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Student Visa and Status of Residence
Living law information
Eligibility for residence and period of stay

If you are planning to study in Korea, check out the necessary visa information!
To ensure a successful study abroad experience, it is important to familiarize yourself with visa types, application procedures, and required documents in advance.

Visa application

Once prospective students receive their acceptance letter, they must prepare the necessary documents for entry into Korea and obtain a student visa through the Korean embassy or consulate in their home country.

What is a visa?

A visa, also known as a visa, serves as proof of permission for a foreign national to enter the country. Visas are generally obtained from the consulate of the destination country in the country of departure, but they can also be obtained in another country. However, a visa is a prerequisite for entry, and to enter another country, one must obtain final permission to enter through immigration screening in that country.

Applicant organization

o obtain a visa, you must submit a visa application form along with documents specific to your status of stay to the head of a Republic of Korea diplomatic mission abroad (embassy, consulate general, representative office), etc.

Status of stay

D-2 : International students enrolling in regular degree programs
D-4 : International students wishing to enroll in non-degree programs (training)

study abroad(D-2)

If you intend to stay in Korea for the purpose of receiving regular education at an educational institution or academic research institute at the level of a junior college or higher, or for the purpose of conducting specific research, you must obtain a ‘Student (D-2) Visa.’

D-2-1
Professional Bachelor's Program
D-2-2
Bachelor's course
D-2-3
Master's program
D-2-4
PhD program
D-2-5
study process
D-2-6
exchange student
D-2-7
Work-Study Program Abroad

General training (D-4)

If you intend to stay in Korea for the purpose of receiving education or training, or engaging in research activities at an educational institution, company, or organization other than those eligible for the Student (D-2) visa, you must obtain a ‘General Training (D-4) Visa.’ However, if you receive remuneration from a training institution that exceeds the living expenses, or if you receive training at an industrial company while meeting the training conditions prescribed by the Minister of Justice, you must obtain a different type of visa (such as a visa for short-term employment or research, or the relevant type).

D-4-1
Korean language training
D-4-2
foreign language training

The international student (D-2) visa grants a one-time period of stay of two years, and extensions are permitted differently depending on the category.

professional bachelor's degree
Up to 3 years after admission
(For a 3-year associate degree, up to 4 years)
bachelor's degree
Up to 6 years after admission
(For a 5-year bachelor's degree, up to 7 years)
master
Up to 5 years after admission
(For a 3-year bachelor's degree, up to 6 years)
doctor
Up to 8 years after admission
(For a 5-year bachelor's degree, up to 7 years)

documents to be submitted

To obtain a visa, you must submit a visa application form along with documents specific to your status of stay to the head of a Republic of Korea diplomatic mission abroad (embassy, consulate general, representative office), etc.

study abroad (D-2)

copy of passport
1 photo (passport size, taken within the last 6 months)
Copy of the educational institution's business registration certificate (or unique identification number certificate)
Standard Admission Letter (issued by the university president or dean)
Tuberculosis diagnosis certificate (if applicable)
Documents proving family relationship (only if parents' bank balance certificates, etc. are submitted)
Documents proving final educational attainment
Documents proving financial ability

General training (D-4)

copy of passport
1 photo (passport size, taken within the last 6 months)
Copy of the educational institution's business registration certificate (or unique identification number certificate)
Standard Admission Letter (Issued by the University President/Dean)
Certificate of enrollment or proof of highest educational attainment
Financial proof documents
training plan

※ Additional documents may be required depending on the application process and country, so be sure to check with the diplomatic mission before applying for a visa.

charge

When applying for a visa, a processing fee is incurred for the visa application form.

Single entry visa
- Stay of 90 days or less, approximately $40 (in dollars)
- Stay of 91 days or more, approximately $60 (in dollars)
multiple visa
- Multiple entry visa allowing up to 2 entries, approximately $70 (dollar rate)
- Multiple entry visa with no limit on the number of entries: approximately $90 (based on USD)

Review and visa issuance results

Once you submit your visa application, you can receive a visa from the head of the overseas diplomatic mission or the Minister of Justice.
However, prior to visa issuance, we will review whether the international student who applied for the visa meets the qualifications.

Whether you possess a valid passport
Whether or not subject to entry ban or refusal under Article 11 of the [Immigration Control Act]
[Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act] Whether it qualifies for status of stay
[Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act] Whether the purpose of entry consistent with the status of stay has been substantiated
Whether it is recognized that one will return to their home country within the permitted period of stay for each respective status of residence
[Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act] Whether it falls under the criteria separately determined by the Minister of Justice for each status of residence

Cancellation of visa issuance

Check the reason if a visa application has been submitted but subsequently cancelled.

