What can and can't I do with an F-1 (Visiting/Joining Family) visa?

The F-1 (Visiting/Joining Family) visa is for staying in Korea to visit, live with, or support family. In principle, you cannot work or do any activity to earn money.

✅ What you can do

• You can stay for similar purposes, such as visiting relatives, living with family, being supported by family, or sorting out household matters.
• Parents living with a minor international student who attends high school or below can also stay on F-1.²
• You can take Korean language training or receive instruction in traditional Korean culture or arts within your period of stay, without separate permission. [5]

❌ What you can't do

• In general, you cannot take a job or do for-profit activities. For example, spouses and children of points-based top talent (F-1-12) are in principle not allowed to work or do for-profit activities.
• You must not do activities of another status without permission. To do an activity different from your current status, you must get Permission to Engage in Activities Not Covered by the Status of Sojourn (체류자격외활동허가) in advance.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you want to work, first get Permission to Engage in Activities Not Covered by the Status of Sojourn (체류자격외활동허가) from the Immigration Office (출입국·외국인관서) that has jurisdiction over your address. [5]
• If the work is a main activity, such as full-time work, permission will not be given. In that case, you must leave Korea and get a new visa, or get permission to change your status of sojourn. [5]
• What is allowed depends on your detailed sub-type (F-1-12, etc.). For example, caregivers of a Korean citizen's minor child born out of wedlock (F-1-4) can get permission only for simple labor, excluding restricted fields such as gambling and entertainment businesses.¹
• Permission is decided case by case and is not guaranteed. Please confirm at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).