Changing a tourist visa to a f-2 visa (British citizen)

Submitted by on

Hi,

Im sure this topic has been covered many times but im finding it hard to find up to date information since the change in laws occured. Ill try and be as clear as possible.

I will be marrying my Korean girlfriend very soon. At the moment i am only in Korea on a 90 day tourist visa. I understand the procedure for marrying a Korean and also on registering our marriage with Korean authorities so no help needed there.

I understand that the laws changed this May and that it is no longer possible to change a tourist visa to an F-2 visa whilst in Korea. We contacted the Korean consulate in Fukuoka and were told that i could be issued with an F-2 visa there, as long as i have all the correct documents. They told us that we needed to bring:

Passport
F-2 Visa application form
1 Photo
Korean marriage certificate (original)
UK marriage certificate (original)
Sponser identification form
Finacial ability proof

SO, my question is. Where can i get an original copy of my UK marriage certificate? We have not been married in the UK, is it a document i get after getting married at the British embassy? The Korean consulate in Fukuoka could not tell me how to get it. The British embassy is not much help either. Please help me:)

Thanks in advance.

Re: Changing a tourist visa to a f-2 visa (British citizen)

Submitted by on

You may not need it, They no longer accepted my mariage Cert(outdated version), they wanted the family document from the Dong office that showed I was "part" of the family.

Don't remember what it was called but this was done recently(last 6 months).

Good luck.

Re: Changing a tourist visa to a f-2 visa (British citizen)

Submitted by on

Ditto Trevor!!

You need to register the Marriage at the British Embassy in Seoul. Beware it aint cheap but it is quick!!!!!! I.E. Same day.

When you go to Fukoka you need to stay over night. You need to be at the Embassy before 1 or 2pm (forgot which) then they will issue the visa after 10am the next day.

You will need to re-register at immigration when you get back and go through the process again. as the F2 visa issued at Fukoka is only for 90 days.  The good news is that you don't need to go to Fukoka every year!! Just don't let the Visa lapse (whilst out the country - like I did!!)  as you will be starting at zero again for the F5.

Good luck