If the guarantor withdraws the guarantee or the guarantor is no longer available
Cases corresponding to obtaining a visa through fraudulent means
In case of violation of permit conditions
In cases where a serious reason arises due to a change in circumstances that makes it impossible to maintain the permit status any longer
In cases where the degree of violation of the [Immigration Control Act] or other laws is serious, or where a legitimate official order of an immigration officer has been violated

Issuance of entry permit for foreigners

Foreign nationals wishing to enter the Republic of Korea must possess a visa; however, nationals of countries that do not have diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea or of countries designated by the Minister of Justice in consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs may enter the country by obtaining a foreign national entry permit from the head of an overseas diplomatic mission, etc.

Applicant organization

To obtain a foreign national entry permit, you must submit the following documents along with a visa application to the head of a diplomatic mission abroad. However, if you intend to enter the country without obtaining a foreign national entry permit from the head of a diplomatic mission abroad due to urgent or other unavoidable reasons, you may apply for the issuance of a foreign national entry permit to the competent Commissioner, Head of Office, or Head of Branch Office.

charge

In cases determined by the head of the overseas diplomatic mission, fees may be paid in the currency of the relevant country.

Head of a diplomatic mission
- An amount equivalent to the visa issuance examination fee
The head of the regional immigration office
- 50,000 won

Results of screening and issuance of foreign national entry permits

When an application for permission to enter a foreign national is received, the head of the relevant overseas diplomatic mission, etc., issues a permit for entry to the foreign national after obtaining approval from the Minister of Justice.

Validity of Foreigner Entry Permit

The validity period of the foreign national entry permit is 3 months, and it is valid for one entry only.
Immigration officials retrieve the foreign national entry permit when a foreign student who entered the country with it departs.

Alien registration upon entry

If you intend to stay in the Republic of Korea for more than 90 days, you must register as a foreigner within 90 days of your entry.

Source: Easy-to-Understand Laws and Regulations for Daily Life https://www.easylaw.go.kr/CSP/CnpClsMain.laf?csmSeq=508&ccfNo=2&cciNo=1&cnpClsNo=1

South Korea Visa Portal, Visa Application View alien registration information

You can receive legal information about life in Korea that international students need to know, as well as the Village Lawyer system supported by the Ministry of Justice.

Laws related to international students

Legislation related to international students is broadly divided into laws concerning immigration and domestic stay, and laws concerning academic studies and life in the country.
In addition, legal consultation is available in 20 languages via telephone, fax, email, and the Foreigners' Comprehensive Information Center (1345 Call Center).

View laws regarding international students

Village Lawyer Legal Service Provision

We provide legal counseling services to all international students residing in Korea through the “Village Lawyer System for Foreigners.”

Instructions for use

Any resident living in an Eup, Myeon, or Dong where a village lawyer has been assigned can receive legal consultation from the assigned village lawyer.
Village lawyers primarily provide remote consultations via telephone, fax, or email; however, in some cases, they may visit the village in person to conduct face-to-face consultations.

Telephone consultation

Residents check the contact information of village lawyers through the town, township, or district office, local bar association, or the Ministry of Justice, and then contact the village lawyer to proceed with consultation.

Fax and email consultation

Residents fill out the village lawyer consultation card available at the Eup, Myeon, or Dong office.
Send the consultation card to the village lawyer via fax, email, etc.
We are reviewing and responding to your village lawyer consultation card.

On-site consultation

On-site consultations may be available depending on the number of applicants and the schedule of the village lawyer, so please inquire with each Eup, Myeon, and Dong regarding the availability of on-site consultations.

Source: Village Lawyer Blog (http://blog.naver.com/mabyun) ,

Village Lawyer Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mojmabyun)/

Village Lawyer List

Check immigration-related information here, from foreigner registration to changes in period of stay.

Alien Registration

Alien registration period

Foreign nationals who intend to stay in the Republic of Korea for more than 90 days must register as foreign nationals within 90 days of their entry date.
When a foreigner who has been granted or authorized to change their status of residence receives the permission (immediately)
Example) In the case of a Canadian national holding a B-2 (Tourist Transit) visa applying for a change of status after staying for 5 months, alien registration at the time of application for permission to change status

documents to be submitted

Application form, passport, one passport-sized photograph (taken within the last 6 months), certificate of enrollment (or research student) issued after the date of entry, fee
Tuberculosis screening certificate (if applicable)
※ Proof of residence (limited to visa holders issued before July 1, 2016, who have not submitted tuberculosis examination certificates, etc., to overseas diplomatic missions, in accordance with the provisions for the deferment of application of existing study abroad guidelines)
Proof of residence

