1. Overview
F-5-20 grants permanent residency to a child who was born in Korea to a parent who holds F-5 (permanent residency) status. This category is designed to ensure that children born and raised in Korea to permanent residents can obtain stable legal status. F-5-20 applicants are exempt from both the living support requirement and the basic competency (Korean language/KIIP) requirement.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Must have been born in Korea
- At least one parent must hold valid F-5 (permanent residency) status at the time of the child's birth or at the time of application
- Birth must be registered and documented
- Living support requirement: EXEMPT for F-5-20
- Basic competency (Korean language/KIIP): EXEMPT for F-5-20
- No criminal record (for applicants of applicable age)
3. Required Documents
Specific documents per case will be advised in your free consultation.
4. Procedure
- Confirm the parent's F-5 status is currently valid and gather the parent's registration documents
- Obtain the child's Korean birth certificate or equivalent birth record
- Prepare family relationship documents (family register, parent-child certificate)
- Submit application at the local immigration office (parent may apply on behalf of a minor child)
- Receive F-5 card upon approval (review approximately 2–3 weeks)
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How soon after birth can F-5-20 be applied for?
A. There is no mandatory waiting period. Parents can apply for F-5-20 on behalf of a newborn as soon as the birth is registered and necessary documents are available. Early application is recommended to establish the child's legal status promptly.
Q. What if the parent's F-5 status lapses before the child applies?
A. The parent's F-5 status should be valid at the time of application. If the F-5 has lapsed, the parent should first renew or restore their status. Consult with an agent to assess options if there is a gap in F-5 status.
Q. Is F-5-20 different from F-5-3 or F-5-4?
A. Yes. F-5-3 applies to the minor child of a Korean national (not a foreign F-5 holder). F-5-4 applies to the spouse or child of an F-5 holder but does not require birth in Korea. F-5-20 is specifically for children born in Korea to an F-5 holder — and uniquely, it is exempt from both living support and Korean language requirements.