Here’s a question many people are curious about:
“Can I leave Korea while my Residence Card is still being processed?”
Absolutely not. You must not leave the country without RC.
Here’s everything you need to know
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Why leaving Korea during RC process is risky
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Must-know tips for managing your timeline
3.
What to do if you have to leave Korea
Why Is It Risky to Leave Korea While My RC is Still Processing?
“I’ve already applied for my RC, so maybe I can take a quick trip back home.”
Hold on! Leaving Korea before receiving your RC is very risky! Your Application Will Be Canceled Automatically
Just because you’ve applied for a Residence Card doesn’t mean it will be issued right away.
It takes time for the Immigration Office to review and approve your application.
If you leave Korea during this process, your application becomes invalid and the entire process gets canceled.
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Even if you return to Korea, your application won’t be continued.
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You’ll have to start everything over from making a reservation to submitting documents.
Your Visa Could Become Invalid, Too
Most student visas (D-2) and language training visas (D-4) are single-entry visas.
That means once you’ve entered Korea, your visa is used up and the Residence Card becomes essential to stay.
So what happens if you leave without it?
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Your visa becomes void because it’s already been used.
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You’ll have no valid status to re-enter Korea.
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To re-enter Korea, you’ll have to go through the entire visa process all over again.
You’ll Face Delays in Getting Your Residence Card
Since you’ll need to reapply for your Residence Card, the issuance date will be pushed back.
Here are some of the inconveniences this can cause:
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Delays in opening a Korean bank account
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Inability to get a Korean mobile phone plan
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Limited access to electronic identification and authentication services
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Disruptions to your studies due to being unable to re-enter Korea
Make Sure to Check Your Schedule in Advance!
If you’re planning a trip or a visit home while waiting for your Residence Card, make sure your travel dates and card pickup timeline don’t overlap!
Trying to squeeze things into a tight schedule can lead to unexpected problems. With enough time and careful planning, you can avoid cancellations, reapplications, and unnecessary stress. Keeping your time in Korea smooth and worry-free.
So, What Should I Do?
Here are a few options to help you out!
The Safest Option
Leave Korea after you’ve received your Residence Card.
This is the most reliable and worry-free choice.
Once you have your RC, your stay is officially registered in the immigration system. So there’ll be no issues when you return.
HireVisa’s Solution
HireVisa offers a unique service to help with this!
We can issue a Departure Permission.
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Present this at the airport when departing and re-entering Korea
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and your RC application will stay valid without being canceled