Alien registration exceptions

Alien Registration Exceptions: The following foreigners are exempt from alien registration.
Diplomacy, Official Affairs, Agreements(A-1, A-2, A-3)
Persons engaged in important duties in diplomacy, industry, or national defense, their families, and other foreigners whom the Minister of Justice deems necessary to specially exempt from foreigner registration.
Canadian nationals intending to enter without a visa and stay for less than 6 months

Alien Registration

View alien registration process

Guide Manual by Status of Residence

View Guide Manual for Residence and Visa Applications by Qualification

source: Hi Korea, https://hikorea.go.kr

Change of residence status

What is a change of status of residence?

This refers to a case where a foreign national residing in the Republic of Korea intends to cease activities corresponding to their current status of residence and engage in activities corresponding to another status of residence.

When to apply

Until engaging in activities corresponding to a different status of residence
When a foreigner holding a status of residence under diplomatic, official duties, or an agreement changes their status, within 30 days from the date of change.

documents to be submitted

Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence
passport
Alien Registration Card (if applicable)
Attached documents by status of residence
charge

Application for change of status of residence

View details on changing status of residence

Guide Manual by Status of Residence

View Guide Manual for Residence Applications by Status View Visa Application Guide Manual by Qualification

source: Hi Korea, https://hikorea.go.kr

Extension of stay

What is an extension of status of residence?

Foreign nationals who wish to continue staying in the Republic of Korea beyond their previously permitted period of stay must obtain permission for an extension of their period of stay.

When to apply

Until the expiration date of the period of stay

documents to be submitted

Application for Extension of Stay
passport
Alien Registration Card (if applicable)
Attached documents by status of residence
charge

Apply for extension of stay

View Procedure/Method for Extending Period of Stay

Guide Manual by Status of Residence

View Guide Manual for Residence Applications by Status View Visa Application Guide Manual by Qualification

source: Hi Korea, https://hikorea.go.kr

Report change of residence

What is a change of residence report?

When a foreigner who has registered as a foreigner changes their place of residence, they must report the change of residence within 15 days from the date of moving in.

Reason for application

When registering foreigners and reporting the domestic residence of overseas Koreans with foreign nationality
When the address of a foreigner registered or reporting their place of residence changes
When applying for an extension of stay
When applying for a change of status of residence (mandatory when changing from short-term status to long-term status)
When applying for a change of status to permanent residency

Report deadline

Within 15 days from the date of transfer
※ If a registered foreign national fails to report a change of residence within 15 days from the date of change, a fine of not more than 1 million won will be imposed for violating Article 36 of the Immigration Control Act.

Report location

You can report to the head of the local immigration office having jurisdiction over your place of residence or to the Eup, Myeon, or Dong of your new place of residence.

documents to be submitted

Passport and Alien Registration Card
Proof of residence
declaration

※ Submitted documents may be added or removed if deemed necessary during the review process.

Application for change of residence

View obligation to report application for change of residence

Guide Manual by Status of Residence

View Guide Manual for Residence Applications by Status View Visa Application Guide Manual by Qualification

source: Hi Korea, https://hikorea.go.kr

part time job

Part-time employment for international students (part-time jobs)

Basic Principle: Limited to part-time employment activities (such as simple labor) typically performed by students.

If you intend to engage in employment activities corresponding to [Table 1-2] of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, individual guidelines for each relevant qualification shall apply (e.g., Presidential English Service Scholars, conversation instructors, professional interpreters/translators, etc.).
Private tutoring activities are strictly restricted in consideration of their specific characteristics, such as the location and subject of the activity.

Permit Procedure

Step 1.
Writing an employment contract
(Standard employment contract, hourly wage specified)Employment contract between the hiring parties
(Standard employment contract, hourly wage specification)
Step 2.
Part-time Employment Confirmation Form
Attached form, to be completed by the university's international student coordinator
Step 3.
application
Attachments, online or in-person application
Step 4.
Permitted, disallowed
Attach permission sticker or print online permission

Target

Among the following, those who possess a certain level of Korean language proficiency and have been verified by the university's international student advisor

Those eligible for detailed statuses D-2-1 through D-2-4, D-2-6, and D-2-7 under the Student Status.
Persons for whom 6 months have passed since the date of status change (date of entry for visa holders) for language training (D-4-1, D-4-7) and visiting student (D-2-8) status.

