When can F-5 permanent residence be revoked?

F-5 permanent resident status can mainly be revoked if it was obtained by improper means, if you received a serious criminal punishment, or if you acted against the national interest. If you obtained it by improper means, such as false documents, it must be revoked. For the other cases, the decision is made after looking at all the circumstances.

6 cases where permanent residence is revoked

• Obtained by improper means: This is when you submitted forged documents or a false application. It also includes cases where you submitted a withholding tax receipt instead of a certificate of income amount, and the amounts were different.
• Final sentence of 2 years or more in prison for a serious crime: This applies to violations of the Criminal Act, the Act on the Punishment of Violences, the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth against Sexual Abuse, the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, the Narcotics Control Act, and the Act on the Control of Health Crimes.
• Total prison terms of 3 years or more: This applies if all the prison sentences you received in the last 5 years add up to 3 years or more.
• Conditional permanent resident (F-5-25) who withdrew the investment money: This applies if you withdraw even part of the deposit in the public-interest investment immigration fund within 5 years of getting permanent residence.
• Falling under the grounds for deportation: This is when you were released after a prison sentence of 5 years or more for murder, robbery, sexual violence, drugs, and so on. It also includes treason, offenses of inducing foreign aggression, and brokering illegal entry or exit.
• Acting against the national interest: This is when you acted against the national interest in areas such as national security, foreign relations, or the national economy.

⚠️ 'Revocation' and 'loss' are different

If your status is revoked, you may receive a deportation order or a departure order, depending on the reason. However, if it is recognized that you need to keep staying in Korea and you meet the requirements for a general status of stay, you can apply yourself for another status of stay.

Even without any crime, you lose permanent residence if you do not return within 2 years of the day you left Korea. If you have a re-entry permit, the permit period is the standard. If you plan to be abroad for a long time, get a re-entry permit in advance.

If you get a revocation notice or a request to appear, do not handle it alone. Get a consultation with the K-VISA AI administrative agent (the app's visa service). Check the exact details again at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.