This Visa is also known as the Gyopo 교포 visa. Korean-Americans or Korean-Canadians or any combination of Koreans who have the citizenship of another country are considered 교포. So, those born in Korea who later acquire a foreign citizenship after immigrating to another country or through adoption, are eligible to apply for an F4 visa. Also, if you were born abroad or if one of your parents holds foreign citizenship then you are eligible to apply for an F4 visa.
How to apply for an F4 Visa
- Applicant must apply in person
- Any Korean consulate or embassy (You can get an F4 Visa in your home country or here in Korea)
Required Documents for the F4 Visa
- Passport
- 2 color passport-sized photos
- F4 Application fee of U$30 (single-entry), U$50 (multiple-entry)
- Visa application form
Other required documents for the F4 Korea visa:
If you held Korean citizenship in the past but gave it up for a foreign citizenship then you’ll need:
- Documents that prove you were once a Korean citizen (Ex. Family register and certified removal from the family register
- A document showing the date when and reason for acquiring foreign citizenship
- Some overseas Koreans from certain countries will have to provide financial records as reassurance to Korean immigration that they will not over-stay their term of stay.
According to some Korean Consulates it can take up to 3 months to go through the process of giving up your Korean citizenship.
If your parent(s) or grandparent(s) were Korean citizens, but acquired a foreign nationality
- Documents showing that your parent(s) or grandparent(s) held Korean citizenship
- Documents showing the date when and reason for acquiring foreign citizenship
- A Birth Certificate or other official documents that shows you are related to your parent(s) or grandparent(s)
- Some overseas Koreans from certain countries will have to provide financial records as reassurance to Korean immigration that they will not over-stay their term of stay.
The great benefit of the F4 (and F2 Visa – when married to a Korean) over the E2 Visa is it allows you to work anywhere. Also, when applying to teach or work in Korea you don’t need to have a criminal background check or leave the country to get a new visa under the new company’s name.
Hi I have a question:
As a second-generation Korean American (born and raised in the US), can I get an F4 Visa even though my parents still hold Korean citizenship? They have been permanent US residents (greencard holders) for the past 30 years, but they have not renounced their Korean citizenship. I have read on various websites that I can apply for an F4 visa IF my parents have naturalized.
I plan on visiting Seoul soon, and I would like to stay (and hopefully work) there for more than 90 days. I think the F4 visa is the most ideal.
I hope to hear from you soon, thank you.
I have a feeling that you won’t be able to get it b/c they haven’t given that up. It would be wise to call 02-1345 to see if they have any advice on the matter. I have heard though that it won’t work, but you can get a tourist visa for 90 days, but that doesn’t allow you to legally work as you know I think. Sorry for not have better news