If you live in Korea as a foreign resident, you will probably need to use HiKorea at some point.

Table of Contents

HiKorea is Korea’s official online portal for immigration-related services. It allows foreign residents to reserve an immigration office visit, submit eligible applications online, check application results, find the office responsible for their address, and check the expiration date of their permitted stay.

The website can feel complicated at first. The terminology is unfamiliar, different services have different eligibility rules, and the difference between making a reservation and submitting an application is not always obvious.

This guide explains the system in a practical, step-by-step way.

Quick Answer

Use Reserve Visit when you must submit your application at an immigration office.

Use e-Application when your specific immigration service is available online.

A visit reservation is not an immigration application.

For an extension of stay, begin checking your documents and eligibility well before your current period of stay expires.

When you are unsure, call the Immigration Contact Center at 1345.

This article was reviewed using official HiKorea and Korea Immigration Service information available in July 2026. Immigration procedures can change, and individual requirements vary by status of stay.

What Is HiKorea?

HiKorea is an official Korean government website that provides immigration information and electronic services for foreign residents.

Its main functions include:

Reserving a visit to an immigration office
Submitting eligible immigration applications online
Checking online application results
Checking visit reservations
Finding the immigration office responsible for your address
Checking the expiration date of your period of stay
Checking Residence Card validity
Accessing immigration forms and stay-status guidance

These services appear under menu names such as Petition Application, e-Application, Reserve Visit, Information Lookup, and Office Directory.

You can select English from the language menu. However, some detailed notices, document lists, or attached manuals may still appear only in Korean.

HiKorea and the Korea Visa Portal Are Different

HiKorea should not be confused with the Korea Visa Portal.

The Korea Visa Portal is mainly related to visa issuance and visa procedures before entering Korea. HiKorea is mainly used for immigration and residence procedures after entering Korea, such as extending a period of stay or reserving an immigration office visit.

HiKorea’s official homepage links separately to the Korea Visa Portal for online visa applications.

Important Immigration Terms

Understanding the following terms will make HiKorea much easier to use.

Status of Stay

Your status of stay is the legal immigration category that determines why you may remain in Korea and what activities you may perform.

Common examples include:

D-2 for university students
D-4 for certain training programs
E-2 for foreign language instructors
E-7 for certain professional workers
F-3 for dependent family members
F-4 for eligible overseas Koreans
F-6 for spouses of Korean nationals

People often call this their “visa type,” but Korean immigration guidance commonly uses the term status of stay.

Period of Stay

Your period of stay is the period during which you are legally permitted to remain in Korea.

The expiration date of your period of stay is extremely important. It may appear on your Residence Card or in your immigration record, and it can also be checked through HiKorea’s Expiry Date Check service.

Visa Extension

Foreign residents commonly search for “visa extension,” but the official procedure inside Korea is generally called an extension of period of stay.

You are usually not receiving a completely new entry visa. You are asking immigration for permission to remain longer under your current status of stay.

Visit Reservation

A Visit Reservation reserves a date and time to visit an immigration office.

It does not mean that you have submitted an extension, registration, or status-change application.

e-Application

An e-Application is an immigration application submitted electronically through HiKorea.

When an online application is approved, it has the same official effect as an application approved through an immigration office. Applicants can check the processing status and print an approval confirmation through the e-Application status page.

Immigration Office

An immigration office is a regional office of the Korea Immigration Service.

Most in-person applications must be submitted to the office with jurisdiction over your registered residential address. The nearest building is not always the correct office.

Use:

HiKorea → Information Lookup → Office Directory

Reserve a Visit or Apply Online?

The correct route depends on the service, your status of stay, and your individual immigration record.

Your Situation	Recommended Route
HiKorea shows the service as available through e-Application	💻 Apply Online
HiKorea only shows a Visit Reservation option	🏢 Reserve a Visit
First-time foreign resident registration	🏢 Reserve a Visit
Residence Card reissue	🏢 Reserve a Visit
Online application is available, but the system does not allow you to continue	📞 Call 1345 or Reserve a Visit
You do not know which office handles your address	🔎 Use Office Directory or Call 1345
Your expiration date is approaching and no reservation is available	⚠️ Contact 1345 or the responsible office before the deadline

HiKorea’s official service list identifies whether each civil petition is available through e-Application, Visit Reservation, or both. It currently lists first-time foreign resident registration and card reissue as visit-based procedures, while several extension and reporting services may be available online.

