Received an offense review notice? Protect your visa status first.
Even after criminal proceedings end, immigration issues may be reviewed separately.
Whether you received a fine, a suspended sentence, or a non-prosecution decision, immigration authorities may still review your residency status independently. What you prepare — and when — can make a significant difference.
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Open weekdays 09:30–17:30 (Korea time). Inquiries received outside these hours are answered the next business day morning.
You may need to act if you are in one of these situations
Foreigner under police investigation
It is wise to check the potential immigration impact separately from criminal proceedings.
Foreigner who received a prosecution or court decision
The immigration implications depend on the nature of the decision.
Foreigner summoned to the immigration office
You need time to prepare supporting documents before attending.
Foreigner due to extend or change visa status
Prior incidents may affect the screening — a pre-check is advisable.
Foreigner concerned about a departure order
Preparing an explanation before any disposition is issued is important.
Foreigner facing deportation or entry ban
Check the grounds, procedures, and any available administrative remedies.
Foreigner involved in unauthorized employment
The appropriate response depends on the circumstances and whether voluntary disclosure was made.
Employer who hired a foreign national
The employer's response may also be reviewed alongside the employee's situation.
Not sure which offense type applies to your situation?
Check Offense TypesKey Practice Areas
Immigration Offense Review — Process Overview
See the full step-by-step guide on the process page.
- Step 1. Case & Residency Review — Confirm visa status, passport details, and case overview.
- Step 2. Criminal Record Review — Examine police, prosecution, and court documents.
- Step 3. Immigration Risk Analysis — Identify key issues based on disposition, length of stay, and prior record.
- Step 4. Document Preparation — Prepare supporting statements and administrative documents.
- Step 5. Immigration Attendance or Application — Attend with prepared materials or submit relevant applications.
- Step 6. Post-Decision Follow-Up — Review results and consider subsequent residency procedures or administrative remedies.
Why advance preparation matters
Criminal proceedings and immigration decisions are handled by separate authorities. A fine or non-prosecution decision in criminal court does not automatically resolve immigration concerns. Conversely, even a minor criminal outcome may lead to a different immigration decision when the full context is reviewed.
The fine amount alone rarely determines the outcome. Factors such as victim compensation, family ties in Korea, employment, tax and residence history, and post-incident conduct may all be considered. These circumstances may not be adequately presented at the immigration review unless you prepare them in advance.
The right approach is to review your case record and residency history first, then determine what to explain and how. Actual outcomes depend on the discretion of the relevant immigration authority.
How Sunshine Administrative Agent Office can help
- Our administrative agent reviews your case and residency situation together.
- We assist with preparing explanatory statements, supporting documents, and administrative paperwork for immigration submissions.
- We review your documents before your immigration appointment and guide you through residency procedures.
- All consultation content and submitted materials are handled with strict confidentiality.
- Consultations available in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
We do not handle litigation or court representation, including criminal defense (outside the scope of an administrative agent).
What an immigration consultant (administrative agent) can and cannot do for foreigners with a criminal record
In Korea, an administrative agent (행정사) prepares and submits documents to administrative agencies such as immigration, and prepares documents that establish facts. For foreigners with a criminal record, this covers mitigation materials, statements and reason letters, reflection letters and petitions, document review before the immigration appearance, and drafting administrative appeal petitions. We do not represent clients in litigation or trials; where such proceedings are needed, we say so and suggest consulting the appropriate professional. Consultations are available in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.
Confidentiality of your consultation
The Korean Certified Administrative Agents Act (행정사법) provides that a certified administrative agent, or a person who was one (including current or former office staff), must not disclose to others, without justifiable grounds, any facts learned in the course of their duties. The certified administrative agents and staff of 선샤인행정사사무소 (Sunshine) are subject to this legal duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will my visa be cancelled if I receive a fine?
A. A fine does not automatically result in visa cancellation. However, depending on the nature of the offense, prior record, and visa category, it may be considered during extension or change applications. Actual outcomes vary by individual case.
Q. Can a first-time offender be subject to an offense review?
A. Being a first-time offender is one factor in the review, but it does not guarantee exemption. Depending on the type of offense — particularly drug-related cases — careful handling may be necessary even for first offenses.
Q. Do I need to go to immigration before my criminal case ends?
A. It depends on your situation. If you have received an immigration summons, that date takes priority. The preparation approach also differs depending on the stage of criminal proceedings.
Q. What is the difference between a departure order (exit order) and deportation?
A. The two dispositions differ in legal nature and their effect on future re-entry. It is important to first confirm which type of disposition has been issued by reviewing the actual document.
Q. What should I prepare before a visa extension?
A. It is advisable to prepare documents that explain your current visa status, case record, and ties to Korea in advance. Our documents page provides a checklist of items to prepare.
Q. Does having family in Korea help with my residency?
A. Family ties — such as a Korean spouse or children — may be a factor in the review, but they do not guarantee continued residency. The case details are considered together with family circumstances.
Your administrative agent
Representative administrative agent
한경택
Business name 선샤인행정사사무소 · Representative 한경택
Business registration no. 752-17-01689
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If your immigration appointment or visa expiry is approaching, act now.
We start by reviewing your case and residency situation.
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