Jeonju

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Immigration Services in Jeonju, South Korea

Jeonju, the capital of North Jeolla Province, is a vibrant city known for its cultural heritage and welcoming atmosphere. For immigrants and visitors, the Jeonju Immigration Office is the primary point of contact for visa-related services, alien registration, and other immigration matters.

1. Services Offered by the Jeonju Immigration Office

The Jeonju Immigration Office provides a wide range of services, including:

  • Visa Applications and Extensions: Tourist visas, work visas, student visas, family visas, and more.
  • Alien Registration: Mandatory for foreigners staying in South Korea for more than 90 days.
  • Re-entry Permits: For those who need to leave and return to South Korea during their stay.
  • Naturalization and Permanent Residency Applications: For those seeking long-term settlement.
  • Status Changes: Changing visa types (e.g., from a student visa to a work visa).
  • E-Registration Services: Online services for certain visa applications and extensions.
  • Counseling Services: Assistance with immigration-related questions and issues.

2. Office Location and Contact Information

The Jeonju Immigration Office is located in the city center, making it accessible by public transportation.

  • Address:
    Jeonju Immigration Office
    20-1, Jeonjucheonseo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
    (์ „๋ผ๋ถ๋„ ์ „์ฃผ์‹œ ์™„์‚ฐ๊ตฌ ์ „์ฃผ์ฒœ์„œ๋กœ 20-1)

  • Phone Number: +82-63-281-1500

  • Fax: +82-63-281-1519

  • Website: Hi Korea (official immigration portal)

3. Operating Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM
  • Lunch Break: 12:00 PM โ€“ 1:00 PM (services are paused during this time)
  • Closed: Weekends and public holidays.

4. Required Documents

The documents required depend on the service you are applying for. Below are some common scenarios:

A. Alien Registration (for stays over 90 days)

  • Passport (original and a copy of the ID page and visa page)
  • Completed Alien Registration Application Form (available at the office or online)
  • Passport-sized photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background)
  • Proof of residence in Jeonju (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill, or a letter from your landlord)
  • Visa issuance confirmation or Certificate of Admission (for students)
  • Application fee: KRW 30,000 (cash or card)

B. Visa Extension

  • Passport (original and a copy)
  • Alien Registration Card (ARC)
  • Completed Visa Extension Application Form
  • Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements, employment contract, or scholarship certificate)
  • Proof of residence
  • Application fee: KRW 60,000 (cash or card)

C. Change of Visa Status

  • Passport (original and a copy)
  • Alien Registration Card (if applicable)
  • Completed Application Form
  • Supporting documents for the new visa type (e.g., employment contract, Certificate of Admission, marriage certificate)
  • Proof of residence
  • Application fee: KRW 100,000 (cash or card)

D. Re-entry Permit

  • Passport
  • Alien Registration Card
  • Completed Re-entry Permit Application Form
  • Application fee: KRW 30,000 (single entry) or KRW 50,000 (multiple entries)

5. Application Procedures

  1. Prepare Documents: Ensure you have all required documents, including photocopies. Missing documents can delay the process.
  2. Make an Appointment (if required): For certain services, you may need to book an appointment via the Hi Korea website.
  3. Visit the Office: Arrive early to avoid long wait times. Take a ticket from the queue system and wait for your number to be called.
  4. Submit Your Application: Hand over your documents to the immigration officer. They may ask additional questions or request further documentation.
  5. Pay the Fee: Fees can be paid in cash or by card at the office.
  6. Receive Confirmation: You will receive a receipt or confirmation slip. For some services, you may need to return to collect your documents or wait for them to be mailed to you.

6. Costs

  • Alien Registration: KRW 30,000
  • Visa Extension: KRW 60,000
  • Change of Visa Status: KRW 100,000
  • Re-entry Permit: KRW 30,000 (single) / KRW 50,000 (multiple)
  • Naturalization: Fees vary depending on the type of application.

7. Cultural and Local Insights

  • Language Barrier: While some staff at the Jeonju Immigration Office may speak English, it is advisable to bring a Korean-speaking friend or translator if you are not fluent in Korean. Alternatively, you can use translation apps like Papago or Google Translate.
  • Politeness and Patience: Korean culture values politeness and patience. Be respectful and courteous to the staff, even if there are delays or misunderstandings.
  • Dress Code: While there is no strict dress code, dressing neatly and modestly is recommended.
  • Timing: Mornings are usually less crowded, so arriving early can save you time.
  • Public Transportation: The office is accessible by bus or taxi. Use apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map for directions. If you drive, parking may be limited, so plan accordingly.
  • Local Assistance: Jeonju has several community centers and organizations that assist foreigners, such as the Jeonju Multicultural Family Support Center. They can provide guidance and translation services.

8. Online Services

South Korea offers a robust online immigration portal called Hi Korea. Through this platform, you can:

  • Book appointments
  • Apply for visa extensions
  • Check application status
  • Access forms and guidelines

9. Emergency Contacts

  • Immigration Contact Center (1345): A multilingual helpline for immigration-related inquiries. Dial 1345 from within Korea (no area code needed).
  • Police (112): For emergencies.
  • Fire and Medical Emergencies (119): For urgent health or safety issues.

10. Additional Tips

  • Keep Copies of All Documents: Always keep photocopies of your passport, visa, and Alien Registration Card in case of loss or theft.
  • Stay Updated: Immigration policies can change, so regularly check the Hi Korea website for updates.
  • Local Support Groups: Join expat communities in Jeonju on platforms like Facebook or Meetup to get advice and support from others who have gone through the process.

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