Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone familiar with Korean nationality law can help me understand my options.
I’m a 25 y/o female who was born and raised in the US. Both of my parents were Korean citizens when I was born so I apparently acquired Korean citizenship at birth as well. However, I had no idea I was a dual citizen until I was 20, when I entered Korea and immigration informed me that I had Korean citizenship through my parents.
At the time, I was told that I would have to choose one nationality by age 22. I received the same information when I contacted the Korean consulate in the US, so I proceeded with the process of renouncing my Korean citizenship and eventually completed the renunciation.
Only recently, I learned about the 외국국적불행사서약 and that I may have been able to keep my dual citizenship status but I had never been informed about this option when I was making my decision.
I know that I’m eligible for an F-4 visa, but I’m really frustrated because I plan to eventually move to Korea, where most of my family lives, and having Korean citizenship would obviously be much more useful to me long-term.
So my question is: Is there any way for someone in my situation to regain Korean citizenship while retaining U.S. citizenship, without having to wait until age 65?
From what I’ve read, it seems that people who have renounced Korean citizenship may be able to apply for 국적회복 but that retaining a foreign nationality through the 외국국적불행사서약 may generally be limited to certain categories, including people who are 65+ and return to Korea to reside permanently. I’m wondering if there is another provision or exception that could apply to someone who was originally a Korean citizen by birth, renounced it before 22 based on the information they were given, and later wants to restore it.
I realize I should probably consult an immigration/nationality lawyer or the Korean consulate directly, but I wanted to ask here first in case anyone has been in a similar situation or knows of a specific provision I should look into. Any info would help!
submitted by /u/Affectionate_Air332
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