What happens if I stay past my C-3 period of stay?

If you stay even one day past your C-3 period of stay, you become an illegal overstayer. You can get a fine and be ordered to leave Korea. The longer you overstay, the bigger the fine. It may also be hard to come back to Korea later.

Fines depend on how long you overstayed

If you stay past your period without an extension permit, you may have to pay the fines below, based on how long you overstayed.

• Less than 1 month: 500,000 KRW
• 1 month or more, less than 3 months: 1,000,000 KRW
• 3 months or more, less than 6 months: 2,000,000 KRW
• 6 months or more, less than 1 year: 5,000,000 KRW
• 1 year or more, less than 2 years: 10,000,000 KRW
• For 2 years or more, fines start at 15,000,000 KRW. For 7 years or more, the maximum is 30,000,000 KRW.

Along with the fine, you may get a departure order or forced deportation. Then you may not be able to enter Korea again for a certain time. This time is different in each case, so we cannot tell you the exact period in advance.

If your stay has not expired yet, look into an extension first

1. Apply for an extension at your local immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) before your expiry date. You can get a C-3 extension if it fits your allowed activities, there is no suspicion of illegal work, and the extension is found to be needed. But it is only allowed within 90 days from your entry date.
2. Prepare documents that show why you need the extension. For example: a sudden accident or illness, no flight available, or a delay in an import/export schedule.
3. Group tourism (C-3-2) is extended only for unavoidable reasons, such as having no flight available.

If you already overstayed, do this right now

1. Before it gets later, visit immigration yourself or call 1345. The longer you overstay, the more the fine keeps going up.
2. If you worked while overstaying, you may be punished separately. You cannot work for pay with a C-3.
3. If you had unavoidable reasons, such as an accident or illness, be sure to collect proof.

If your period has already passed, do not decide alone. Get a consultation with K-VISA AI Administrative Agent (행정사) Consultation (Visa Service in the app). Be sure to check the exact decision at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.