Availability does not always mean that every applicant is eligible. A person’s exact status, immigration history, employment situation, school enrollment, and required document review may affect whether the application can be completed online.

What to Prepare Before Using HiKorea

Prepare the following before beginning:

Your valid passport
Your Residence Card, if already issued
Your foreign resident registration number
Your current address in Korea
Your Korean mobile phone number
Your email address
Information about your school, employer, sponsor, or family relationship
Digital copies of supporting documents
An accepted online payment method
A digital certificate when required

Some e-Applications require a Korean digital certificate or another form of identity verification. HiKorea notes that certificate requirements differ depending on the service.

Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport and immigration record. Differences in spelling, hyphens, spaces, or name order can cause authentication problems.

Practical Note

HiKorea currently displays e-Application service hours as 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, excluding weekends and public holidays. Service hours and maintenance periods may change, so avoid beginning an urgent application immediately before a deadline.

How to Make an Immigration Appointment on HiKorea

Korea Immigration Service offices generally use a nationwide Visit Reservation system for major immigration applications. The official guidance states that applications may not be accepted without a prior reservation, although limited exceptions exist for certain reports and applicants.

Step 1: Open the Official HiKorea Website

Open HiKorea and select English.

Go to:

Petition Application → Reserve Visit

You can also select the Reserve Visit shortcut from the main page.

Make sure that you are using the official Korean government website rather than a similarly named commercial service.

Step 2: Choose Member or Non-Member Authentication

A Visit Reservation can be made through:

A HiKorea member account
Non-member authentication

A member account is more convenient for regular users because application and reservation information can be managed in one place.

Non-member authentication can be useful for a newly arrived foreigner who has not yet created an account.

Step 3: Enter the Applicant’s Information

The reservation must be made using the actual applicant’s personal information.

HiKorea may ask for:

Foreign resident registration number
Passport number
Name
Date of birth
Visa or entry information

A representative may help make or submit the application, but the reservation should still be created under the foreign applicant’s identity.

When one representative handles applications for several people, a separate reservation is generally required for each applicant.

Step 4: Select the Correct Immigration Office

Choose the immigration office that has jurisdiction over your registered address.

Do not choose an office simply because it is the closest one to your home or workplace.

Check:

Information Lookup → Office Directory

Choosing the wrong office can result in your application not being handled there.

Step 5: Choose the Correct Service

Select the type of immigration service you need.

Examples include:

Extension of stay
Change of status of stay
Foreign resident registration
Residence Card reissue
Permission to engage in activities outside your status
Change or addition of workplace

Select carefully. A reservation for one service may not be accepted for a completely different procedure.

Step 6: Select a Date and Time

Choose an available appointment slot.

According to official Visit Reservation guidance:

Same-day reservations are not available.
The earliest available appointment date begins the day after you make the reservation.
If you are currently outside Korea, you can generally make a reservation beginning the day after you enter Korea.
Reservations related to an extension of stay can be made beginning four months before the expiration date.
Busy offices may have long reservation waiting periods.

Reserve early, especially near university semester dates and common employment contract renewal periods.

Step 7: Save the Reservation Receipt

After completing the reservation, save or print the Reservation Receipt.

You can check it under:

Information Lookup → Reserve Visit Status

Bring the receipt or keep a digital copy that can be opened easily at the immigration office.

Step 8: Change or Cancel the Reservation Early

A reservation can be canceled until one day before the appointment. It cannot normally be canceled on the appointment date.

To change your date, cancel the original reservation and make a new one as early as possible.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: A Reservation Is Not an Application

A Visit Reservation only saves a time slot in the immigration office calendar.

It does not submit your extension application, pause your period-of-stay deadline, or automatically protect you from overstaying.

For example, suppose your permitted stay expires on September 30, but your appointment is scheduled for October 4. The reservation itself does not allow you to remain legally until October 4.

