Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago

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Marriage Migrant(F-6-1)

DATE: 2024-02-23

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Marriage Migrant(F-6-1)

(Last Updated) Aug 27, 2025
(Contact) chicagovisa@mofa.go.kr

■ Nationality Requirement Before Visa Application

· If you are a former Korean national or hold dual nationality, you must complete the Nationality Loss or Renunciation process before applying for a visa.

· Born in Korea → Submit Nationality Loss

· Born abroad with dual nationality → Complete Nationality Renunciation

· Visas cannot be issued until this process is completed. Please verify in advance.

· Contact for nationality issues: E. chicagonat@mofa.go.kr T. 312-822-9485 (Ext. 125)

■ Notice

1. Invitation Limit

· A Korean spouse may invite a foreign spouse only once within a 5-year period.

· If the Korean spouse has already invited a different foreign spouse within the past 5 years, a new visa will not be issued.

* Exceptions:

· If the previous foreign spouse was not actually invited,

· If the visa was denied, or If the visa was issued but the person did not enter Korea, then it does not count as one invitation.

· Re-inviting the same spouse is allowed.

This rule applies to invitations made on or after April 1, 2014.

2. Restriction After Marriage-Based Naturalization

· If the inviter obtained Korean nationality through marriage, they can invite a foreign spouse only after 3 years have passed from the date of naturalization.

* Exceptions:

· Cases involving marital abuse

· Cases involving child custody or care

3. Important Reminder

Due to stricter screening standards for the Marriage Migrant(F-6) Visa, a foreign spouse may not be granted a visa even after the marriage is legally registered.

· If you are considering marriage through an international marriage agency, please carefully review the visa requirements before registering the marriage.

· Be cautious of agencies that promote the idea that you can simply register the marriage quickly and meet visa requirements (e.g., Korean language courses) afterward.

· Please note: If the visa is not granted after marriage registration, the foreign spouse may not be able to enter Korea, which could cause serious consequences.

· Documents must be submitted in person.(Reservation is required for in-person submissions.(Click here))

· Processing time takes approximately one month.

· Additional documents may be requested.

■ Eligibility

· Foreign nationals who have legally registered their marriage in Korea and wish to stay in Korea to continue living with their Korean spouse.

■ Visa Validity and Length of Stay

(Alien Registration and Initial Extension of Stay)

· The F-6 (Marriage Migrant) visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 3 months, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.

· After entering Korea with the marriage immigrant visa, you must register as a foreigner and apply for an extension of your stay at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.

■ Required Documents

● If you are applying for the Marriage Migrant(F-6-1) visa for the first time, please prepare all documents from No. 1 (General Documents) through No. 5 (Proof of Relationship).

