COVID-19: Validity of long-term visas extended

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Korea Immigration Service (KIS) recently granted an automatic three-month extension to long-term visas that are set to expire in the next two months.

Key Points:

• Officials extended the validity of long-term visas and Alien Registration Cards (ARCs) that are set to expire between July 19, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2021, for 90 days.
• The extension is automatically applied, and foreign nationals do not need to take any action to validate the extension.
• The extension will not be granted to foreigners who were outside of South Korea on or after July 19 or those who are in violation of the law (due to, among other things, unpaid national medical insurance premiums or personal income taxes in South Korea).
• Foreign nationals can still apply to further extend their visas or ARCs within four months of their new expiration date.

BAL Analysis: Officials implemented the extension to reduce in-person visits at immigration offices amid a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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