What visa can family members of an F-2 residence visa holder use to live together with them in Korea?

The spouse and minor children of an F-2 residence visa holder can usually live together with them under Accompanying (F-3) or an F-2 family status for residence (F-2-1, etc.). Which one applies depends on the main holder's F-2 subtype.

Status each family member receives

• Spouse and minor children (general case) — Accompanying (F-3). A minor child must be unmarried. Some F-2 subtypes (for example, family rules for people who lost permanent residence or types recognized by the Minister of Justice) are set separately.
• Spouse and minor children of a points-based talent (F-2-7) — Residence (F-2-71) or Accompanying (F-3-18). If the main holder has 80 points or more on the points system and annual income at or above the previous year's GNI per capita, the family keeps F-2-71.
• Spouse and children of an Other long-term (F-2-99) holder — Accompanying (F-3-18). The period of stay is the same as the main holder's.
• Child born in Korea (child of an F-2-99 holder) — receives Accompanying (F-3-18). Submit family relationship documents such as a birth certificate.
• Parents, siblings and other family — not eligible for F-3. You must check separately whether another status, such as Visiting and Living Together (F-1), fits.

⚠️ Points to note

• The recognized spouse is one legally married spouse. A common-law spouse or a bigamous spouse is not eligible.
• A child must be unmarried and a minor, and the main holder must have parental authority or custody. A spouse's child from a previous marriage must have a legal parent-child relationship, such as through adoption.
• Family stay is tied to the main holder. If the main holder's extension is denied, the family's extension may also be denied.
• Family relationship documents issued in your home country need a translator's certificate and an apostille or consular confirmation.

To confirm the exact status for your situation, check HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터) at 1345. If you tell me your F-2 subtype, I can give more specific guidance.