1. General Documents
Category	Details	Notes
1-0	[Attachment] Checklist for Marriage Immigration Visa Application
1-1	[Attachment] Visa Application Form
1-2	One passport-sized photo of the applicant	Attach to the application form
1-3	Applicant’s (foreign spouse) original passport	must be valid for at least 6 months
1-4	Applicant’s (foreign spouse) passport copy and proof of residency*	Copy of Personal Information Page * Proof of residency (driver license copy or utility bill)
1-5	Visa application fee (cash or money order only)	$45 for U.S citizens; other nationalities contact chicagovisa@mofa.go.kr
1-6	[Attachment] Invitation letter from Korean spouse	Written in Korean by the Korean spouse
1-7	[Attachment] Identity guarante	Written in Korean by the Korean spouse
1-8	[Attachment] Statement of marriage background by foreign spouse	Written in English by the foreign spouse
1-9	Copy of valid passport of Korean spouse
1-10	Korean spouse’s Basic Certificate (detailed)	Prepared by the Korean spouse, issued within the last 3 months, including the full resident registration number
1-11	Korean spouse’s Marriage Certificate (detailed)
1-12	Korean spouse’s Family Relation Certificate (detailed)
1-13	Korean spouse’s Resident Registration Certificat(주민등록등본) Copy	Prepared by the Korean spouse
1-14	[If applicable] Completion of International Marriage Orientation Program	Exemptions apply if any of the following conditions are met: 1.Foreign spouse has lived abroad with a long-term visa for 6+ months and can prove relationship 2.Foreign spouse legally stayed in Korea for 91+ days under long-term status and can prove relationship 3.Pregnancy, childbirth, or humanitarian reasons apply 4.Foreign spouse is from a country not on the Ministry of Justice’s exemption list (China, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand)
1-15	Original health certificates for both spouses (issued within 6 months)	- Korean spouse: Must be issued by medical institution per government regulations - Foreign spouse: Must include hospital info, doctor's signature, and TB test included
1-16	Original criminal record certificates for foreign spouse* (issued within 3 months)	* Federal level Apostilled FBI background check
[Important] You do NOT need to submit health and criminal background certificates (items 1-15 and 1-16) if you meet any ONE of the following conditions: 1.The foreign spouse has lived outside Korea for 6 months or more on a long-term visa (including studying or working in a third country) and can prove the relationship with the Korean spouse. 2.The foreign spouse has legally stayed in Korea for 91 days or more with a long-term visa and can prove the relationship with the inviter. 3.Either spouse is pregnant, has recently given birth, or has other humanitarian reasons recognized by the authorities. * How the relationship is verified: Through the invitation letter(외국인 배우자 초청장) (which describes the relationship), submitted photos, emails, guarantor documents, immigration records, and interviews. Important: * If the foreign spouse is from a high-risk country for tuberculosis (China, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand), a TB test certificate must still be submitted, even if the other health certificates are exempt.
1-17	(Optional): Original marriage certificate (formal title), e.g., Philippine PSA marriage certificate	May be requested to check for polygamy or other issues
1-18	Prepaid return envelop	- Include your name and address clearly - Use USPS Express, Certified Mail, or another secure method - The Consulate is not responsible for lost mail - If you wish to receive your visa and passport in person, please inform the officer that you would like to collect them yourself. - Not eligible for mail return: Chicago suburbs and downtown → Pick-up in person only
2. Korean Spouse’s Income Document Applicants exempt from the income requirement do not need to submit the documents listed below. (See section #1 for details)
Category	Details	Notes
Income requirements vary by household size (2026 standard): - 2-person household: 25,195,752 KRW - 3-person household: 32,154,216 KRW - 4-person household: 38,968,428 KRW - 5-person household: 45,340,314 KRW - 6-person household: 51,335,712 KRW - 7-person household: 57,090,900 KRW · The inviter’s annual income must meet or exceed the household income standard. · If there are no cohabiting family members on the resident registration, the household is considered a 2-person household (inviter + marriage immigrant). · Immediate family members listed on the resident registration (grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren) are included in the household count; siblings are excluded. · If income is below the standard, the requirement is waived if there are children or if the couple has lived together for over one year. In this case, family income and assets can be used. · Acceptable income includes the inviter’s earned income, business income, rental income, interest income, and dividend income for the past year. · If assets are insufficient, 5% of the inviter’s assets (deposits, insurance, securities, bonds, real estate, etc.) are counted as annual income. · If the inviter’s income and assets are insufficient, income from immediate family members living in the same household or the foreign spouse’s income earned in Korea in the past year can be used.
2-1	[Required] Original Certificate of Income Amount (소득금액증명)	Issued by the National Tax Service Hometax website(국세청) or the local tax office customer service center
2-2	[Required] Credit Information Report(신용정보조회서)	Issued by the Korea credit information services website(한국신용정보원)
Choose one of the following income types and prepare the corresponding documents: ① Employment income ② Business income ③ Asset utilization ④ Family income or asset utilization
① Employment income	(2-3) Employment income withholding statement(근로소득 원청징수부) (issued by current or former employer) (2-4) Certificate of employment(재직증명서) (issued by current or former employer) (2-5) Copy of business registration certificate (사업자등록증) (2-6) (Optional) Additional income proof documents	- (Income proof documents) Additional documents to support income if the above papers do not fully meet the income requirements.
