ARC renewal timeline — how many months before your visa expires you should start
Short version: start the renewal process about 2 months before your visa expires. Here's why the timing matters.
The 2-month rule. Korean immigration lets you file for renewal up to 60 days before expiration. Not earlier. If you apply too early, they'll turn you away and tell you to come back closer to the date.
Why not wait until the last 2 weeks. Two reasons. First, appointment slots fill up. In Seoul, popular offices book 4-6 weeks out — sometimes longer around semester starts or Chuseok. Second, if any paperwork is incomplete, you need time to fix it. Waiting until day 3 before expiry means you're now overstaying.
My recommended timeline:
- ~8 weeks before expiry — log into HiKorea, book your renewal appointment.
- ~4-6 weeks before expiry — gather your documents. Certificate of employment or enrollment can take a week to issue from your workplace or school. Start this now.
- Appointment day — hand in your ARC, get a receipt with a pickup date.
- ~2-3 weeks after appointment — new ARC ready.
Living without an ARC during the wait. The receipt from immigration functions as temporary proof of legal status. Keep it with your passport photo page. Most banks, hospitals, and government offices will accept it. Delivery apps will not, so update your Kakao and Coupang after your new card arrives.
The 2-month buffer isn't bureaucratic annoyance — it's the reason you don't spend a week next spring unable to leave the country. Just do it early.