Target
Those who want to study or participate in research activities at educational institutions or business organizations other than educational or academic research institutions that fall under the Study Abroad (D-2) eligibility. - Individuals studying Korean at a university-affiliated language institute
- Individuals studying at educational institutions other than institutions or academic research institutions that qualify for study abroad (D-2)
- Individuals studying technology, skills, etc. at public research institutions or training centers
- Individuals who are educated or trained as interns in foreign investment companies or companies that have invested abroad, or who engage in research activities
Maximum stay period that can be granted at a time: 2 years
Permission for activities outside of residency qualifications
- Principally restrain activities outside of residency qualifications (need to check) 1. Reference to permit for activities outside the study abroad (D-2) qualification 2. Conversation Guidance (E-2) Activities beyond qualification for General Training (D-4-1) Visa Holders * Language trainees (D-4-1) qualification holders can perform activities outside their qualifications after 6 months from the date of acquiring their Language Training (D-4-1) qualification
Permission to change residency qualifications
1. Change of language training residency qualification (Korean language training: D-4-1, foreign language training: D-4-7)
A. (Basic principle) Allow qualification change for long-term residents who are legally residing in Korea after registering as foreigners. In principle, restrict qualification change for short-term residents (B, C series qualifications). However, among registered foreigners, technical trainees (D-3), non-professional employees (E-9), sailors (E-10), and others (G-1) qualification holders are restricted from changing their qualifications
※ Only those with a high school graduation or higher education can be allowed to change their language training residency qualifications.
(However, foreign language training (D-A-7) is also possible for students in high school or lower)
※ The procedure for proving academic background is the same as when applying for a study abroad (D-2) visa
B. Required documents
Common documents
① Application form, passport, foreigner registration card (holder), 1 photo, fee
② Copy of the educational institution's business registration certificate or unique number certificate
③ Standard admission permit * (issued by the university president or dean)
- Substitute with Foreign Student Information System (FIMS) information confirmation, National Institute for International Education's invited scholarship students replace with 'invitation letter' issued by the head of the institute
④ Financial proof documents * Additional submission of family relationship certificate required when submitting parent's balance certificate.
⑤ Certificate of Enrollment or Final Academic Certificate
⑥ Training plan (including class schedule, instructor configuration table, training facilities, etc.)
⑦ Certificate of International Student Insurance or National Health Insurance
- Excludes middle and high school students or prospective graduates
- Insurance certificate of a domestic insurance company specifying an insurance period longer than the stay period
National citizens of the Minister of Justice Notice Country
- If it is judged that the need for language training is low considering the age, etc., additional evidence of the need for language training may be required
2. Change to General Training (D-4-2) qualification for graduates
A. Target
Prospective graduates of domestic universities (including colleges) who are recognized as needing training at foreign investment companies or domestic companies that have invested abroad
B. Training location
Employment at the domestic parent company or foreign branch of a Korean investment company located overseas / Employment at the domestic headquarters or branch/subsidiary of a foreign company located overseas
C. Required Documents
① Application form, passport, foreigner registration card, 1 photo, fee
② Documents proving the need for training (employment confirmation, training plan, etc.)
③ Documents proving that it is a foreign investment company
④ Documents proving that it is a foreign investment company or a domestic company that has invested abroad
3. Change to the Foreign Student (D-4-3) Qualification for those under high school
A. Target
Those who are currently legally registered as foreigners and are long-term residents in Korea who have received admission permits from the educational institutions below (excluding short-term residents). However, technical interns (D-3), non-professional employees (E-9), sailors (E-10), others (G-1), and visiting workers (H-2) are excluded.
B. Educational Institutions
Primary schools, middle schools, high schools (excluding public civic schools, high civic schools, broadcasting communication middle and high schools, high technical schools), various schools including *foreign schools (excluding Taean schools), foreign educational institutions.
* (Foreign Schools) Schools established to educate the children of foreigners residing in Korea and the people determined by the presidential decree among the natives who have lived abroad for a certain period and returned → According to the Secondary Education Act, foreign school admission targets include children of foreigners who have entered the country alone and children of naturalized persons.
* For self-funded study abroad, admission to schools where the head of a foreign school, international school, private school, etc. freely sets the tuition fee is the principle, and free educational institutions responsible for compulsory education of the people do not apply.
C. Relevant Person
1. Self-funded foreign students
Those who have been granted admission from the above educational institutions (excluding free educational institutions) and are planning to enroll or are currently enrolled as foreign students who meet the cost of living and other requirements and have a designated guardian.
- Cost of living (tuition + living expenses for 1 year)
- Tuition fees (all study-related costs including tuition, dormitory fees, entrance fees, etc.)
- Living expenses for one year, equivalent to 9.5 million won per person (an additional 10 million won equivalent for a parent accompanying as a guardian for one year)
*The living expenses of foreign students are adapted to the minimum living cost (1,790,797 won per month) announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (equivalent to 9.5 million won annually), and the cost of living of accompanying parents is applied considering that the residence, etc. has not been prepared, equivalent to twice the minimum living cost (equivalent to 19 million won annually).
Guardian
- Domestic or foreign individuals residing in the country
- The guardian of a foreign student from a country with a high incidence of illegal stay (21 countries) is limited to those who meet financial requirements such as an annual income of more than 37.4 million won or assets worth more than 199 million won (either the annual income or asset requirement can be chosen)
* Countries with a high incidence of illegal stay (21 countries): China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia, Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Peru
* The annual income or assets can be the total income or assets of the individual and spouse, and the standards for annual income and assets consider the 2019 per capita national income (GNI) of South Korea of 37.43 million won, and the average net assets of the middle-class institution in 2019 of 199.07 million won.
