Every resident task needs an ARC — and keeping the visa+ARC is its own maze. 8 immigration scenarios mapped (6 doable on HiKorea online, 4 easy ones), with documents, fees, and processing times; the extend-before-expiry flow; and the overstay rules that catch people out.
Curated 2026-07. NOT legal advice — rules + fees change; confirm at hikorea.go.kr or call 1345 (multilingual). The ARC unlocks /banking-arc, /mobile-carrier, and /housing-lease.
Overstay rescue, D-2→D-10, dependents: which office, which forms, which order.
As of 2026-06-08 · 🔄 Monthly · ⭐ 4.9 (198 users)
8 results
₩30,000 · Same day (online)
Most ARC holders get automatic re-entry within the permit period — but confirm on HiKorea before a trip, especially for stays abroad over the limit, or you can lose your status.
No fee / varies · Same day
Report a move within 14 days — at the 출입국 office, online via HiKorea, or bundled with 전입신고 at the 주민센터 (see /housing-lease). Free but mandatory; a stale address can freeze services.
₩30,000 · 2–4 weeks
For a lost, damaged, or expiring-photo ARC. Report a lost card promptly — it's an ID document. Book the office slot on HiKorea.
No fee / varies · Same day
When leaving Korea for good, settle any NHIS/tax/fines and surrender the ARC at the airport. Skipping this can leave loose ends (NHIS bills, re-entry issues) for a future visit.
₩30,000 · 2–6 weeks (card mailed)
Required within 90 days of arrival for long-stay visas. Book a 출입국 office slot on HiKorea first. The ARC is the key to everything else (bank, phone, NHIS).
₩60,000 · 1–4 weeks
Apply from 4 months before expiry; do it 1–2 months ahead. Many visas (D-2, E-2) extend fully online via HiKorea; some (F-2-7) are in-person only. Don't let it lapse — see overstay.
₩130,000 · 2–4 weeks
Switching visa type (e.g. D-2 → E-7, D-10 → E-7, → F-2/F-6) is the hardest category — requirements vary a lot. Worth consulting a 행정사 (admin lawyer) for complex changes.
₩100,000 · Immediate (at departure/office)
Even 1 day over is a violation. Fines run ~₩100,000/day up to ₩3,000,000 (<1 year) and MUST be paid before you leave — unpaid = delayed departure / deportation / re-entry ban. Voluntarily reporting mitigates the penalty; don't just flee.
Start early — slots fill up and lapsing into overstay is costly.
Find the "until" date on your ARC. You can apply to extend from 4 months before it; aim to start 1–2 months ahead. Set a reminder — lapsing into overstay is costly + visa-status-threatening.
Download the 통합신청서 (Integrated Application Form) from HiKorea + your visa-specific proof (D-2: enrollment + transcript; E-2: contract + school + housing + withholding receipt). Bring passport + ARC + photocopies.
At hikorea.go.kr: many extensions submit + upload fully online. If your visa needs an in-person visit, RESERVE a 출입국 office slot first — walk-ins are usually refused and slots fill fast, so book early.
Submit online or at the office. The extension fee is ₩60,000 (F-6: ₩30,000), paid by 수입인지 (revenue stamp) or card. Keep the receipt + application number to track status.
Track on HiKorea (1–4 weeks). Online extensions update your record; a new ARC card (if issued) is mailed. Don't leave Korea until the extension is confirmed unless you hold a valid re-entry permit.
What the ARC unlocks: /banking-arc · /mobile-carrier · /housing-lease. Emergencies + hotlines: /emergency.