②Business income	(2-7) Copy of business registration certificate(사업자등록증) (except for those working in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries) (2-8) (Optional) Additional income proof documents (to supplement if the income amount on the certificate does not meet the income requirement)	- Business income is generally assessed based on the amount stated in the National Tax Service’s(국세청) income certificate. If the actual income is higher than the amount reported, it may be considered underreporting, so you must file an amended return with the tax office and submit the updated income certificate. - Normally, income documents from one year prior to the application date must be submitted. However, since business income is reported the following May, if the most recent year’s income on the certificate meets the income requirement and the Korean spouse continues the same business, an exception is allowed even if the income is not from exactly one year prior to the application date. (A field investigation may be conducted in some cases.
③Asset utilization	(2-9) Savings, insurance, securities, bonds* (2-10) Real estate**	* Only assets over 1 million KRW held for more than 6 months are recognize ** For real estate, submit the certified copy of the registration and the official appraisal report
④Family income or asset utilization	(2-11) [Attachment] Statement of family income status of the inviter to the foreign spouse (2-12) Supporting documents: Prepare according to the above categories such as employment, business, other income, or assets	(Income Requirement Support) - Only a Korean spouse, direct family (parents, grandparents) listed on the same 주민등록등본 (resident registration) household, or invited marriage immigrants can help meet income requirements. - Only income or assets from Korea in the past year count. Direct family not on the same 주민등록등본 household and siblings cannot support income requirements.
#1 [Important] Exemption from Income Requirement Submission (Choose one from ① to ③) ① Having a child born to the couple ② The couple has lived together abroad for over 1 year from the visa application date with no domestic income in the past year ③ The foreign spouse has previously stayed in Korea under the Marriage Immigration (F-6) visa (regardless of short or long-term stay) (Exclusion: if the spouse has changed or the marriage with the same spouse was interrupted) ※ For ①, submit a family relation certificate in the applicant’s name (or birth certificate if the child was born before marriage and before acquiring nationality) ※ For ②, submit proof of cohabitation
3. Communication Documents of the Foreign Spouse ※ Please submit one of the following documents: ① Korean ② Foreign spouse’s native language ③ Other languages ④ Common language ※ Those exempt from communication requirements do not need to submit these documents. (See #1 above)
Category	Details	Notes
①Korea * Choose 1 from 3-1 to 3-6	(3-1) Certificate of Completion(수료증) for Korean Language Course Level 2 from the Korean Education Center(한국어교육원), or Certificate of Completion(수료증) for Sejong Institute(세종학당) (Beginner 1A + 1B)	* Minimum 120 hours
	(3-2) Certificate of TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) score report (valid for TOPIK Level 1 or higher)
	(3-3) Certificate of completion(이수증) from a designated Korean language institution (recognized only if the institution is officially designated in the country	* institution name must be specified
	(3-4) Diploma in Korean language from a university or graduate school
	(3-5) Proof of overseas Korean nationality	* Korean language proficiency may be required if necessary
	(3-6) Proof that the foreign spouse has continuously stayed in Korea for over 1 year (e.g., certificate of entry and exit records or a written statement by the spouse)	* format not required
②Foreign spouse’s native language * Choose 1 from 3-7 to 3-8	(3-7) Proof that the Korean spouse has continuously stayed for over 1 year in a country where the foreign spouse’s language is an official language	* the country’s certificate of entry and exit records(출입국사실증명) or a written statement by the spouse, format not required
	(3-8) Document proving that the Korean spouse is a naturalized citizen from a country where the foreign spouse’s language is an official language
③Other languages	(3-9) Proof that the Korean spouse has continuously resided for over one year in a country where the foreign spouse’s language is an official language	* the country’s certificate of entry and exit records(출입국사실증명) or a written statement by the spouse, format not required
④Common language	(3-10) Other documents proving the ability to communicate	* Additional documents may be requested after review.
#1 [Important] Exemption from Communication Requirement (Choose 1 from ①–②) ① If the couple has a child born between them ② If the foreign spouse has previously stayed in Korea under a Marriage Immigration (F-6) visa (regardless of short- or long-term stay) ※ Excludes cases where the spouse has changed or the marriage was previously interrupted — communication documents are not required in these cases. #2 (Other Documents Proving Communication Ability) The communication requirement may be considered fulfilled if: ① The Korean or foreign spouse submits a certified language proficiency test score above a certain level ② The applicant passes an interview conducted in the relevant language at the embassy
4. Documents Related to the Korean Spouse’s Housing (Choose one: owned or rented)
Category	Details	Notes
Important Notes - The address submitted to meet the housing requirement must match the address listed on the Resident Registration Certificate (1-13). - The residence must be owned or rented by the Korean spouse, or the Korean spouse’s immediate family (parents, siblings). - If the residence is owned or rented under a third party’s name, it is generally not accepted. However, exceptions may be made for socially acceptable cases such as company-provided housing. - Accommodations such as goshiwons(고시원) (small rooming houses) or motels are not accepted.
If the property is owned	(4-1) Certified Copy of Real Estate Registration (등기부등본)
If the property is rented	(4-2) Certified Copy of Real Estate Registration (등기부등본) (4-3) One copy of the lease agreement (임대차계약서)
5.Proof of Relationship
Required	(5-1) Documents proving the relationship history and the authenticity of the marriage	- Submit photos of the relationship, family pictures, SNS chat logs, etc., freely arranged on A4-sized paper (up to 5 pages)
If met through a marriage agency	(5-2) Copies of marriage agency registration certificate(결혼중개업체), guarantee insurance policy(보증보험증권), and contract(계약서)	- If submission is difficult, submit a written explanation.
If met through an introduction by acquaintances	(5-3) Copy of introducer’s ID card
#1 [Important] Exemption from Introduction History Requirement ① If the couple has a child together ② If the foreign spouse has previously stayed in Korea under a Marriage Immigration (F-6) visa (regardless of duration) (Note: Excludes cases where the spouse has changed or the marriage was interrupted) In these cases, submission of communication documents is exempted.