- If a foreigner, the individual should be a holder of qualifications capable of long-term stay in Korea after registering as a foreigner
- The number of foreign students that one guardian can oversee is limited to two.
*However, for high school (excluding middle school or below) enrollees or prospective enrollees who are boarding at the school dormitory, a guardian is not required (a confirmation of dormitory admission in the name of the school principal is required)
2. Foreign students invited by a government agency or public institution
- Those who are planning to enter or are currently enrolled as foreign students who have received admission permits from the above educational institutions and are full scholarship students invited by a government agency or public institution
- The cost of living and the guardian can be substituted with an official letter from the inviting agency.
3. Foreign students invited by a corporation or other organization
-Those who are planning to enter or are currently enrolled as foreign students who have received admission permits from the above educational institutions and are full scholarship students invited by corporations, religious organizations, etc.
- The designation requirements and guardians can be replaced with an official letter from the inviting organization, but if it is deemed necessary to confirm the credibility and financial ability of the inviting organization, it may be possible to request proof of financial ability of the organization and a separate guardian appointment.
D. Attachment documents
Common documents
① Application form (Annex Form No. 34), Passport, Alien Registration Card (if applicable), Standard sized photo (1 copy), Fee
② Copy of the school's business registration certificate (or unique number certificate)
③ Admission permit (issued by the principal, Annex 1 form)* and a certificate of enrollment (if applicable)
★ Foreign students (D43) need to submit the admission permit regardless of their enrollment status
④ Final educational credentials (diploma or certificate of enrollment, etc.)
Additional documents for self-financing foreign students
⑤ Evidence of tuition fees (such as official school documents or recruitment guidelines that can verify all study-related costs, including tuition, dormitory fees, and entrance fees)
⑥ Proof of living costs (tuition + 1 year of living expenses)
- Tuition fees (tuition, dormitory fees, entrance fees, etc.)
- Proof of living expenses for one year (balance statement or deposit/withdrawal statement, etc., continuously deposited for one month or more)
⑦ Guardian guarantee form
Also required when the guardian is a parent (or a relative within the second degree of kinship)
Those exempted from guardianship should submit a 'dormitory entrance confirmation' under the principal's name
⑧ Proof of the guardian's financial capability (only for citizens of countries where illegal stay is frequent)
Source tax receipts, real estate ownership proof, real estate contract, deposit balance statement, etc., issued (certified or notarized) by domestic or foreign government agencies or banks
⑨ Family relationship proof documents (only for citizens of countries where illegal stay is frequent)
- Submit the original (with a translation) and attach materials such as a copy of a passport that can verify the English name of the parents.
* If the original is written in a foreign language, a translation should be attached, and a translator's confirmation must be additionally submitted when attaching a translation.
<Examples of Family Relationship Proof Documents>
China: Household register or family relationship attestation,
Philippines: Family Census,
Indonesia: Family certificate (KARTU KELUARGA),
Bangladesh: Jamia Certificate or Jama Siddiqui,
Vietnam: Household register (So Ho Khau) or birth certificate (Giay khal sinh),
Mongolia: Family relationship certificate,
Pakistan: Family Certificate,
Sri Lanka: Bhawal Certificate,
Myanmar: Family relationship certificate (Imtawonsusayon),
Nepal: Janam Dalda,
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Thailand: Birth Certificate
Documents Required for Government Agency or Organizational Scholarship Students
⑤ Full scholarship student proof document (official document from organization or group)
⑥ Guardianship guarantee (if needed)
⑦ Financial soundness proof of the inviting organization (if needed)
- Asset details can be obtained through a corporate register, etc.
* Immigration·Foreign Affairs (Office Dispatch Office) The chief can add or subtract some of the attached documents to review the authenticity of the invitation, the invitee, and the invited area.
4. Changing to the Qualification for Foreign Trainees (D-4-6) of Excellent Private Education Institutions
A. Target
- Registered foreigners legally staying in Korea who meet the trainee standards
※ ※ Change restrictions: B2, C3 visa holders and Technical Trainees (D-3), Non-professional Workers (E-9), Seamen (E-10), Others (G-1) are restricted from changing qualifications.
B. Training Allowance Organization Standards: Any organization that falls under the following
- Domestic listed companies established or affiliated with professional technology education institutions
※ The professional technology education institution linked to a domestic listed company refers to an educational institution that a domestic listed company invests in as much as its establishment or participates in management proactively and practically manages it.
- University-affiliated professional technology education institutions
※ This refers to a specialized professional technology education institution officially operated within a university (an independent affiliated educational institution like a language school). A general lifelong education center that conducts various courses together is excluded.
- Domestic branches or monopolized contract educational institutions of famous professional technology educational institutions with headquarters overseas
※ Famous professional technology educational institutions refer to educational institutions in advanced countries in the relevant functional areas such as the United States, Europe, Japan, etc. The educational institution applying for a visa, etc. must prove its validity by submitting related materials such as overseas press articles, the status of professional personnel, etc.
- A non-profit corporation-type vocational skill development training corporation that has been permitted by the Minister of Employment and Labor under Article 32(1) of the 「Worker Job Ability Development Act」
- A corporation-type vocational technical field lifelong vocational education institute that has been evaluated and recognized for learning courses by the Minister of Education under Article 3 of the Law on Credit Recognition, etc. and Article 3 of the Enforcement Decree of the same law.
* 'Lifelong Vocational Education Institute in the Vocational Technical Field' refers to an institute operating a 'vocational technical field curriculum' according to Annex 2 of Article 3(3) of the Enforcement Decree of the 「Private Education Act」 established under Article 6 of the same law.
