1. Overview
F-5-27 is a permanent residence (F-5) status for people who have stayed in Korea for 2 or more years on the refugee residence status (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Annex 1-3, item 18). The Ministry of Justice manual marks F-5-27 as a category that follows a separate guideline.
The manual's general permanent residence requirements (conduct, livelihood, basic literacy and so on) are stated not to apply as listed to F-5-2/3, F-5-6, F-5-7, F-5-14 and F-5-27; they follow separate guidelines. This page therefore states only what the manual confirms and marks the rest as something to confirm with your Immigration Office.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Recognized as a refugee and granted Residence (F-2) status (refugee residence status)
- 2 or more years of stay in Korea on the refugee residence status
- Separate guideline: detailed requirements such as conduct, livelihood and basic literacy, and any exemption or relaxation, are not stated in the manual and should be confirmed with the competent office before filing
- Earlier step: a person recognized as a refugee first goes through the change-of-status permit to Residence (F-2)
3. Required Documents
4. Procedure
- Confirm refugee recognition and the change-of-status permit to Residence (F-2)
- Count whether you have stayed 2 or more years on the refugee residence status
- Ask the competent Immigration Office for the F-5-27 guideline to settle the requirements and documents
- Prepare the confirmed documents, book a visit and submit
- Review (processing time to be confirmed individually)
- On approval the permanent resident card is issued
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply for permanent residence right after refugee recognition?
A. No. F-5-27 is for people who have stayed 2 or more years on the refugee residence status.
Q. Where can I check the separate guideline?
A. The manual only marks F-5-27 as following a separate guideline and does not print its contents. Confirm with the competent Immigration Office.
Q. What documents are needed for the earlier step?
A. For a recognized refugee's change to Residence (F-2): application form, passport and ARC, one photo, fee, refugee recognition certificate and proof of residence.
Q. What if I have no passport?
A. The manual does not confirm this point. Ask the competent Immigration Office whether substitute documents are accepted.