How long does it actually take to get a Korean marriage visa?
A Practical Guide from a Korean Local
If you’re preparing to marry a Korean and planning to live together in Korea, one of the first big questions you’ll face is timing: How long does it actually take to get a Korean marriage visa?
As a Korean woman who has watched countless international couples go through this process, I can tell you—there’s no single universal timeline, but there is a realistic range and a few factors that can speed things up or slow things down.
Below is the clearest breakdown you’ll find, written from a local’s perspective so you understand not just the rules, but the real-life context behind them.
Understanding the Korean Marriage Visa Timeline (F-6 Visa)
The F-6 visa is specifically designed for spouses of Korean citizens, and it’s one of the most flexible visas Korea offers. But flexibility doesn’t always mean speed.
In general, most applicants receive their F-6 visa within a few weeks to a few months. Why such a big gap? Because the timeline depends heavily on documentation, background checks, interviews, and your country’s embassy workload.
The Typical Processing Range
Most applicants fall into these general categories:
1 to 2 Months – The “Smooth and Simple” Cases
If both partners prepare documents early, submit everything correctly, and pass the interview without issues, approvals tend to come quickly.
This is more common for couples who:
- Have lived together before
- Speak one another’s language well
- Provide strong proof of relationship
- Have stable financial resources
2 to 4 Months – The “Standard Reality” Timeline
This is the most typical range for many couples.
Delays usually come from:
- Missing or incomplete documents
- Additional background check requirements
- Needing to provide more relationship evidence
- Longer embassy processing times
- Scheduling delays for the spouse interview
4+ Months – The “Complicated Case” Applicants
This doesn’t mean rejection—just extra scrutiny.
Delays happen when:
- There is a large age gap
- The couple met recently
- Little shared language
- Limited financial stability
- Past visa overstays or immigration history
- Marriage agencies were involved
Korea checks carefully to prevent fraudulent marriages, so any “red flag” simply means more verification.
What Affects the Visa Speed the Most?
Your Relationship Documentation
The more proof you have, the faster things go.
Messages, photos, call logs, receipts from trips together—these all matter more than you think.
Financial Stability Requirements
Korean immigration checks whether you can support each other in Korea.
Missing financial docs is one of the top causes of delays.
Interview Quality
If the immigration officer feels your answers match and your relationship is genuine, approval tends to be faster.
Country-Specific Background Check Delays
Some countries require longer or more detailed police clearances.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
While you can’t force immigration to move faster, you can avoid unnecessary delays.
Prepare Documents Before Marriage
Especially financial records, criminal checks, and proof of relationship.
Submit Extra Evidence, Not Minimum Evidence
More paperwork = fewer questions.
Practice for the Interview Together
Many couples get stuck simply because they don’t remember dates or small details consistently.
Final Thoughts from a Korean Local
A Korean marriage visa doesn’t take forever—but it also isn’t instant.
If you prepare well, stay honest, and understand what Korean immigration is actually looking for, the process becomes much more predictable.
Most importantly, think of this process as the first “team project” you and your Korean partner do together. You’re not just collecting documents—you’re building the foundation for your life in Korea.