-Major University under Article 31 (School-type Lifelong Education Facility) of the 「Lifelong Education Act」
Major Universities: International Art University, Baekseok Art University, Jeonghwa Art University
Training institutions that meet any of the above must meet all of the following requirements
① The educational institution has been established for more than 1 year.
② The tuition fee for the education curriculum is more than 4 million won per semester (education institution that is more than 8 million won per year)
③ Limited to vocational technical education under the National Technical Qualification Act or the Private Education Act.
* However, management and administrative management and cultural tourism series, wallpapering, plastering, laundry, mortuary, hospice, cleaning occupations, etc. are excluded from the training curriculum.
* In order to prevent poor training, education institutions with less than 100 national trainees within 1 year from the application date in the D-4-6 training curriculum allowed by these guidelines are limited to inviting trainees.
※ Even if it falls under the D-46 training curriculum, the number of national trainees who participated in a course that was operated for a short period on a one-time basis is excluded from the achievement calculation (for example, the number of aviation service trainees conducted for three days commissioned by an airline)
④ Operation of a training curriculum of at least 4 days a week (Monday to Friday) and at least 15 hours per week
⑤ Education institutions with dormitories for trainees
※ Facilities that are not attached to the institution and are rented are not recognized. However, residential facilities that have signed long-term rental agreements for students in the name of the representative of the educational institution are exceptionally allowed, but facilities such as goshiwons, inns, and motels that are difficult to reside in continuously are not recognized.
C. Foreign trainee standards (must meet all of the following ① ~ ③ requirements)
① Age 18 to 30, holder of high school or higher education
② Those who can prove domestic living expenses during the training period
- In case of staying for 6 months or more, more than 5,000 USD excluding tuition fee
- In case of staying less than 6 months, proof of tuition and living expenses for the corresponding period (600,000 KRW per month)
③ Those who have the necessary Korean language skills for training
- Korean language skill standard: those who have completed TOPIK level 1 or more implemented by the National Institute for International Education or Sejong Academy beginner level or higher
D. Training allowance quota per institution and sanctions for overstayers
- The training allowance is limited to a total of 100 people per training institution, regardless of the course, and the training allowance quota is reduced by the number of illegal stayers.
- Measures to limit new invitations for violations of the law by the inviter and excessive occurrence of illegal stayers
* Training institutions must report to the head of the jurisdiction (office·branch office) within 15 days from the day the fact occurred, and if they violate the report more than twice a year, new invitations are not allowed for 6 months.
※ Non-entry of invited trainees, non-registration after entry, missing persons or non-departure after completion of training, etc.
- If the overstaying rate below corresponds to the number of invitees, new invitations are not allowed for 1 year, and if the additional overstaying rate exceeds 2% of the number of invitees during the prohibition period, training is discontinued
※ Less than 15 invitees (overstay rate 30%), 16 to 50 invitees (overstay rate 20%), 51 or more invitees (overstay rate 15%), however, if overstayers voluntarily leave the country (excluding forced deportations, departure orders, etc.), they are excluded from the overstay rate calculation
E. Attachment documents
Trainee preparation documents
- Application form (Form No. 34), copy of passport, 1 standard size photo
- Final education verification document (notarized) and admission permit (issued by the head of the education institution)
- Financial ability verification documents (balance proof, parents' financial ability, etc.)
- Receipt of tuition or education fee
- Korean language proficiency verification documents (TOPIK level 1 or higher, Sejong Academy beginner course or higher completion certificate)
Training institution preparation documents
- Documents related to the establishment of an education institution
- Corporation registration certificate of the education institution (all registration matters certificate, issued by law)
- Copy of business registration certificate or unique number certificate
- Training plan (including class schedule, teacher composition, training facilities, tuition, etc.)
- Proof of dormitory
- License for establishment and operation of private education institution (issued by Education Office, for vocational technical courses)
- Corporation establishment permit for vocational training (proof of vocational training corporation, related proof documents, only for vocational training corporations)
- Documents proving that the education institution is affiliated with or established by a listed company (only for education institutions affiliated with or established by domestic listed companies)
※ If it is difficult to prove with public certificates, relatedness can be proven with similar documents
- Documents proving that it is a professional education institution affiliated with a university (only for education institutions affiliated with universities)
- Documents proving that it is a domestic branch or exclusive operation contractor of a foreign education institution (only for domestic branches of foreign education institutions)
- Documents proving the actual number of national students recruited by the education institution
* The actual number of national students recruited for the D-4-6 training curriculum allowed by these guidelines
- Other documents proving the ability to operate the education institution and the curriculum normally
※ The head of the Immigration and Foreigner's Office (office branch) can add or subtract some of the attachment documents in order to review the genuineness of the invitation, the qualifications of the inviter and the invitee.
Extension of Stay Permit
1. Extension of stay permit for language trainees (D-4-1, D-4-7)
a. Basic Principles
1. Non-acknowledgement of personal leave
- Extension of stay is limited for those who suspend their studies due to personal reasons or insufficient credits.
- However, measures such as changing the visa status are taken for unavoidable reasons like illness or accident.
2. Incentives for students attending accredited universities
- (Target) Students with a Grade C (Grade Point 2.0) or higher based on the credits earned
- (Documents to be submitted) No fines in principle
- Replacement with academic information checked on FIMS and no need for financial proof documents.
3. Intensified reviews for students attending substandard universities
- (Target) Students with a Grade D (Grade Point 1.0 or less) or lower based on the credits earned
- (Documents to be submitted) Use of academic information on FIMS (status of school registration, grades, etc.), financial proof documents.
4. Limiting extension if there is a change in student status during training (including language training)
- If any of the following applies
i) i) If the place of training has been changed to another university due to expulsion (dropout, non-registration, regardless of disciplinary action), transfer, or readmission from the previous university.
ii) If the same course or the same university studies have been changed to a night or weekend course.
