Am I eligible for E2 or F4 visa if my parents are or were Koreans?

■ What is "2nd Generation Overseas Korean Males Policy"?

It is a recently amended policy to the Overseas Immigration Law that applies to Korean males. Ethnic male Koreans born outside of Korea, or who have immigrated with their parents at a young age and have since lived abroad are considered to face too many difficulties in adjusting to the military life in Korea due to distinct differences in language, culture, education and lifestyles.
Confirmed 2nd Generation Overseas Korean males will not be subject to mandatory military service, and will no longer have a limitation to the length of their stay in Korea.

Those who fall into this category are eligible for the one-year TaLK scholarship term if proper documentation of their overseas Korean status is officially recognized by the Korean Embassy/Consulate.

■ What requirements do I have to fulfill in order to be considered a "2^nd Generation Overseas Korean Male"?

-Korean males born outside of Korea (or who have immigrated before age 6)

-Must have continuously lived abroad without re-entering Korea until the END of the year in which they turn 17.

-Must have obtained permanent residency, citizenship or obtained a status considered permanent residency, no-expiry residency visa or a or a long-term visa (with sojourn status longer than 5 years or more) ALONG WITH BOTH of his parents

NOTE: If he has attended at an elementary, middle or high school in Korea for a total of 3 years or less before the age of 18, he is still recognized as having lived abroad.

■ Who is obliged to fulfill the military service requirement?

- In case of a Korean male who immigrated before the age of six: if he reported his intent to return and reside permanently in Korea, he must fulfill the military service.

- In case of a Korean male born outside of Korea: if his birth has been registered in the Family Census Registry and has lived in Korea, he must fulfill the military service, & Confirmed 2nd Generation Overseas Korean Males will not be subject to mandatory military service, and will no longer have a limitation on the length of his stay in Korea.

■ How do I confirm my status as a 2nd Generation Overseas Korean Male?

- Location
>> From another country: register at the nearest Korean Consulate/Embassy
>> Within Korea: register at the nearest Military Manpower Office

- Required Documents;
>> Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Residency, no-expiry residency visa, or a long-term visa (with sojourn status longer than 5 years or more)

ALONG WITH BOTH of your parents' documents

>> Entry Record to Korea
>> Family Census
>> Passport

[Disclaimer] The Military Manpower Office of Korea may revoke the status of 2nd Generation Overseas Korean Male approved by the Korean Consulate/ Embassy.

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