With what visa can the spouse and children of an E-2 conversation instructor live together with them in Korea?

The spouse and minor children of an E-2 instructor can usually live with them on a Dependent (F-3) visa. This status applies to the family of people with a status from Culture and Arts (D-1) to Specific Activities (E-7), except D-3. E-2 is included in this range.

Good to know

• The spouse must be legally married to the instructor. Children must be minors.
• A Dependent (F-3) holder can stay only within that status. To work, they need separate permission.
• If an F-3 holder wants to work as a Foreign Language Conversation Instructor (E-2), they need permission for activities outside their status. They submit an employment contract, a business registration certificate, a degree certificate, a criminal record certificate, a hiring medical checkup report, and so on.
• The fee for permission for activities outside status is 120,000 KRW.

How to apply depends on your situation

1. Entering Korea newly from abroad: The family gets a Dependent (F-3) visa at a Korean diplomatic mission. You usually need documents proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) and a copy of the E-2 instructor's Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증). Documents differ a little by country and mission.
2. Already staying in Korea short-term: If you entered with a visa waiver (B-1), a tourist transit visa (B-2), or a short-term visa, and you have an unavoidable reason such as settling household affairs, you can apply to change to F-3. The required documents are the application form, passport, 1 photo, the fee, and documents proving the family relationship (such as a marriage or birth certificate). You also submit the Alien Registration Card of the spouse or parent.
3. A child is born in Korea: If both parents are foreigners, they must apply to Immigration for a status within 90 days of the birth date.

Things to watch out for

• Family relationship documents usually need official verification from your home country (apostille or consular confirmation). Prepare them in advance.
• If the spouse wants to work in Korea, F-3 is not enough. They must change to a work visa that fits them, and the conditions differ by occupation.

Documents may differ depending on your family's nationality and entry plan. Check the exact documents again at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).