- Restriction of stay permit in principle, re-entry after departure and visa obtained from the relevant university.
5. Encouraging extension through online or through a student manager (congestion relief measures)
(Target) Students of accredited universities etc., who are not subject to direct visit review
- Online application: Student or student manager
※ In the case of a person in charge of foreign students, up to 8 people can apply at once
- Direct visit: Student or student manager
b. Documents to be submitted
① Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fees
② Documents proving enrollment
- Certificates of Enrollment, Exchange Student Extension Certificates, Research Student Certificates, etc.
③ Documents proving the normal performance of academic work
- Transcript, attendance confirmation, etc.
④ Financial proof documents
⑤ Recruitment guidelines (specified training schedule) or training plan (for Korean language trainees only)
⑥ Proof of residence documents (lease agreement, confirmation of accommodation provision, notification mail of expiration of stay period, public fee receipt, dormitory fee receipt, etc.)
⑦ International student insurance certificate or National Health Insurance certificate (applicable among students in elementary, middle, and high school)
1. Documents for extension of stay for foreign students (D-4-3) at educational institutions below high school
① Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fees
② Documents proving enrollment (Certificates of Enrollment, Admission permits, etc.)
③ Documents proving living expenses including tuition fees (Receipt of Tuition payment, Balance confirmation of more than a month's deposit, Official letter from the inviting organization, etc.)
④ Guardianship certificate and financial ability proof documents (In case of changing guardian)
⑤ Proof of residence documents (lease agreement, confirmation of accommodation provision, notification mail of expiration of stay period, public fee receipt, dormitory fee receipt, etc.)
2. Documents for extension of stay for Korean cooking trainees (D-4-5)
① Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fees
② Copy of Business Registration Certificate (or Unique Number Certificate), Extract of Corporation Register (if applicable)
③ Training fee payment receipt (if additional training fees are paid)
※ If the training institution bears the training fees and living expenses, a cost-bearing confirmation issued by the training institution.
④ Documents proving the need for continuous training (A plan including reasons for extension and training schedule, etc.)
⑤ Recommendation letter from the head of the training institution (including training grades and attendance rate)
⑥ Proof of Korean language ability (only for those who submit an application for exemption from proving basic Korean language ability)
⑦ Health checkup report (only for those who submit a confirmation of planned treatment)
⑧ Proof of residence documents (lease agreement, confirmation of accommodation provision, notification mail of expiration of stay period, public fee receipt, dormitory fee receipt, etc.)
3. Documents required for extending the stay period of foreign trainees at excellent private educational institutions (D-4-6)
① Application form (Annex 34), passport, foreigner registration card, fee
② Training institution prepared documents:
- Attendance certificate (last semester's attendance record for the student, class and attendance time, attendance rate),
- Technical training plan (timetable, training schedule), dormitory entry confirmation (only for applicable individuals),
- Other documents proving regular training performance.
③ Applicant prepared documents:
- Proof of living expenses: 'Balance confirmation issued by the bank according to the stay period' and 'Deposit transaction performance certificate for the last 6 months from the corresponding account'
- Tuition fee (Receipt of tuition payment: course period, tuition, payment date, etc.)
- Enrollment (Training) certificate: Admission date, major, etc.
④ Training plan (for those staying over one year)
※ In principle, the general training period is up to one year from the date of entry.
Re-entry Permit
1. Implementation of re-entry permit exemption system
- Foreigners who need to register are exempted from re-entry permits if they wish to re-enter within one year from the date of departure.
- If the remaining period of stay is less than one year, re-entry permits are exempted within the range of the remaining period of stay.
※ However, international students who need to obtain a re-entry permit due to reasons such as entry restrictions must obtain a re-entry permit at the local office (branch office).
2. Multiple Re-entry Permit (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya have multiple re-entry restrictions, however, nationals of these countries who are married immigrants (F - 6), students (D - 2), general trainees (D - 4) are possible)
- For those who wish to re-enter within 2 years exceeding one year within the range of the period of stay after departure.
- Application documents: Application form (Annex 34), original passport, foreigner registration card, fee.
Foreigner Registration
1. Documents for Foreigner Registration
① Application form (Annex 34), original passport, one standard-sized photo, fee
② Certificate of Enrollment, ③ Proof of residence documents
2. Documents for Foreigner Registration for Korean Cooking Training
① Application form (Annex 34), original passport, one standard-sized photo, fee
② Copy of the training institution's Business Registration Certificate (or Unique Number Certificate)
③ Health examination report issued by a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice
3. Documents for Foreign Students (D-4-3) below High School
① Application form (Annex 34), passport, 1 photo (taken within the last 6 months), fee
* Government or invited national scholarship students are also required to pay registration and registration card (re)issuance fees
② Enrollment certificate
* If you want to apply for foreigner registration before admission for reasons such as opening a bank account or renting a house, it can be replaced with a tuition payment certificate
③ Scholarship student proof documents (if applicable, official letter from the organization)
4. Notification of Changes in Foreigner Registration Details
a. Report details: Name, sex, birth date and nationality, passport number, date of issue, validity period
b. Subjects of report: Changes or additions to the organization or entity to which they belong (including name changes)
c. Reporting deadline: Must report within 15 days from the date of change
d. Submission documents
- Foreigner registration information change report, passport and foreigner registration card, no fee
- Certificate of enrollment and previous school leaving certificate (in case of school change)
5. Notification of Change of Residence for Foreign Students,
a. Report to the head of the city, county, or district where the new residence is located or to the head of the Immigration and Foreigner Bureau (office or branch office) within 15 days from the date of moving in.
b. Submission documents
-Residence change report, passport and foreigner registration card.
