For overseas Koreans planning a long-term stay in Korea,

one essential requirement is obtaining an Alien Registration Card (ARC).

‍

However, if you are unable to stay in Korea for an extended period or your departure date is fast approaching,

your biggest concern will likely be how long it takes to get the ARC and whether it can be issued in time for your schedule.

‍

Today, we’re sharing the case of Ms. Hong, a U.S. citizen who requested ARC issuance services from Hanguk Visa in June.

We’ll walk you through the process, the required documents, and exactly how long it took to receive the ARC.

ARC Issuance in Just 20 Days From Entry to Departure — How Was It Possible?

‍

[Client Information]
✔Name: Ms. Hong
✔Nationality: United States
✔Date of Birth: 1957.00.00
✔Registered Address: Gangnam-gu, Seoul → Jurisdiction: Seoul Immigration Office
✔Date of Entry: June 9, 2024
✔Planned Departure Date: June 29, 2024
✔Service Requested: ARC issuance based on F-4 visa

‍

Ms. Hong first discovered Hanguk Visa through our YouTube channel.

After watching our video, she contacted us via KakaoTalk to discuss her situation.

‍

We always prioritize our clients’ schedules when providing services.

In this case, the total stay between entry and departure was just 20 days.

Considering her registered address and the recent processing speed of the Seoul Immigration Office,

we determined that ARC issuance was feasible within the available time frame.

‍

‍

Preparing in Advance for Fast ARC Issuance

Since time was short, we advised Ms. Hong to apply for her ARC immediately upon arrival.

On her arrival date, June 9, she visited our office in the afternoon, and we accompanied her to submit the application smoothly.

‍

Recently, the Seoul Immigration Office has been processing ARC applications within 7–10 business days.

In this case, her ARC was submitted on June 9 and issued on June 19,

meaning it took just about 7 business days from application to issuance.

The Client Only Brought a Passport — We Prepared the Rest

‍

To apply for an ARC, the following documents are required:

1. Appointment confirmation for application submission

2. Visa issuance confirmation

3. Integrated application form

4. Original and copy of passport

5. Copy of U.S. citizenship certificate

6. Basic certificate & family registry record (Korean)

7. Proof of residence in Korea

8. Copy of accommodation provider’s ID

9. Foreigners’ occupation report form

10. Non-employment pledge for restricted jobs

11. Korean name registration form

‍

In Ms. Hong’s case, the only thing she brought was her passport.

We prepared and handled all other documents on her behalf.

‍

‍

Since fingerprint registration is mandatory for ARC issuance, clients must visit in person once.

When they bring just their passport, we handle the entire process — from document preparation to submission.

‍

After issuance, the ARC is delivered to our office.

We notify clients via KakaoTalk and text message so they can collect it at their convenience.

‍

Service Summary
✅ Service Name: ARC Issuance Service
✅ Service Fee: KRW 320,000 per person
✅ Processing Time: Average 7–10 days (Seoul Immigration Office standard)
✅ Process: One in-person visit required for fingerprint registration; all other steps handled remotely

If Your Schedule Is Tight, Prepare Strategically Before Entry

‍

When time in Korea is limited, the most efficient method is to obtain the F-4 visa in advance

from overseas and then proceed directly with ARC registration upon arrival.

‍

This approach minimizes your time spent in Korea while ensuring the process is completed within your schedule.

‍

At Hanguk Visa, we offer a complete one-stop service that includes:

✅Personalized schedule consultation

✅Appointment booking

✅All document preparation in advance

✅Accompaniment for fingerprint registration

✅ARC collection and delivery

Need Personalized Visa Services?

‍

Hanguk Visa provides tailored visa solutions for overseas Koreans and foreign nationals residing in Korea.

We offer individual and corporate visa consulting, application services, translation, and stay-period management.

We also provide fast and accurate guidance for complex administrative procedures such as:

- Loss of nationality declaration

- Nationality recovery applications

- Oath of renunciation of foreign nationality

- Dual citizenship applications

- Document preparation, certified translations, and Apostille services

‍

For detailed consultation, feel free to contact us. We will provide the best visa solution for your situation.

📞 Tel: 02-3210-1113

✉ KakaoTalk Channel: 한국비자 (Hanguk Visa)