Allowable range

Among the following, those who possess a certain level of Korean language proficiency and have been verified by the university's international student advisor

Those eligible for detailed statuses D-2-1 through D-2-4, D-2-6, and D-2-7 under the Student Status.
Persons for whom 6 months have passed since the date of status change (date of entry for visa holders) for language training (D-4-1, D-4-7) and visiting student (D-2-8) status.

Allowable range
procedure	grade	When to start	Korean language proficiency standards ① TOPIK ② Social integration program ③ King Sejong Institute		time allowed		Accredited University · Academic Excellence, Korean Language Excellence(weekdays)
procedure	grade	When to start			weekdays	Weekends/vacation
language training	-	Available after 6 months	① level 2 ② Completion of Level 2 or higher, or a pre-assessment score of 41 or higher ③ Complete Beginner Level 2 or higher	X	10 hours		10 hours
language training	-	Available after 6 months		O	20 hours		25 hours
professional bachelor's degree	-	available immediately	① level 3 ② Completion of Level 3 or higher, or a pre-assessment score of 61 or higher ③ Complete Intermediate Level 1 or higher	X	10 hours		10 hours
professional bachelor's degree	-	available immediately		O	25 hours	borderless	30 hours
bachelor's degree	1st and 2nd graders	available immediately		X	10 hours		10 hours
	1st and 2nd graders			O	25 hours	borderless	30 hours
	3rd~4th grade		① level 4 ② Completion of Level 4 or higher, or a pre-assessment score of 81 or higher ③ Complete Intermediate Level 2 or higher	X	10 hours		10 hours
	3rd~4th grade			O	25 hours	borderless	30 hours
Master's/Ph.D.	-	available immediately		X	15 hours		15 hours
Master's/Ph.D.	-	available immediately		O	30 hours	borderless	35 hours

documents to be submitted

Passport, Alien Registration Card, Application Form
Confirmation of part-time employment for international students, academic transcript or attendance certificate (submission substituted if verified by FIMS), proof of Korean language proficiency (if applicable)
Copy of business registration certificate, standard employment contract
Confirmation of Compliance with Part-time Employment Requirements for International Students (if applicable)

Special provisions for part-time work permits (exclusions)

Activities performed in exchange for temporary stipends, prizes, or other remuneration associated with daily life, provided they do not infringe upon the essential matters of the study abroad qualification, do not require separate permission.

Standards for Handling Violators Who Employ Without Permission

If employed without obtaining a part-time work permit, or if the conditions of the permit are violated despite having obtained one, punishment shall be imposed in accordance with the law.
※ In the case of illegal employment in the construction sector, deportation orders are issued without exception regardless of the number of times caught (however, entry restrictions are suspended).

Work-Study Linkage Visa for Government-Sponsored Scholarship Students(D-2-7)

Graduates with the 'Work/Study Linkage (D-2-7)' visa as government-sponsored scholarship students are exempt from the application of national employment ratios and company size requirements for professional, semi-professional, and general skilled trades when changing their visa to the Specific Activities (E7) status, and are permitted to apply a wide range of similar occupations.
※ For more details, see HiKorea( https://www.hikorea.go.kr ) or the Republic of Korea Visa Portal website( https://www.visa.go.kr ) reference

source : Hi Korea, https://hikorea.go.kr

Change your job-seeking visa

What is a job seeker visa change?

This is a visa that allows international students who have completed their studies in Korea or foreigners seeking a new job to legally stay in Korea. You must change to the visa (D-10-1) issued to foreigners wishing to work in Korea.

Change period to job seeker visa

The D-10-1 visa allows for an internship prior to formal employment. Since it is a visa for job-seeking activities to secure employment in professional fields corresponding to E-1 to E-7 qualifications (internships in unskilled labor or manual work are not permitted), you must change to a visa suitable for that specific employment once employment is confirmed.

Application Deadline

It can be extended by 6 months at a time, up to a maximum of 2 years.
(Internship employment is possible for a maximum of two years, within a one-year range, and limited to a maximum of six months per company.)

documents to be submitted

Documents prescribed by the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration and Foreigner Registration Management Act

Common documents (application form, photo, copy of passport, fee, copy of ID)
Job Search Activity Plan (Description of job search activities over the past 6 months and future plans)
Documents proving Korean language proficiency, certificate of employment (if applicable)
diploma
Documents proving living expenses (minimum 900,000 won per month x 6 months = approximately 5,400,000 won)
However, those changing their status from Student (D-2) to Job Seeking (D-10) for the first time are exempt from submitting documents proving living expenses.
Proof of residence (lease agreement)

source: Hi Korea, https://hikorea.go.kr

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