Frequently Asked Questions

D-4-1 language training does NOT require TOPIK as an admission condition — that's literally what you're going there to learn. What matters more is whether the language institute qualifies as a regular course (4+ days/week, 15+ hours/week, 300+ hours/half-year). D-4-6 certified private-institute training raised its Korean standard in January 2026 — you must meet ONE of: ① TOPIK Level 2, ② KIIP Stage 2 or pre-test 41+, or ③ King Sejong Beginner-2. D-4-5 culinary training also requires basic Korean (TOPIK Level 1, KIIP Stage 1, etc.).

D-4-1 language training: bank balance for 6 months of tuition + living costs (other D-4 sub-types require 1 year). The certificate is valid only if issued within 30 days. If you submit a parental account, also provide a family-relationship certificate. Vietnamese nationals need a separate deferred-payment study-cost certificate. D-4-6 (certified private institute) follows the D-4-1 standard but country/corporate sponsorship documents can substitute.

No. D-4-1 requires a Standard Admission Letter from a FIMS-registered university-affiliated language institute; D-4-3 requires an admission letter from the school principal; D-4-6 requires an admission letter from the certified private institute. Note — lifelong-learning facilities (including university-affiliated lifelong-learning centers) are NOT eligible for D-4 issuance, so studying Korean there will not get you a D-4.

Dependent visas (F-3) are generally restricted for D-4 language training and short-term training. Some sub-categories like D-4-2 general training, D-4-5 culinary, and D-4-6 certified private institute may qualify case by case, and humanitarian exceptions are allowed. Switching from language training to a D-2 degree program after arrival opens up dependent options, so check ahead if you plan to stay long-term.

Yes. This applies when you stop your D-2 degree program to enroll in a language institute, or after graduation switch to general training (D-4-2), Korean culinary (D-4-5), or a certified private institute (D-4-6). The most common path is graduates moving to D-4-2. Common documents — application form, passport, alien registration card, photo, fee, plus the destination-status admission letter or training-need proof, and financial proof. Note — short-stay statuses (B/C series), industrial training (D-3), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), and miscellaneous (G-1) cannot, in principle, switch to D-4. Submit at least 2 weeks before expiry through Hi Korea booking and apply at the local Immigration Office.

D-4-1 language and D-4-7 foreign-language students can apply for part-time work only after 6 months from status acquisition (or change/entry date) — stricter than D-2. Hours — with Korean proficiency: 25 hrs/week (30 hrs weekends/vacation); without: 10 hrs/week, weekends/vacations unlimited. Manufacturing requires TOPIK Level 4+. Language students may work at only one location. D-4-6 trainees can do field training after 6 months + TOPIK Level 2 + 90% attendance (max 28 hrs/week, no activity after 9 PM).

In principle, a D-4-1 language student must leave Korea, get a new visa for the new institute, and re-enter to switch schools. There are two exceptions: ① The institute closes through no fault of the student ② The student holds TOPIK Level 3 (or KIIP Stage 3) or higher and has a valid reason In these cases, school transfer is exceptionally allowed (only to general universities or above). For D-4-3 (K-12 students), additional procedures apply — consult both the school and the Immigration Office.

Leave of absence for personal/family reasons or low GPA will limit your D-4 extension. Language training requires regular attendance, so a low attendance rate may result in extension denial. Only unavoidable reasons such as illness or accident are exceptionally allowed, and you must submit supporting documents like a medical certificate.

Apply at the local Immigration Office before your stay expires. D-4-1·D-4-7 students — application form, passport, alien registration card, enrollment certificate, transcript, attendance record, financial proof (only the applicant's domestic account), training plan, address proof. Online application is available for students at certified universities. D-4-6 — attendance certificate, training plan, dormitory check-in confirmation, living-cost proof, tuition payment record, enrollment certificate. General training (D-4-2 etc.) is, in principle, capped at 1 year from entry.

If you've completed alien registration, you can re-enter without a permit if it's within 1 year from your departure date. For 1-2 year re-entry, you need a multi-entry permit before you leave (with fee). Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya are generally restricted for multi-entry, but D-4 (general training), F-6 (marriage), and D-2 (study) holders from these countries CAN obtain multi-entry.

Overstaying is a serious violation and may result in fines, deportation, or re-entry bans. Always extend or change status before expiry. Changes to your name, sex, birth date, nationality, passport, or affiliated school/institution must be reported within 15 days. Other reportable changes include lost alien registration cards, address changes (within 15 days of moving), and guardian changes for D-4-3 — don't put them off.