to visit relatives, etc., and there is no suspicion of illegal employment
  • You came for business, but shipping or departure was delayed
  • You have a multiple-entry visa and can explain why you need to stay longer

Group tourists, etc. (C-3-2) are treated more strictly. An extension is allowed only if there is no departure transport or there is an unavoidable reason, such as applying for permanent residence or naturalization1.

How to apply

  1. When: Apply from 4 months before your stay period ends, up to the last day2.
  2. Where: Apply at the Immigration Office (출입국·외국인관서) that has jurisdiction over your address. You must be in Korea on the day you apply2.
  3. Documents: You need the Integrated Application Form (통합신청서, Form No. 34), your original passport, and the fee1. You must also submit documents showing why you need the extension. For example, a medical certificate or a flight cancellation confirmation1.

⚠️ Things to be careful about

  • If you apply after your period of stay has ended, you will be charged a fine2. If your expiry date has already passed, get consultation right away from K-VISA AI Administrative Agent Consultation (K-VISA AI 행정사 상담) (Visa Service in the app).
  • Submitting all documents does not guarantee approval. Please check again at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).

Sources

  1. 체류민원 매뉴얼 · 단기방문(C-3) › 체류기간 연장허가, 제출서류If you meet the requirements, you can extend within 90 days from your entry date, and C-3-2 is possible only for unavoidable reasons
  2. 하이코리아 안내 · 체류기간연장 · 체류기간연장허가 절차/방법 › 신청기간, 신청방법Apply to the office with jurisdiction from 4 months before expiry up to the expiry date; applying after expiry results in a fine
  3. 체류 실무지침 · 단기방문(C-3) › 억제In principle, extension of Short-Term Visit status is discouraged
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Related questions

What can and can't I do with a C-3 short-term visit?Can I change from C-3 (Short-term Visit) to another status of stay while in Korea?

General guidance prepared by K-VISA AI from Ministry of Justice manuals, laws and official guides. Not legal advice — please confirm with HiKorea or the Immigration Contact Center (1345).