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법률칼럼Legal InsightForeigner2026. 09. 23

[Immigration Lawyer in Korea] F-6 Visa DUI: Can You Keep Your Stay in Korea After a Fine?

Foreign nationals holding an F-6 visa in Korea should consider more than just fines or license suspension when they are

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Foreign nationals holding an F-6 visa in Korea should consider more than just fines or license suspension when they are involved in a DUI case.

A F-6 visa DUI case may lead to a separate immigration review even after the criminal procedure is completed. Depending on the circumstances, it may result in issues such as stay extension refusal or a departure order.

Even if a foreign spouse has been living in Korea with their family, immigration authorities may review whether the person should continue maintaining their current status of stay after a DUI incident.

Therefore, an F-6 visa DUI case should not be viewed only as a traffic offense. It should also be considered as an immigration matter that may affect the foreign national’s ability to continue living in Korea.

A consultation with an immigration lawyer in Korea can help review both the criminal procedure and possible immigration consequences.

01

Paying a DUI Fine Does Not Always End the Case

Many people believe that once they pay the fine after a DUI incident, the entire matter is resolved.

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However, for foreign nationals, the situation can be different.
Even after a criminal court imposes a fine, immigration authorities may separately conduct a review regarding the DUI offense.

During this process, authorities may consider various factors, including:

Circumstances of the DUI incident
Blood alcohol concentration level
Whether an accident occurred
Whether there was a repeat offense
Previous criminal history

If the DUI involved an accident or personal injury, immigration authorities may consider the matter more seriously.

Therefore, an F-6 visa DUI case does not necessarily end when the criminal procedure ends.

An immigration lawyer in Korea can help foreign nationals understand that criminal results and immigration decisions are separate procedures.

02

When Can an F-6 Visa DUI Departure Order Become an Issue?

Not every DUI case results in a departure order.

However, the possibility of an F-6 visa DUI departure order may increase depending on circumstances such as:

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01
Repeat DUI offenses
02
Accidents involving injuries
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Driving without a license
04
High blood alcohol concentration
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Leaving the scene after an accident
06
Additional criminal records

Immigration authorities do not only review the criminal punishment itself.

They may also consider whether the foreign national may pose a risk to public safety and whether continued residence in Korea is appropriate.

Therefore, if there is concern about an F-6 visa DUI departure order, it is important to prepare materials explaining why continued residence in Korea is necessary.

An immigration lawyer in Korea can assist in organizing evidence and preparing an appropriate response.

03

Important Evidence in Marriage Visa DUI Cases

During an immigration review, the foreign national’s life circumstances in Korea may become an important factor.

Especially in a marriage visa DUI case, the following materials may help explain the person’s circumstances:

Evidence showing continued marital relationship
Statement of reflection
Documents regarding child care responsibilities
Completion records of DUI prevention programs
Employment certificate and employment contract
Family support letters
Tax payment records

Even in similar DUI cases, outcomes may differ depending on whether the foreign national can sufficiently demonstrate stable life circumstances in Korea.

Therefore, a marriage visa DUI case should be prepared with both criminal defense and immigration response strategies from the early stage.

04

Is Forced Deportation Possible After Foreign DUI?

Many foreign nationals are most concerned about the possibility of forced deportation after a DUI offense.

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However, a DUI incident does not automatically lead to forced deportation.

Immigration authorities may review various factors, including:

Length of stay in Korea
Family relationships
Life foundation in Korea
Previous criminal history
Possibility of reoffending
Attitude of reflection

However, repeated DUI offenses or serious accidents may increase immigration concerns.

Therefore, foreign nationals should not wait until an immigration issue occurs after the criminal procedure is completed.

Preparing a response strategy early with an immigration lawyer in Korea may help address both criminal and immigration issues together.

05

What Does Immigration Review Consider in DUI Cases?

During an immigration review for DUI-related matters, authorities do not only look at the final criminal judgment.

They may review:

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Whether it is a first offense
Whether an accident occurred
Whether there are victims
Family relationships in Korea
Whether a spouse or children are in Korea
Stable employment status
Possibility of repeated violations

Therefore, if a foreign national receives notice regarding an immigration review, simply attending the appointment may not be enough.

It is important to prepare organized evidence explaining personal circumstances and the need for continued residence.

FINAL NOTE

F-6 Visa DUI Cases Require Immigration Response

An F-6 visa DUI case may appear to be only a traffic offense, but it can directly affect immigration status.

Issues such as:

F-6 visa DUI departure orders
Forced deportation concerns for foreign DUI cases
DUI immigration reviews
Marriage visa DUI cases

may all be connected and require careful review.

Reducing criminal punishment alone may not be sufficient.

It is important to understand what immigration authorities consider important and prepare evidence accordingly.

An immigration lawyer in Korea can review the foreign national’s visa status, family circumstances, criminal history, and immigration risks together.

For foreigners who have spouses or children in Korea and have established stable lives, it is important to prepare materials showing family relationships, residence necessity, and efforts to prevent future issues.

Ultimately, the key issue in an F-6 visa DUI case is not only the amount of the fine, but how to protect the foreign national’s right to continue staying in Korea.

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