Visa Issuance Targets
1. Language Training (Korean Language Training: D-4-1, Foreign Language Training: D-4-7)
However, visas can be issued only by the issuance certificate in the following cases
① Citizens of Cuba, Syria, Macedonia, Kosovo
② Language trainees from Mongolia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, China enrolling in a general university
③ Language trainees from Mongolia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, China enrolling in a lower level university
a. Target Institutions
- Language institutions affiliated with educational institutions (universities) that are eligible for student (D-2) visa issuance
- Language institutions affiliated with higher education institutions and foreign educational institutions (colleges or higher)
* Should be under the authority and responsibility of the university president or dean, and in principle, be located within the university. Documents proving these can be required if necessary.
- Institutions established with the approval of the Minister of Education in the Free Economic Zone and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
※ Life-long education facilities (including university-affiliated lifelong education facilities), private academies, etc. are not included in the general training (D-4) visa issuance target
b. Relevant Parties
- People with at least a high school diploma who want to take language training at the above educational institutions (the degree verification process is the same as when applying for a student (D-2) visa)
- However, foreign language trainees (D-4-7) also include high school students and below
- General Training (D-4) Visa Issuance (Korean Language Trainee: D-4-1, Foreign Language Trainee: D-4-7)
* Language trainees staying for less than 90 days are subject to short-term general (C-3-1) visa issuance
c. Training Course
- Operates a language training course of at least 4 days a week (Mon-Fri) and at least 15 hours per week (at least 300 hours of education per semester)
d. Visa Issuance Content and Application Place
- Korean language trainee (D-4-1)
- It is a principle to apply at a Korean consulate in the applicant's country of residence or the jurisdiction of the final school
e. Attached Documents
① Visa issuance application form (Form No. 17), passport, one standard-sized photo, fee
② Copy of the business registration certificate of the educational institution or copy of the unique number certificate
③ Standard admission permit* (Issued by the university president or dean)
④ Enrollment certificate or final academic degree certificate
- The original review is the principle and if necessary, attach the copy after confirming the original comparison by the person in charge
⑤ Financial proof documents (equivalent to USD 10,000)
Financial capability proof documents (examples: balance confirmation, passbook, scholarship confirmation, deposit/withdrawal statement, etc.) are reviewed in the original, and if necessary, the copy is attached after confirming the original comparison by the person in charge
(The balance confirmation is only valid if issued within 30 days)
※ If you submit a parent's balance confirmation, you need to additionally submit a family relationship confirmation
※ It is a principle to prove financial ability (tuition + living expenses) for one year (6 months of language training)
⑥ Training meeting letter (including the timetable, teacher composition, training facilities, etc.)
※ The head of a foreign mission can add or subtract some of the attached documents if necessary to review the purpose of entry, the sincerity of the invitation, and the qualifications of the inviter and the invitee
2. General Training (D-4-3) for Students in High School or Lower Educational Institutions
Target: Citizens of other countries, fully sponsored foreign students invited by a group (government institutions, public institutions, general groups, etc.) among the citizens of 21 countries
* 21 countries: China, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia, Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
India, Myanmar, Nepal, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Nigeria,
Ghana, Egypt, Peru
※ The above 21 national citizens who are self-supporting foreign students are subject to visa issuance by visa issuance certificates
- (Visa application) It is a principle to apply at a consulate in the applicant's country of residence or the jurisdiction of the final school
- (Visa issuance content) Stay period within 1 year, single number
☞ Please refer to 'visa issuance certificate' issuance target for basic principles, review standards, etc.
3. Visa issuance for "Government-invited scholarship students" invited by the National Institute for International Education
- Holders of invitation letters issued by the National Institute for International Education are exempt from the standard admission permit.
Visa Issuance Certificate Targets
1. Language Training (D-4-1)
Visas can only be issued by the issuance certificate in the following cases
① Citizens of Cuba, Syria, Macedonia, Kosovo
② Language trainees from Mongolia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, China enrolling in a general university or a lower level university
- The visa issuance standards are applied for the target institutions, training courses, and relevant parties (including academic qualifications).
Application Place
- Immigration office in the jurisdiction of the prospective university (offices, branches)
- Online application through the visa portal system (only for student managers)
Visa Issuance Certificate Content
- Stay period, single entry for less than 6 months, general training (D-4) visa issuance certificate
Attached Documents
① Visa issuance certificate application form (Form No. 21), passport, one standard-sized photo, fee
② Copy of the business registration certificate of the educational institution or copy of the unique number certificate
③ Standard admission permit* (Issued by the university president or dean)
* The information confirmed by the Foreign Student Information System (FIMS) can replace the submission and the invitation letter issued by the president of the National Institute for International Education for invited scholarship students can be a substitute
④ Enrollment certificate or final academic degree certificate
※ It is the principle to review the original and attach the copy after confirming the original by the person in charge if necessary
⑤ Financial proof documents
* If a balance confirmation of parents is submitted, an additional family relationship confirmation is needed
※ Financial capability proof documents (examples: balance confirmation, passbook, scholarship confirmation, deposit/withdrawal statement, etc.) are reviewed in the original, and if necessary, the copy is attached after confirming the original by the person in charge (The balance confirmation is only valid if issued within 30 days)
- However, for Vietnam, a separate balance confirmation of study expenses with a withholding payment system is needed
⑥ Training meeting letter (including the timetable, teacher composition, training facilities, etc.)
※ The head of a foreign mission can add or subtract some of the attached documents if necessary to review the purpose of entry, the sincerity of the invitation, and the qualifications of the inviter and the invitee.