HiKorea specifically tells applicants to choose an appointment before their expiration date or legal reporting deadline. It also states that when no appointment is available before the deadline, the applicant should contact or visit the responsible office before the deadline passes.

How to Apply for an Extension of Stay on HiKorea

An extension of stay may be available through e-Application for many registered foreign residents.

However, eligibility depends on:

Your exact status of stay
Your current immigration record
Whether your employment or school information has changed
Whether additional examination is required
Whether you are physically present in Korea
Whether you selected the correct application category
Whether you are within the permitted filing period

Do not choose a different application category simply because the correct option is unavailable.

When Can You Apply?

An extension of stay can generally be requested beginning four months before the expiration date.

For an in-person application, the general deadline is the expiration date. For an e-Application, official immigration guidance states that the application must be filed no later than the day before the expiration date.

Waiting until the final permitted day is risky. Authentication failures, missing documents, payment problems, system maintenance, or a request for additional evidence can interfere with submission.

Can You Apply While Outside Korea?

Generally, no.

Official immigration guidance states that an applicant must be in Korea when applying for a stay permit. An extension or change of status normally cannot be submitted while the applicant is traveling abroad, including through a representative.

Online Extension of Stay: Three-Phase Process

Instead of thinking of the extension as nine separate tasks, it is easier to divide it into three phases.

Phase 1: Prepare and Confirm Eligibility

Step 1: Check Your Expiration Date

Confirm your current period-of-stay expiration date through your Residence Card or HiKorea’s Expiry Date Check service.

Do not rely only on your employment contract, school semester, or passport expiration date. These dates may be different from your immigration deadline.

Step 2: Check Your Passport Validity

A valid passport is required for stay-related permission.

Official immigration guidance states that the permitted period of stay may be limited by the passport’s remaining validity. Renew an expiring passport early and report the new passport information when required.

Step 3: Confirm Online Eligibility

Petition Application → e-Application

Select the extension service that matches your situation.

The available options may include different services for:

Registered foreign residents
F-4 domestic residence reporters
Short-term visitors
People requesting additional time for departure

These are separate procedures. Select the one that applies to your legal status.

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

Core documents for an extension generally include:

Application information
Valid passport
Residence Card
Proof of your current address in Korea

Additional documents depend on your status of stay.

Depending on the case, you may also need:

Employment contract
Certificate of employment
Business registration documents
Tax documents
Certificate of enrollment
Academic transcript
Attendance certificate
Financial evidence
Family relationship documents
Sponsor documents
Housing contract or accommodation confirmation

Immigration may request documents beyond the standard list after reviewing the application.

Phase 2: Complete and Submit the Application

Step 5: Enter the Application Information

Complete the electronic form carefully.

Check the following before continuing:

Passport number
Residence Card number
Korean address
Telephone number
Email address
Employer or school information
Requested extension period

The information entered on the form should match your supporting documents.

Step 6: Upload Clear Scans

Upload complete, readable files.

Use this checklist:

Include every page.
Make sure stamps and signatures are visible.
Do not cut off document edges.
Avoid password-protected files.
Use simple filenames.
Check the file format and size limits shown by HiKorea.
Combine related pages when the number of upload fields is limited.
Use recently issued documents when the instructions require current evidence.

Unclear or incomplete files can lead to an additional-document request.

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee

Complete the online payment process.

The fee and available payment methods vary by service. A separate payment window may open, so check whether your browser is blocking pop-ups.

A payment message alone does not always prove that the immigration application was successfully submitted.

Step 8: Confirm Submission

After payment, confirm that the application appears in:

Information Lookup → e-Application

Check that the system shows an application number or receipt record.

HiKorea allows users to check the processing status through the e-Application status page.

Phase 3: Monitor and Save the Result

Step 9: Check for Additional-Document Requests

An immigration officer may ask you to submit supplementary documents.

Check:

HiKorea
Your registered email
Text messages sent to your Korean phone number

Respond within the stated deadline. A delayed or incomplete response can slow down the review or affect the result.

Step 10: Check the Final Decision

Continue monitoring the application until it shows a final decision.

