F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa | Korean Spouse Visa
F-6 is Korea’s principal marriage-migrant status. For F-6-1, a legally registered marriage alone does not guarantee a visa. The authorities review the genuine nature of the marriage, sponsor income, housing, communication, health and criminal-record requirements, immigration history and consistency of the couple’s evidence.
Request a Consultation →F-6 categories
The categories have different legal and evidentiary structures.
Spouse of Korean National
For a foreign spouse in a marriage legally valid in Korea who intends to continue married life in Korea.
Child Rearing
For qualifying parents raising a child born from a relationship with a Korean national.
Marriage Breakdown
For qualifying cases involving a breakdown of marriage for reasons not attributable to the foreign spouse.
2026 F-6-1 income thresholds
The annual pre-tax threshold depends on household size.
KRW 25,195,752
Typical starting household: Korean sponsor and foreign spouse.
KRW 32,154,216
For a household counted as three persons.
KRW 38,968,428
For a household counted as four persons.
KRW 45,340,314
For a household counted as five persons.
KRW 51,335,712
For a household counted as six persons.
KRW 57,090,900
For a household counted as seven persons.
Key review factors
F-6 is a fact-intensive family visa.
Genuine relationship
How the couple met, dated, decided to marry and plan their life together.
Suitable residence
Ownership/lease and the actual plan for cohabitation should be clear.
Shared language
TOPIK, recognized courses, KIIP, a common language or an applicable alternative/exemption.
History and compliance
Previous marriages, invitations, refusals, immigration violations or entry restrictions may require review.
Consistency
Invitation, marriage-background statement, photos, messages and travel records should tell the same factual story.
International Marriage Guidance Program
Korean sponsors marrying nationals of China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan or Thailand should check whether program completion is required or an exemption applies.
Long-term dating abroad
Qualifying residence and dating with the spouse abroad may support an exemption.
Long-term stay in Korea
Qualifying long-term lawful residence and dating in Korea may support an exemption.
Pregnancy / childbirth
Humanitarian circumstances can be relevant under the exemption rules.
Visa filing and post-entry steps
Overseas visa issuance and domestic change of status are different procedures.
Consular filing
Follow the current checklist and jurisdiction rules of the competent Korean diplomatic mission.
Interview / supplementation
Additional evidence or interviews may be requested.
Foreign registration
Complete foreign registration and stay procedures within the applicable period.
Do not assume eligibility
Visa-free or short-term entry should not be treated as an automatic route to F-6 change of status.
T-ONE Practice Notes & Case Studies
Successful F-6 filing in a third country
T-ONE case involving a couple residing in Hong Kong.
View original Korean article →Third-country F-6 application method
Practical discussion of jurisdiction and long-term residence evidence.
View original Korean article →Philippines marriage and F-6
Practical guide connecting marriage procedures with the Korean spouse visa.
View original Korean article →Frequently Asked Questions
Is marriage registration enough?
No. Marriage is a prerequisite, but all relevant visa requirements are separately examined.
What is the 2026 2-person income threshold?
KRW 25,195,752 per year, subject to official counting, supplementation and exemption rules.
Is TOPIK Level 1 always mandatory?
No. Other recognized methods, common-language evidence and exemptions may apply.
Can I enter as a tourist and change to F-6?
Do not assume so. Short-term and visa-free status changes are restricted and exceptions are fact-specific.
Plan the F6 case before filing.
Eligibility, evidence and filing routes depend on the applicant’s actual circumstances. T-ONE reviews the complete case and prepares a consistent application.
Consult T-ONE →