● For applicants of the Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1) visa who have children born between the couple, ☞ the process is simplified as follows.

Category	Details
Required documents	- [Attachment] Checklist for Marriage Immigration Visa Application - [Attachment] Application Form - Passport photo (issued within the last 6 months) - Original and one copy of the applicant’s (foreign spouse’s) passport - Application fee: $45 (cash or money order) for U.S. citizens (Others: please inquire with the Visa Section) - Proof of residence (copy of driver’s license or utility bill)
	- [Attachment] Invitation Letter for Foreign Spouse (외국인 배우자 초청장) - [Attachment] Identity Guarantee (신원보증서) - [Attachment] Statement of marriage background by foreign spouse (외국인 배우자의 결혼배경진술서)
	(Korean Spouse) - One copy of the Korean spouse’s passport - One copy of the Basic Certificate (detailed) - One copy of the Marriage Certificate (detailed) - One copy of the Family Relationship Certificate (detailed) - One copy of the Certificate of Relationship by Family Name (detailed) (if unavailable, submit birth certificate) - One copy of the Resident Registration Certificate (original in Korean) (주민등록등본)
	(Foreign Spouse) - One copy of the marriage certificate from the home country (if applicable) - One copy of tuberculosis (TB) test report (only for high-risk TB countries) - Other country-specific documents as required (e.g., original and copy of the Philippine CFO training certificate) High-risk TB countries: China, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand
Housing requirement	- If owned: Certified copy of the real estate registration - If rented: Certified copy of the real estate registration and one copy of the lease agreement
Proof of relationship	- Common required documents (refer to Section 5: Proof of Relationship)

● If the applicant has previously stayed in Korea under the Marriage Immigration (F-6) visa (regardless of short- or long-term stay) ☞ the process is simplified as follows.

Category	Details
Required documents	- [Attachment] Checklist for Marriage Immigration Visa Application - [Attachment] Application Form - Passport photo (issued within the last 6 months) - Original and one copy of the applicant’s (foreign spouse’s) passport - Application fee: $45 (cash or money order) for U.S. citizens (Others: please inquire with the Visa Section) - Proof of residence (copy of driver’s license or utility bill)
	- [Attachment] Invitation Letter for Foreign Spouse (외국인 배우자 초청장) - [Attachment] Identity Guarantee (신원보증서)
	(Korean Spouse) - One copy of the Korean spouse’s passport - One copy of the Basic Certificate (detailed) - One copy of the Marriage Certificate (detailed) - One copy of the Family Relationship Certificate (detailed) - One copy of the Certificate of Relationship by Family Name (detailed) (if unavailable, submit birth certificate) - One copy of the Resident Registration Certificate (original in Korean) (주민등록등본)
	(Foreign Spouse) - One copy of the marriage certificate from the home country (if applicable) - One copy of tuberculosis (TB) test report (only for high-risk TB countries) - Other country-specific documents as required (e.g., original and copy of the Philippine CFO training certificate) High-risk TB countries: China, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand
Housing requirement	- If owned: Certified copy of the real estate registration(등기부등본) - If rented: Certified copy of the real estate registration(등기부등본) and one copy of the lease agreement(임대차계약서)
Proof of relationship	Common required documents (refer to Section 5: Proof of Relationship)

※ Note: This does not apply if the spouse has changed or if the marriage with the same spouse was ever terminated.

