F-5 Deadlines and timing
Based on 6 official sources.
[1]Permanent residence (F-5) scope under the Enforcement Decree
Table 1-3 linked to Article 12-2 of the Enforcement Decree defines who fits Permanent Residence (F-5). As checked on 2026-07-02, a person must first not fall under Immigration Act Article 46(1) deportation grounds and must satisfy one of the listed eligibility paths. Examples include adults who have stayed for at least five years under D-7 through E-7 or F-2, and spouses or minor children of Korean nationals or F-5 holders after a required stay period. F-5 advice must also check conduct, livelihood, basic knowledge, criminal and stay history, notices, and detailed guidance.
Source: 국가법령정보센터 · 출입국관리법 시행령 별표 1의3 · Checked 2026-07-02
[2]Statutory baseline for Permanent Residence (F-5)
Article 10-3 defines permanent residence as a status allowing a foreign national to reside permanently in Korea without the ordinary limits on activity scope and stay period. A standard F-5 review checks good conduct, including compliance with Korean laws; livelihood ability based on the applicant's or same-household family's income or assets; basic knowledge such as Korean language and understanding of Korean society and culture; and the stay-period requirement prescribed by Presidential Decree. Refugees, specially meritorious persons, and humanitarian stay holders may receive exemptions or relaxed requirements, so F-5 advice must also review Enforcement Decree Table 1-3, notices, criminal history, arrears, and stay history.
Source: 국가법령정보센터 · 출입국관리법 제10조의3 · Checked 2026-07-02
[3]D-2/D-4/D-10/E-7/F-2/F-5 requirement check policy
Stay-status evaluation depends on current status, target status, activity purpose, school/employment/income, remaining stay period, and violation history. D-2 covers degree study, D-4 training/language programs, D-10 job seeking or startup preparation, E-7 professional/specific activities, F-2 residence, and F-5 permanent residence. If facts are missing, ask for current status, expiry date, school or employment conditions, and budget/financial proof before answering.
Source: 하이코리아 체류자격별 통합 안내 매뉴얼 · Checked 2026-07-02
[4]KIIP for stay permission, permanent residence, and nationality
MOJ KIIP guidance says eligible participants include foreign residents seeking stay statuses such as permanent residence or nationality, and people within three years after acquiring Korean nationality. Benefits include points for stay, permanent-residence, or nationality applications, and possible exemption from the naturalization test. The curriculum includes Korean language and culture levels 0-4 plus Understanding Korean Society; the latter is shown as 70 hours for permanent residence and 100 hours for nationality. Applicants register through Socinet and level placement; the pre-test is handled through the KIIP test site with a 38,000 KRW fee. F-2/F-5, E-7-4, naturalization, and point-based consultations must verify the completion level, pre-test status, and current proof.
Source: 법무부 주요제도 · 사회통합프로그램 · Checked 2026-07-03
[5]Re-entry permit and exemption basis
Immigration Act Article 30 provides the re-entry permit structure for foreign nationals who have alien registration or are exempt from registration and leave Korea during their stay period before returning. Re-entry permits are divided into single re-entry and multiple re-entry permits. F-5 permanent residents and people with Ministry-of-Justice-rule exemption grounds may be exempt, but current Enforcement Rule, HiKorea, and competent-office guidance must be checked. If illness or another unavoidable reason prevents return within the permit period, re-entry permit period extension should be reviewed before expiry.
Source: 국가법령정보센터 · 출입국관리법 제30조 · Checked 2026-07-02
[6]Core rule: stay status and permitted activity scope
Under the Immigration Act system, a foreign national must hold a stay status and act only within the permitted status and period. Codes like D-2, D-4, D-10, E-7, F-2, and F-5 are not mere labels; they define the starting point for permitted activities and stay management. Answers must first identify current status, target activity, expiry date, and registration status.
Source: 국가법령정보센터 · 출입국관리법 · Checked 2026-07-02
How these rules apply can differ with your circumstances, and the final decision rests with the immigration office with jurisdiction. Preparing and filing documents for an individual case is the work of a licensed administrative scrivener.