Reunite with my family
The protection of family unity is an important human right. If you were separated from your family before or during your flight, you may apply for them to join you in the Republic of Korea, under specific conditions. Whether your family can join you ultimately depends on the type of legal status you are granted and the nature of your relationship.
- If you are a Recognised Refugee in the Republic of Korea:
You can invite your spouse (husband or wife) and your unmarried children under 19 years old. Please note that parents, siblings, and adult children are not eligible. If you cannot provide an official marriage document due to your situation, the Immigration Office may still recognize your relationship (common-law marriage) through an interview and investigation.
- If you are an asylum-seeker or a Humanitarian Status Holder in the Republic of Korea:
Unfortunately, you are not eligible to invite your family members for family reunification.
Step 1. Entering Korea (C-3 Visa)
If your family members wish to join you for family reunification, they must first visit the Korean Embassy or Consulate in their country. The embassy will issue a Short-term Visitor Visa (C-3, valid for 90 days) so they can enter Korea, after checking the following:
- The fact that the Recognised Refugee has been officially recognized as a refugee.
- Documents proving that they are family members of the Recognised Refugee.
- Whether they wish to reunite with the Recognised Refugee.
Documents your family needs for the Visa application:
For your Spouse:
- Passport
- Documents proving they are the spouse, such as a family relationship certificate
- Documents proving the marital relationship, such as a marriage certificate
- Other documents that can confirm the marital relationship
For your Unmarried Minor Children:
- Passport
- Documents proving the family relationship with the parents, such as a birth certificate
- Documents that can verify the age of the minor child (under 19 years old)
- Documents that can verify the marital status of the minor child (Only if the marital status is doubtful)
Important Note: Even for your family members, entry to Korea will be denied if they fall under the entry ban categories of the Immigration Act. However, in exceptional cases where entry is necessary for humanitarian reasons, it may still be permitted with special approval from the Minister of Justice.
Step 2. Changing to a Family Visa (F-1-16) or Applying for Refugee Status
After your family arrives in Korea, you must go together to the Immigration Office to change their visa to a Family Visa (F-1-16). This visa allows them to stay for up to 2 years at a time, depending on your refugee visa period.
Important Notes:
- Visa Extension: Your family can continue to extend their visa period as long as your refugee status remains valid.
- Working in Korea: Your family members must get special permission from the Immigration Office before they start working.
- Overstaying: If your family member is already in Korea without a valid visa, they may have to pay a fine before receiving the family visa.
- Applying for Refugee Status: After arriving, your family members can also apply for refugee status in their own name. Their applications will be reviewed quickly (usually within 3 months), and they will receive support such as living expenses while waiting.
UNHCR in the Republic of Korea does not provide direct assistance on the family reunification process. Refugee supporting NGOs in Korea may be able to provide support on the matter.
If you have general questions about the asylum process or need other types of support, you may reach out to the organizations listed on our Free Legal Support and Mental Health Support pages.
For more official information, please call the Immigration Contact Center by dialing 1345.