The Fastest Countries to Get a Marriage Visa
You’ve decided to marry your Korean sweetheart and build a life together. Fantastic! But now, reality bites: the immigration process. Whether you’re moving to the U.S., Canada, or staying right here in Korea, visa processing times can feel like watching grass grow.
While every country’s timeline is unique and subject to bureaucratic whims, some nations are famously (or infamously!) faster and more streamlined than others.
As a local who watches global immigration trends, I’m here to give you the honest lowdown on which countries offer the fastest tracks for international spouses, and how the Korean F-6 visa compares to the global race.
The Gold Standard: The Quickest Countries (Relatively Speaking)
If your Korean spouse is moving to your home country, here are the places generally known for relatively efficient spouse/marriage visa processing once all documents are in order.
1. The United Kingdom (UK) – The Financial Fast-Track
The Reputation: While the UK has strict financial requirements (the minimum income threshold is high), if you meet them perfectly, the process can be surprisingly quick.
The Key: The UK prioritizes clear, quantifiable evidence. If you prove you meet the financial threshold with organized documents, you can often utilize priority processing options, cutting the standard processing time significantly.
2. Australia & New Zealand – The Digital Streamline
The Reputation: These countries often utilize highly efficient online application portals, minimizing paper waste and manual processing delays compared to some North American or European counterparts.
The Key: The process is rigorous in terms of medical and character checks, but once the system confirms your documents are complete, the digital processing is typically streamlined.
Local Tip: These countries prioritize financial stability and genuine intent. If your Korean spouse can clearly demonstrate a job waiting for them or strong ties to you, their application moves faster.
The Marathon Runners: Countries Where Patience is King
These countries, while welcoming, are known for their lengthy backlogs and meticulous security checks, making for a much longer wait.
The United States (US): Famous for the lengthy CR1/IR1 Spousal Visa process, often taking 12 to 18 months (or more) from initial filing to final interview due to the volume of applications and multi-agency checks.
Canada: Processing times are highly variable but can be long, often taking well over a year for out-of-country applications, though they offer a spousal sponsorship option.
How Does the Korean F-6 Visa Compare?
If the non-Korean spouse is moving to South Korea, the F-6 Marriage Immigrant Visa offers a surprisingly reasonable, structured timeline.
Korean F-6 Visa: The Mid-Tier Speedster
Typical Processing Time: 3 to 6 months from the date the complete application is submitted at the embassy.
Why It’s Relatively Quick: The Korean process is highly focused on a few core requirements (Income, Housing, and Communication proof) and is relatively centralized through the Ministry of Justice and the local Embassy. If your documents are perfect and you meet the GNI minimum income requirement, the process is usually smooth.
The Catch: The 3-6 month clock only starts after you have spent months gathering the required proof (like achieving the TOPIK Level 1 score or proving the financial threshold).
Your Ultimate Strategy: Control What You Can Control
No matter the country, the speed of your visa approval relies entirely on your preparation.
Don’t Wait: Start gathering the hardest documents (financial records, language certificates) before you are even married.
Verify, Verify, Verify: Ensure every single document is notarized and translated exactly as required by the local embassy. Missing one signature can add months of delay.
Use the Checklist: Treat the embassy’s checklist as a sacred document. Perfect adherence to their demands is the only true “fast-track” in any country.
The visa journey is tough, but it’s a shared obstacle that proves your commitment. Stay organized, and you’ll cross the finish line faster!