Cost Guide
How Much Does an Immigration Consultant Cost?
In Korea, the cost of an immigration matter has two parts. The first is the government fee set by the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Rule (출입국관리법 시행규칙, in force since 23 October 2026): ₩60,000 to extend your stay, ₩100,000 to change your visa status, ₩35,000 to issue or reissue an alien registration card (외국인등록증), and between US$40 and US$90 for a visa issued abroad. The second is the fee of a representative such as a licensed administrative attorney (행정사) or a lawyer (변호사), which has no official schedule and is set by contract. Ask any representative for a written split between the government fees and their own fee; our administrative attorney cost guide covers their fees.
Typical rates
Visa issued abroad (사증)
US$40–US$90
Single-entry visa: US$40 for a stay of up to 90 days, US$60 for 91 days or more. Multiple-entry visa: US$70 for up to two entries, US$90 for unlimited entries. Charged by the Korean embassy or consulate in the equivalent amount.
Extension of stay (체류기간 연장허가)
₩60,000
₩30,000 for marriage immigrants (F-6).
Grant or change of status
₩80,000–₩200,000
₩80,000 to be granted a status (₩40,000 for F-6) and ₩100,000 to change status, for example from student to work. A change to permanent residence (F-5) costs ₩200,000.
Alien registration card and re-entry permit
₩30,000–₩50,000
₩35,000 to issue or reissue the alien registration card (외국인등록증). A single re-entry permit costs ₩30,000 and a multiple re-entry permit ₩50,000.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
- Which procedure — the government fee ranges from ₩30,000 for a single re-entry permit to ₩200,000 for a change to permanent residence
- Visa type — marriage immigrants (F-6) pay half the usual fee for an extension of stay and for a grant of status
- Where you apply — a visa issued abroad is charged in US dollars at the embassy or consulate, while procedures inside Korea are charged in won at the immigration office
- Number of procedures — a move can need several at once, such as a change of workplace (₩120,000), a new card (₩35,000) and a re-entry permit, and each is charged separately
- Representation — a licensed administrative attorney's or lawyer's fee sits on top of the government fee and is not regulated, so ask for the two to be listed separately
What you get at each price level
Routine stay
₩30,000–₩60,000
Typical for: Re-entry permit (₩30,000 single, ₩50,000 multiple), alien registration card (₩35,000) and extension of stay (₩60,000)
Best for: Keeping your current status in order and travelling in and out of Korea
Changing status or workplace
₩80,000–₩120,000
Typical for: Grant of status (₩80,000), change of status (₩100,000), and change or addition of workplace or activity outside your status (₩120,000)
Best for: Moving to a new visa category, taking a new job or doing work your status does not cover
Permanent residence
₩200,000
Typical for: Change of status to F-5 (₩200,000); reissuing the permanent resident card costs ₩35,000
Best for: Settling long term in Korea on an F-5 permanent residence status
When it's worth paying more
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Related Comparisons
Key Terms
O-1 Visa
The O-1 visa is a US nonimmigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their field — defined as the top of their occupation — in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B is a US nonimmigrant work visa for specialty occupation workers — typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field — sponsored by a US employer.
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
A green card (officially the Permanent Resident Card) grants foreign nationals lawful permanent residence in the United States — the right to live and work permanently without requiring a separate visa. Green card holders can apply for US citizenship after 3–5 years of residency.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign national becomes a US citizen. To qualify, applicants must generally have been a lawful permanent resident for 3–5 years, meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take an oath of allegiance.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is the most common US student visa, allowing foreign nationals to pursue full-time academic study at a USCIS-approved institution. F-1 students may work on campus and, after completing a degree, qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the US for up to 3 years in STEM fields.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
DACA is a deferred-action immigration policy that can protect certain people brought to the United States as children from removal and provide temporary work authorization.
Asylum
A form of legal protection available to individuals already in the United States who cannot return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.