Can a person with an F-1 visiting/cohabiting visa invite other family members?

Usually not. The F-1 status alone does not give you the standing to invite family members. F-1 is a status for staying in Korea by relying on another person, such as family cohabitation or visiting relatives. So the inviter is usually a Korean citizen, a permanent resident (F-5), or a certain skilled worker, investor, or international student.

Good to know

• The inviter requirements differ for each F-1 sub-type you want to invite under. For example, for parents of top-tier talent, investors, or international students (F-1-15), the inviter must be a specified person, such as top-tier talent, an investor (D-8, etc.), a skilled worker (E-1 to E-7), or an international student. There are also separate requirements, such as income.
• For parents of marriage immigrants (F-1-5), the inviter must be the Korean spouse or a marriage immigrant who has acquired citizenship or permanent residence (F-5). F-1 holders do not qualify.
• As a rule, F-1 residents cannot work or do other income-earning activities. It is also hard for them to show the income or financial ability needed for an invitation.

⚠️ Cautions

• If the inviter, or a family member who was invited earlier, has broken the law (for example, by overstaying), the invitation may be restricted.
• The family relationship and the reason for the invitation must be clear. The result of the review is not guaranteed.

If you tell us which F-1 sub-type you hold and which family member you want to invite, we can give more specific guidance. Please check once more at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345 to confirm whether it is possible.