Possible status messages may indicate that the application is:

Received
Under review
Waiting for supplementary documents
Approved
Rejected

Do not assume that the application has been approved merely because it was successfully submitted.

Step 11: Save the Approval Confirmation

When the application is approved, open and save the official approval confirmation.

HiKorea advises applicants to print or retain the approval document. An approved electronic petition has the same effect as approval issued through an immigration office.

How Long Does an Online Application Take?

There is no single processing period that applies to every HiKorea application.

The official public guidance reviewed for this article does not provide a universal promise such as “all online extensions are completed within two to four weeks.” Processing can vary by immigration office, status of stay, document completeness, seasonal workload, and whether additional review is required.

Do not assume that an in-person visit always produces a final decision on the same day, and do not assume that an online application will be processed immediately.

The safest approach is to:

Apply well before expiration
Upload complete documents
Check your application status regularly
Respond quickly to supplementary-document requests
Avoid international travel while an important stay application is unresolved unless immigration confirms that travel is permitted

Other HiKorea e-Applications

HiKorea supports more than extensions of stay.

Depending on eligibility, available electronic services may include:

Re-entry permits
Certain changes of status
Extension of stay for departure
Address-change reports
Passport-information change reports
Certain employment-change reports
Part-time work applications or reports for eligible students
Certain nationality-related applications

The official service list shows whether each procedure is available through e-Application, Visit Reservation, or both.

Reporting a Change of Address

Reporting a new address is different from extending your period of stay.

A foreign resident must report an address change within the applicable legal period. The deadline and reporting method may differ depending on the person’s status.

An address report may be available through HiKorea, an immigration office, or an eligible local government office.

Do not assume that your immigration address changes automatically when a Korean spouse or head of household reports a move. Official guidance states that foreign household members must make the required report separately.

Reporting New Passport Information

When you receive a new passport, you may also need to update your information in the Korean immigration system.

HiKorea lists passport-information changes among its electronic reporting services. In some cases, an office visit may be required, especially when a reporting deadline has passed or the change affects your Residence Card.

Common HiKorea Mistakes

Mistake 1: Treating a Reservation as a Submitted Application

A Visit Reservation schedules a visit. It does not submit your civil petition.

Mistake 2: Booking an Appointment After the Expiration Date

The reservation itself does not extend your period of stay.

Mistake 3: Waiting Until the Final Day

System problems and unavailable appointments do not automatically extend legal deadlines.

Mistake 4: Selecting the Nearest Immigration Office

You generally need the office responsible for your registered address.

Mistake 5: Assuming Every Status Can Be Extended Online

The e-Application route depends on your exact status and individual circumstances.

Mistake 6: Applying While Outside Korea

Stay-permission applications generally require the applicant to be physically present in Korea.

Mistake 7: Uploading Incomplete Documents

Missing pages, unreadable scans, old certificates, and unsigned forms can result in additional-document requests.

Mistake 8: Closing the Website Without Confirming Submission

Check that an application number and status record appear in your HiKorea account.

Mistake 9: Ignoring Messages After Submission

Immigration may request supplementary evidence during the review.

Mistake 10: Using an Unofficial Website

Use the official HiKorea government portal. Be careful with commercial websites that imitate official immigration services or charge unnecessary reservation fees.

What to Bring to an Immigration Office

The required documents depend on your application, but a typical checklist includes:

Passport
Residence Card
Reservation Receipt
Integrated application form, when required
Proof of current residence
Status-specific supporting documents
Recent photograph, when required
Application fee or accepted payment method
Original documents and copies

An immigration officer may request additional evidence after reviewing your case.

What to Do When No Reservation Is Available

Do not simply reserve a date after your expiration or reporting deadline and assume that the reservation protects you.

Take the following steps:

Confirm that you selected the correct immigration office.
Check whether your procedure is available through e-Application.
Check again for canceled appointment slots.
Call 1345 for guidance.
Contact or visit the responsible immigration office before the legal deadline when instructed to do so.

HiKorea expressly states that when no appointment is available before an expiration or reporting deadline, the applicant should visit the responsible office before the deadline rather than allowing it to pass.

How to Contact the Immigration Contact Center

Call 1345 from within Korea.