2. General Training (D-4-3) for International Students in Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
A. Educational Institutions
Elementary school, middle school, high school (excluding public civic schools, high schools, broadcasting and communication middle and high schools, and technical high schools),
Various types of schools, including foreign schools (excluding alternative schools), and foreign educational institutions
*Foreign Schools
Schools established to educate the children of foreigners residing in Korea and the people designated by the President among Koreans who have lived abroad for a certain period and returned to Korea → According to the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act, the admission target for foreign schools includes children of foreigners who have entered the country alone and children of naturalized citizens.
*In the case of self-financed study abroad, the principle is to apply for admission to schools, including foreign schools, international schools, and private schools, where the principal independently sets the tuition fee, and free educational institutions that are responsible for compulsory education for citizens are not applicable.
B. Eligible persons
1) Foreign students invited by government or public institutions
- Foreign students who have received prior admission permission from the above educational institution and are planning to enter or are currently studying, and who meet the requirements such as living expenses and have a designated guardian.
2) Self-supporting foreign students
*(Short-term qualifications are prohibited from changing to the relevant qualifications after entering the country)
- Foreign students who have received prior admission permission from the above educational institutions including international schools, private schools, etc. (excluding free educational institutions), are planning to enter or are currently studying, and have met the requirements such as living expenses and have a designated guardian.
- Living expenses (tuition + living expenses for 1 year)
- Tuition (all study-related costs, including tuition, dormitory fees, and admission fees)
- Living expenses for 1 year: Amount of housing allowance provided per person as notified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Additional 1-year living expenses for parents accompanying one guardian
Guardian
- Korean or foreigner residing in Korea
- Countries with frequent illegal stays (21 countries) * The guardian of a foreign student should have financial requirements such as assets equivalent to twice the GNI of the previous year or the average net assets of Korean households in the current year (financial requirements can be selected from either the annual income or asset requirements).
*Countries with frequent illegal stays (21 countries): China, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia, Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Peru
* The annual income or assets can be combined with the income or assets of the person and his/her spouse
- In the case of foreigners, those who have registered as foreigners and can stay in Korea for a long period
- The number of foreign students who can be guarded by one guardian is limited to two
- However, high school (excluding below middle school) students who are expected to enter the dormitory are exempted from having a guardian (a dormitory confirmation letter in the name of the principal is required).
C. Delegation of authority and jurisdiction
-Immigration and Foreigners' Office (Office · Branch Office) in charge of the location of the prospective school
D. Eligible for Visa Issuance Certificate
-Self-supporting foreign students among the citizens of the following 21 countries
21 countries: China, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia, Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Peru
※ Foreign students who are citizens of other countries or who are fully sponsored by groups (government agencies, public institutions, general groups, etc.) of 21 countries are eligible for visa issuance (by the head of diplomatic
E. Visa Issuance
- Stay for less than 1 year, single-entry
F. Required Documents
Common Documents
① Visa Issuance Approval Application (Form No. 2), copy of passport, one standard size photo
② Copy of the business registration certificate (or unique number certificate) of the educational institution
③ Letter of Admission (issued by the school principal, Form 1 attached)
④ Proof of final education (graduation certificate or certificate of enrollment, etc.)
Additional Documents for Self-funded Foreign Student
⑤ Materials to confirm tuition fees (documents such as school or public letters, or recruitment guides that can confirm all study-related costs such as tuition, dormitory fees, and admission fees)
⑥ Proof of living expenses (tuition + living expenses for 1 year)
- Tuition (tuition, dormitory fees, admission fees, etc.)
- Proof of living expenses for 1 year (Balance statement or deposit/withdrawal details that continuously hold the standard amount for more than a month)
⑦ Guardianship guarantee letter
Even if the parent (relative within second degree) becomes the guardian, the 'dormitory admission confirmation letter' in the name of the school principal must be submitted by the guardian exemption targets
⑧ Proof of guardian's financial ability (only for citizens of countries with many illegal stays)
- Income withholding receipt, real estate ownership proof, real estate transaction agreement, deposit balance statement, etc., issued (certified or notarized) by domestic and foreign government agencies or banks
⑨ Proof of family relationship (only for citizens of countries with many illegal stays)
- The original should be submitted (the principle of attaching a translated copy*), and a copy of the passport that can identify the English name of the parents should be attached
* If the original is written in a foreign language, a translation should be attached, and when attaching a translation, a translator's confirmation letter should be submitted additionally
<Examples of Family Relationship Proof>
China: Household register or kinship notarization,
Philippines: Family Census,
Indonesia: Family relationship certificate (KARTU KELUARGA),
Bangladesh: Jamai Kaka or Jamai Sair ticket,
Vietnam: Household register (So Ho Khau) or birth certificate (Galay khei sinh)
Mongolia: Kinship certificate,
Pakistan: Family certificate,
Sri Lanka: Birth certificate,
Myanmar: Family relationship certificate (Intown Sueyeon), Nepal: Jamadalda.
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Thailand: Birth certificate
The head of the Immigration and Foreigners Office (office field office) may add or subtract some of the attached documents to examine the authenticity of the invitation, the qualifications of the invitee and the invitee.
