Busan

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Immigration Services

Support and legal information for visa processing, registration, and residency matters.

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Overview of Immigration Services in Busan

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is home to a regional immigration office that provides a wide range of services for foreigners, including visa applications, alien registration, work permits, and more. The Busan Immigration Office is part of the Ministry of Justice and serves as the primary point of contact for immigration-related matters in the region.

Key Immigration Services in Busan

  1. Visa Applications and Extensions

    • Types of Visas: South Korea offers various visa categories, including tourist (C-3), student (D-2), work (E-series), family (F-series), and more.
    • Services Provided:
      • Visa issuance for first-time applicants.
      • Visa extensions for those needing to stay longer than initially permitted.
      • Change of visa status (e.g., from a tourist visa to a work visa).
    • Costs:
      • Visa issuance: KRW 60,000โ€“120,000 (depending on the type of visa).
      • Visa extension: KRW 60,000.
    • Processing Time: Typically 7โ€“10 business days.

  2. Alien Registration

    • Who Needs It: Foreigners staying in South Korea for more than 90 days must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC).
    • Required Documents:
      • Passport.
      • Completed application form.
      • Passport-sized photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
      • Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement or utility bill).
      • Visa issuance confirmation (if applicable).
    • Cost: KRW 30,000.
    • Processing Time: 2โ€“3 weeks.
    • Note: The ARC is essential for opening a bank account, signing a phone contract, and other daily activities.

  3. Work Permits

    • Who Needs It: Foreigners intending to work in South Korea must obtain the appropriate work visa (e.g., E-2 for English teachers, E-7 for professionals).
    • Procedure:
      • Obtain a job offer and required documents from your employer.
      • Submit the visa application at the immigration office or through a Korean consulate in your home country.
      • After arrival, register for an ARC.
    • Costs: Varies by visa type (KRW 60,000โ€“120,000).
    • Additional Considerations: Some work visas require a health check or criminal background check.

  4. Re-Entry Permits

    • Who Needs It: Foreigners with long-term visas who plan to leave South Korea temporarily and return.
    • Cost: KRW 30,000โ€“50,000.
    • Procedure: Apply online via the HiKorea website or in person at the immigration office.

  5. Naturalization and Permanent Residency

    • Permanent Residency (F-5 Visa):
      • Eligibility: Long-term residents, professionals, or those married to a Korean citizen.
      • Cost: KRW 100,000.
    • Naturalization:
      • Eligibility: Foreigners who have lived in Korea for 5+ years (or 2+ years if married to a Korean citizen).
      • Cost: KRW 300,000.
    • Additional Requirements: Language proficiency (TOPIK Level 4 or higher) and knowledge of Korean culture.

Step-by-Step Procedures

1. Visiting the Busan Immigration Office

  • Location:
    • Busan Immigration Office: 20 Chungjang-daero, Jung-gu, Busan.
    • Nearest Subway Station: Jungang Station (Line 1), Exit 14.
  • Office Hours: Mondayโ€“Friday, 9:00 AMโ€“6:00 PM (closed on weekends and public holidays).
  • Contact: +82-51-461-3000.
  • Website: HiKorea

2. Booking an Appointment

  • Online Reservation: Use the HiKorea website to book an appointment in advance. Walk-ins are allowed but may involve long wait times.
  • Required Information: Passport number, visa type, and purpose of visit.

3. Preparing Documents

  • Ensure all documents are complete and translated into Korean (if required).
  • Bring photocopies of key documents (passport, visa, etc.) along with the originals.

4. Submitting Your Application

  • Arrive at the immigration office on time.
  • Take a ticket from the queue system and wait for your turn.
  • Submit your application and pay the required fees (cash or card accepted).

5. Collecting Your Documents

  • For services like ARC issuance, you will be given a receipt with a pickup date.
  • Some services, such as visa extensions, may be processed on the same day.

Additional Resources

  1. HiKorea Website

    • The official portal for immigration services in South Korea.
    • Services include online applications, appointment booking, and FAQs.
    • Website: HiKorea

  2. 1345 Immigration Contact Center

    • A multilingual helpline for immigration-related inquiries.
    • Dial 1345 (no area code) from within South Korea.
    • Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, and more.

  3. Community Support

    • Busan Global Center: Offers support services for foreigners, including legal advice and cultural programs.
    • Expat Groups: Join local expat communities on platforms like Facebook or Meetup for advice and support.

Cultural and Practical Considerations

  1. Language Barrier: While some staff at the immigration office may speak English, itโ€™s advisable to bring a Korean-speaking friend or hire a translator if needed.
  2. Punctuality: Arrive early for your appointment, as the office can get crowded.
  3. Dress Code: Dress neatly and respectfully when visiting government offices.
  4. Public Holidays: Immigration offices are closed on Korean public holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
  5. COVID-19 Precautions: Check for any updated health and safety guidelines before visiting.

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate immigration services in Busan. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!