‹ Korea Visa & Stay Q&A for Foreigners
Entry & exit

How can I find out which immigration office has jurisdiction over me?

Based on: National Law Information Center (국가법령정보센터), Immigration Act (출입국관리법) (Act No. 21857, effective 2026.10.2.), Articles 36 and 88-2 (checked 2026.10.29) · Seoul Metropolitan Government My Seoul Plus (마이서울플러스, Seoul Global Center), information by topic, "Immigration and Stay > Report of Change of Residence" (checked 2026.10.29)

The immigration office that covers your address (place of residence) is your immigration office. Stay-related applications are usually handled by the immigration office for the address where you live now. If you move, your office may change.

How to check your office

  1. On HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), open the immigration office guide (office finder). Enter your address to see the office in charge, its location, and its phone number.
  2. Call the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345) and ask, "Which immigration office covers my home address?"
  3. Check that the address on your Alien Registration Card is the same as the office where you booked your visit.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

  • Non-professional employment (E-9) is an exception. Extensions and workplace changes can also be accepted by the office covering your residence or workplace, or by a nearby immigration office.
  • If visit appointments are full, first check whether the service can be done through HiKorea e-application. You can also check often for canceled slots or ask 1345.
  • If you moved, report your change of residence within 15 days so your office information is correct. You can do this at the community center (주민센터) for your new address or at your immigration office.

Before you visit, check your exact office and whether they can accept your application on HiKorea or by calling 1345.

Sources

  1. 출입국관리법 - 체류지 변경신고(제36조)와 주민등록·전입신고 갈음(제88조의2) › 체류지 변경신고Within 15 days after moving, report to the city/county/district/town/village/neighborhood office of your new residence or to your immigration office.
  2. 외국인 체류지 변경 신고(이사 후 15일 이내) (서울시) › 신고 기관You can report at your immigration office or at the community center (주민센터) for your new address.
  3. 하이코리아(hikorea.go.kr) · 외국인종합안내센터(1345)Where to make the final check of your office
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Related questions

Who has to fill out the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival card)?Do I need a re-entry permit if I am a registered foreigner who leaves Korea and comes back?How do I make a visit reservation for the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서)?Do I need a re-entry permit when I go home for a short visit on an E-9 visa?Is my status kept if I leave Korea for a long time with an E-7-4 visa?

General guidance prepared by K-VISA AI from Ministry of Justice manuals, laws and official guides. Not legal advice — please confirm with HiKorea or the Immigration Contact Center (1345).