3. Korean Cooking Trainee (D-4-5)
Trainee Target: Those who meet all three conditions ① ② ③
① One of the following qualifications applies
- Those who have graduated from high school and have at least 3 years of work experience as a cook
- Those who hold a foreign chef certification and have at least 1 year of work experience as a cook
- Holders of degrees (including associate degrees) in culinary related majors
- Those who have studied for at least one year in a culinary-related major (at an educational institution above junior college)
② Possesses basic Korean language skills (Must satisfy one of the following conditions)
- Score of 120 or more on TOPIK I or B-KLAT
* TOPIK: Korean language proficiency test conducted by the National Institute for International Education, being held in 53 countries and 178 regions (twice a year), can check the registration office and test venue on the website of the National Institute for International Education
* B-KLAT: Korean language proficiency test conducted by the Korean Language Proficiency Test Institute, being held in 15 countries and 25 regions (4-6 times a year), can check the registration office and test venue on the website of the Korean Language Proficiency Test Institute
- Those who have acquired a degree of associate or higher at a domestic university
- Those who scored 21 points or more in the preliminary evaluation of the social integration program or who completed the first stage (100 hours) of the social integration program
- Those who have studied Korean for at least one quarter (150 hours) at a university-affiliated language institute
* Submitter of Korean language basic skills exemption application form (Only applicable to trainees from the same language area participating in training programs conducted in the corresponding foreign language)
* Those who submit the Korean language basic skills exemption application form and the training (education) institution that invited the trainees must always have an interpreter in place so that the Korean cooking trainees can receive training smoothly, and they must conduct Korean language education for at least 12 hours a month after the Korean cooking trainees enter the country.
* Interpreters must be able to speak both the trainee's national language and Korean, and Korean teachers must meet the stated qualifications
③ Mentally and physically healthy
- Considering it is a food cooking training, there should be no infections such as tuberculosis, infectious diseases, etc.
Recommendation of training agency
Recommendation Agency: Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT)
Recommendation Requirements: Collection of verification documents such as trainee candidate's academic background, qualifications, career requirements, Korean language skills, etc., review, and then recommendation
List of verification documents
① Graduation Certificate (Cooking Certificate, Degree or Enrollment Certificate for Cooking-related Majors) ② Certificate of Employment (for the concerned individual)
③ Korean proficiency certificate (TOPIK, B-KALT, domestic degree or higher, Social Integration Program certificate, documents proving a score of 21 or higher on the Social Integration Program pre-assessment, university-attached language school completion certificate (regular course of 1 quarter or 150 hours or more), or 'Korean Basic Skills Exemption Application' - choose one.
Recommendation Procedure
The recommendation letter is issued to the invitee, and the required documents for recommendation are scanned and sent to the jurisdiction of the Immigration and Foreigners Bureau (office · field office) as an official document
Invitee
The representative of the planned training institution.
Attachment Documents
① Visa issuance application (Form No. 21), photocopy of passport, 1 standard-sized photo
② Training institution establishment related documents (copy of business registration or unique number certificate, copy of corporation register, etc.)
③ Financial proof-related documents (Certificate of full payment for the training fee)
※ If the training institution is responsible for living expenses, etc., submit a cost burden confirmation letter.
④ Identity guarantee (only if the Minister of Justice deems it necessary)
⑤ Training plan (including training schedule)
* To prevent rule circumvention through weekend-focused programs, education hours are primarily held on weekdays, with a minimum of 4 hours per day or 20 hours per week, and a maximum of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
⑥ Recommendation letter from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT)
* Principally review aT submitted materials (degree certificates, etc. to be scanned and sent by aT) but a detailed review may be required, including submission of original documents, if there is a possibility of submitting fraudulent documents.
* If the representative of the inviting organization is not the applicant but a staff member applying on behalf, additional documents such as power of attorney, employment certificate, and copy of identification must be submitted.
※ The director of the Immigration and Foreigners Office (Office · Field Office) can add or subtract parts of the attached documents to review the sincerity of the invitation, and to verify the qualifications of the invitee and the invited party.
4. Foreign Training at Excellent Private Educational Institutions (D-4-6)
A. Permission Authority
- The Director of the Immigration and Foreign Affairs Bureau (Office · Field Office) in charge of the location of the training institution issues a Visa Issuance Certificate for a general training (D-4) visa with a stay period of less than 6 months.
B. Training Allowable Institutions Criteria: Any institution that falls under the following
- A professional technical education institution established or linked by a domestic listed company
※ The professional technical education institution linked to a domestic listed company refers to an education institution that is substantially managed, such as by a significant investment or active management by a domestic listed company.
- A university-affiliated professional technical education institution
※ It refers to a specialized professional technical education institution formally operated within the university (an independent subsidiary educational institution like a language institute). General lifelong education centers running multiple programs are excluded.
- A domestic branch or education institution with an exclusive operating contract of a famous professional technical education institution with its headquarters overseas
※ A famous professional technical education institution refers to an education institution located in advanced countries in the respective field such as the US, Europe, Japan, etc.
The education institution applying for a visa, etc. must prove its validity by submitting related materials such as overseas press articles, the status of the dispatched professionals.
- A non-profit vocational ability development training corporation in the form of a corporation that has been permitted by the Minister of Employment and Labor according to Article 32-1 of the 'Workers' Vocational Ability Development Act'.
- A lifelong vocational education institution in the vocational technical field in the form of a corporation that has been evaluated and recognized for its learning process by the Minister of Education according to Article 3 of the 'Law on Recognition of Credits, etc.' and Article 3 of the Enforcement Decree of the same law.
* The 'lifelong vocational education institution in the vocational technical field' refers to an institution that operates 'vocational technical field curriculum' according to the appendix 2 of Article 3-3 of the enforcement decree of the 'Law on the Establishment and Operation of Schools and Private Tutoring', which is established according to Article 6 of the same law.
- A professional university according to Article 31 (School-Type Lifelong Education Facilities) of the 'Lifelong Education Act'.
Professional Universities: International Art University, Baekseok Art University, Jung Hwa Art University.
C. Any training institution that meets any of the above conditions must meet all of the following requirements
① An educational institution that has been established for more than one year.