■ Important Information

●Immigration Control Act Article 7-2 (Prohibition of False Invitations, etc.) (출입국관리법 제7조의 2)
No one shall engage in any of the following acts to bring a foreigner into the country:
Article 94 (Penalties)
Any person who falls under any of the following shall be subject to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 20 million KRW:
(omitted)
3. A person who violates Article 7-2.
(omitted)
When reviewing marriage immigration visa applications, if there is any suspicion of inviting a foreigner or arranging such invitation by fraudulent means, including providing false information, the person may be punished under the Immigration Control Act.
1.Inviting a foreigner or arranging such invitation by fraudulent means, such as providing false information or false guarantees of identity.
2.Falsely applying for a visa or a certificate of visa issuance approval, or arranging such false application.

List

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago

Visa

Marriage Migrant(F-6-1)

· If you are a former Korean national or hold dual nationality, you must complete the Nationality Loss or Renunciation process before applying for a visa.

· Born in Korea → Submit Nationality Loss

· Born abroad with dual nationality → Complete Nationality Renunciation

· Visas cannot be issued until this process is completed. Please verify in advance.

· Contact for nationality issues: E. chicagonat@mofa.go.kr T. 312-822-9485 (Ext. 125)

· A Korean spouse may invite a foreign spouse only once within a 5-year period.

· If the Korean spouse has already invited a different foreign spouse within the past 5 years, a new visa will not be issued.

· If the previous foreign spouse was not actually invited,

· If the visa was denied, or If the visa was issued but the person did not enter Korea, then it does not count as one invitation.

· Re-inviting the same spouse is allowed.

2. Restriction After Marriage-Based Naturalization

· If the inviter obtained Korean nationality through marriage, they can invite a foreign spouse only after 3 years have passed from the date of naturalization.

· Cases involving marital abuse

· Cases involving child custody or care

3. Important Reminder

· If you are considering marriage through an international marriage agency, please carefully review the visa requirements before registering the marriage.

· Be cautious of agencies that promote the idea that you can simply register the marriage quickly and meet visa requirements (e.g., Korean language courses) afterward.

· Please note: If the visa is not granted after marriage registration, the foreign spouse may not be able to enter Korea, which could cause serious consequences.

· Documents must be submitted in person.(Reservation is required for in-person submissions.(Click here))

· Processing time takes approximately one month.

· Additional documents may be requested.

· Foreign nationals who have legally registered their marriage in Korea and wish to stay in Korea to continue living with their Korean spouse.

· The F-6 (Marriage Migrant) visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 3 months, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.

· After entering Korea with the marriage immigrant visa, you must register as a foreigner and apply for an extension of your stay at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.

● If you are applying for the Marriage Migrant(F-6-1) visa for the first time, please prepare all documents from No. 1 (General Documents) through No. 5 (Proof of Relationship).

(Korean Spouse)

- One copy of the Korean spouse’s passport

- One copy of the Basic Certificate (detailed)

- One copy of the Marriage Certificate (detailed)

- One copy of the Family Relationship Certificate (detailed)

- One copy of the Certificate of Relationship by Family Name (detailed) (if unavailable, submit birth certificate)

- One copy of the Resident Registration Certificate (original in Korean) (주민등록등본)

- One copy of the marriage certificate from the home country (if applicable)

- One copy of tuberculosis (TB) test report (only for high-risk TB countries*)

- Other country-specific documents as required (e.g., original and copy of the Philippine CFO training certificate)

- If owned: Certified copy of the real estate registration

● If the applicant has previously stayed in Korea under the Marriage Immigration (F-6) visa (regardless of short- or long-term stay) ☞ the process is simplified as follows.