The Immigration Contact Center provides counseling about immigration procedures and living in Korea.

Official service hours are:

Weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
After 6:00 p.m., counseling is available in Korean, English, and Chinese
Dial 1345 from a Korean landline or mobile phone
From abroad, use the international contact number provided by the Korea Immigration Service

The center can help you confirm:

Which immigration office handles your address
Whether your service may be submitted online
General required documents
Application deadlines
How to check an application result
Whether a reservation exception may apply

A 1345 counselor provides general administrative guidance. The immigration officer who reviews your case makes the final decision.

Final HiKorea Checklist

Before submitting an application or visiting an immigration office, confirm:

I am using the official HiKorea website.
My passport is valid.
My name matches my passport and immigration record.
I checked my period-of-stay expiration date.
I selected the correct immigration service.
I selected the office responsible for my address.
My appointment is before the legal deadline.
I understand that a reservation is not an application.
I prepared complete and readable documents.
I confirmed that my online application was submitted.
I am checking for additional-document requests.
I saved my receipt or approval confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HiKorea an official government website?

Yes. HiKorea is an official Korean government portal offering immigration reservations, electronic petitions, application-status checks, office searches, and other services for foreign residents.

Do I need a HiKorea account?

A Visit Reservation can be made through member login or non-member authentication. e-Applications generally require login and may require additional identity verification or a digital certificate.

Can I extend my Korean visa entirely online?

Possibly. Many extension services are available through HiKorea, but eligibility depends on your exact status and personal circumstances. When the correct online service is unavailable, reserve an office visit or call 1345.

When can I apply for an extension of stay?

You can generally apply beginning four months before your period of stay expires. An online application must generally be filed no later than the day before the expiration date.

Can I make a same-day immigration appointment?

No. Official guidance states that the earliest appointment date begins the day after the reservation is made.

Does making a Visit Reservation prevent overstay?

No. A reservation only saves an appointment time. It does not submit an extension application or pause your immigration deadline.

Can someone else make my reservation?

A representative may assist, but the reservation should be made using the actual applicant’s information. Separate reservations are generally needed for separate applicants.

Can I apply for an extension while traveling outside Korea?

Generally, no. Official immigration guidance states that the applicant must be in Korea when applying for a stay permit.

Can I cancel my immigration appointment?

Yes. HiKorea states that a reservation can be canceled until one day before the scheduled appointment. Cancellation is not normally available on the appointment date.

What should I do if HiKorea does not allow my online application?

Confirm that you selected the correct application category and that your information matches immigration records. When the service remains unavailable, reserve an office visit or call 1345 instead of choosing an unrelated category.

How do I know whether my extension was approved?

Log in to HiKorea and open the e-Application status page. Continue checking until a final decision appears. When approved, save or print the approval confirmation.

How long does a HiKorea extension take?

There is no universal processing time for every application. The review period depends on the application, office, documents, workload, and whether immigration requests additional information. Apply early and monitor your status instead of relying on an unofficial average.

Final Summary

HiKorea becomes easier to understand when you separate its two main functions:

Reserve Visit schedules an appointment at an immigration office.
e-Application submits an eligible immigration petition online.

The most important rule is simple:

A reservation is not an application.

Always check your expiration date, choose the correct service, prepare complete documents, and confirm that your application was actually submitted.

For extensions of stay, begin preparing early rather than waiting until the final day. When the website does not clearly explain your situation, contact the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 or the immigration office responsible for your address.

Official References

HiKorea official homepage and service menu
HiKorea e-Application guide and service list
HiKorea Visit Reservation guide
Korea Immigration Service Visit Reservation guidance
Korea Immigration Service Guide to Immigration Petitions
Korea Immigration Service Visa Navigator
Immigration Contact Center information

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about HiKorea and Korean immigration procedures. It is not legal or immigration advice.

Available online services, required documents, fees, processing periods, deadlines, and eligibility rules may differ depending on nationality, status of stay, employment, school enrollment, family circumstances, immigration history, and policy changes.

Always verify your individual requirements through the official HiKorea website, the Korea Immigration Service, the immigration office responsible for your address, or the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 before submitting an application.