② Educational institutions whose tuition fees are 4 million won per semester (or more than 8 million won per year)
③ Limit to vocational technical education under the Vocational Education Act or the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Academies and Extracurricular Lessons
* However, business, office management and cultural tourism sectors, wallpaper, plastering, laundry, funeral, hospice, cleaning occupations, etc. are excluded from the training courses.
* To prevent poor training, if the total number of Korean students participating in the D-4-6 training courses allowed in these guidelines is less than 100 in the most recent year from the application date, the invitation of trainees is limited.
※ Even if it corresponds to the D-4-6 training course, the number of Korean students who participated in courses that were operated for a short period of time on a one-time basis is excluded from the achievement calculation (for example, an aviation service training course conducted for 3 days entrusted by an airline).
④ An institution that operates a training course for at least 4 days per week (Monday to Friday) and at least 15 hours per week.
⑤ Educational institutions equipped with dormitories for trainees.
※ If the facility is leased and not attached to the institution, it is not recognized. However, residential facilities that have been leased long-term for students in the name of the representative of the educational institution are exceptionally allowed. However, facilities that are difficult to live in continuously, such as goshiwons, guesthouses, motels, etc. are not recognized.
D. Standards for foreign trainees (must meet all of the following conditions ① ~ ③)
① Those who are between 18 and 30 years old and have a high school education or higher
② Those who can prove their living expenses in Korea during the training period
- If the stay period is more than 6 months, more than $5,000 excluding tuition fees
- If the stay period is less than 6 months, prove the tuition fee and living expenses for the period (600,000 won per month)
③ Those who have the Korean language skills necessary for training
- Korean language ability standard: Those who have passed TOPIK level 1 or higher conducted by the National Institute for International Education or those who have completed the Sejong Institute's beginner's course or higher
E. Allowable quotas per training institution and sanctions for illegal overstays
- The number of trainees allowed is up to 100 per training institution, regardless of the course, and the quota is reduced by the number of illegal overstays.
- Measures to limit new invitations for violations of the law by the invitee and excessive illegal overstays.
* The training institution must report the following matters to the jurisdictional office (office/branch manager) within 15 days from the date of occurrence, and if they violate the report more than twice a year, they will not be allowed to invite new ones for 6 months.
※ Cases such as non-entry of invited trainees, non-registration after entry, departure or disappearance during training, non-departure after the end of training, etc.
- If the rate of illegal overstays is as follows compared to the number of invitees, new invitations will not be allowed for one year, and if the rate of additional illegal overstays exceeds 2% of the number of invitees during the prohibition period, training will be discontinued.
※ For 15 or fewer invitees (overstay rate 30%), 16 to 50 invitees (overstay rate 20%), and 51 or more invitees (overstay rate 15%), however, if the illegal overstayers voluntarily leave the country (excluding forced deportations and departure orders), they are excluded from the overstay rate calculation.
F. Required documents
Required documents for trainees
- Application form (Form No. 34), passport copy, standard-size photo
- Certificate of final education (notarized) and admission permit (issued by the head of the educational institution)
- Financial capability documents (bank statement, parents' financial capabilities, etc.)
- Proof of tuition or education fee payment
- Korean language proficiency documents (TOPIK level 1 or above, certificate of completion for Sejong Institute beginners' course or above))
Required documents for training institutions
- Documents related to the establishment of the educational institution
- Corporation registration certificate of the educational institution (certificate of all registered matters, issued by law)
- Copy of business registration certificate or unique number certificate
- Training plan (including class schedules, teacher composition, training facilities, tuition fees, etc.)
- Documents proving possession of a dormitory
- Certificate of establishment and operation of the academy (issued by the Ministry of Education, vocational technical courses)
- Permission to establish a vocational ability development training corporation (proof of vocational ability development training corporation, applicable only to vocational ability development training corporations)
- Documents proving the educational institution is a listed company and/or is linked to or established by a company (applicable only to domestic listed companies or established institutions)
※ In cases where it's difficult to prove with official documents, it can be proven with equivalent documents
- Documents proving the institution is a university-affiliated specialized educational institution (applicable only to university-affiliated educational institutions)
- Documents proving the institution is a domestic branch or exclusive operator of an overseas educational institution (applicable only to domestic branches of overseas educational institutions)
- Documents proving the institution's track record of attracting Korean students
* Track record of attracting Korean students for D-4-6 training courses allowed in these guidelines
- Other documents proving the normal operation of the educational institution and the ability to operate educational programs
※ The head of the Immigration and Foreigners Bureau (office branch) can add or subtract some of the attached documents to review the genuineness of the invitation, the qualifications of the inviter and invitee.
5. General Training (D-4) for those who want other types of training
Required documents
① Visa issuance application (Form No. 21), copy of passport, standard-size photo
② Documents proving training (research activities) (Training plan including training schedule, etc.)
③ Documents related to the establishment of the training institution
④ Financial proof-related documents
- If the training institution bears the cost of stay, a letter confirming the payment of expenses
- In other cases, a certificate of domestic transfer or foreign exchange (more than $3,000)
⑤ Identity guarantee letter (only when the ability to pay necessary expenses such as tuition during the stay cannot be proven or when the Minister of Justice deems it necessary)
⑥ A copy of the household register and resident certificate including all family members (applicable only to Chinese)
※ The head of the Immigration and Foreigners Bureau (office branch) can add or subtract some of the attached documents to review the genuineness of the invitation, the qualifications of the inviter and invitee.
*Korean language training for foreign students at lifelong education facilities or private institutes is not possible
As it is not in line with the purpose and direction of the establishment and operation of lifelong education facilities, and Korean language training is a comprehensive acquisition process not only for language training but also for our unique culture, institutions, etc., it must be conducted professionally and systematically at regular educational institutions.