Korea Student Visa: D-2 and D-4 Guide for Foreign Students

Moving to Korea to study means one of two visa codes. The rules differ by document, work rights, and how you extend. This guide explains the Korea student visa in plain terms, using official sources from the Korea Immigration Service and HiKorea.

We cover the difference between D-2 and D-4, the exact papers you submit, the part-time work limits, and the extension steps. Every number comes from a Korean government portal, not memory. Where a figure changes each year, we flag it as “confirm with your school or immigration office.”

What is the Korea student visa (D-2 vs D-4)?

The Korea student visa comes in two codes. D-2 is for degree programs at a recognized university, such as a bachelor, master, or PhD. The D-4 language training visa is for students enrolled at a university-affiliated Korean language institute. Your school’s status and program type decide which code you receive. The Korea Immigration Service issues both.

How the two codes differ

D-2 holders are enrolled in credit-bearing degree courses. D-4 holders study Korean at a language center, often before they qualify for a degree program. A D-4 student who is later admitted to a full degree can change their status to D-2 at an immigration office, rather than leaving the country. visa category change process

Both codes are single-purpose. You come to Korea to study, and study must stay your main activity. If you stop attending classes, your school reports it, and your stay status is affected.

What are the D-2 visa application requirements?

The core D-2 visa application requirements are a certificate of admission from a recognized university, proof of financial means, your passport, a photo, and academic records. Most schools ask for a bank balance around 10,000,000 KRW to show you can support your stay. You apply at a Korean embassy abroad, or convert status inside Korea through HiKorea.

The standard document set

Embassies and immigration offices generally ask for the following. Confirm the exact list with the mission handling your case, because requirements vary by country.

The Ministry of Justice publishes the governing immigration statutes in English through MOLEG. Financial thresholds are set by policy and can change, so treat any single number as “confirm before you submit.”

“A person who intends to stay in the Republic of Korea shall have status of sojourn.”

That line from the Immigration Act is why your visa code and your activity must always match. alien registration card application

Which university enrollment proof documents do you need?

The main university enrollment proof documents are the certificate of admission for a new visa and a certificate of enrollment for an extension. The admission letter shows you are accepted. The enrollment certificate shows you are a current, active student with acceptable attendance and grades. Your school’s international office issues both, usually with an official seal.

Why attendance matters

Korean universities report attendance to immigration. Low attendance or a failing record can block an extension, even if your papers look complete. Keep your student status clean. Government24 English at Government24 hosts many civil documents, but your enrollment certificate specifically comes from your university, not a public kiosk.

Ask your international office for both an original and a spare copy. Immigration officers may keep the original when you file.

Can you work part-time on a Korea student visa?

Yes, but only with permission first. The D-2 part-time work conditions require you to get a part-time work confirmation before starting a job. During the semester, the cap is commonly around 20 hours per week, with more hours allowed in vacation periods. Limits depend on your language level (TOPIK) and grade year, so verify current caps with your school and immigration office.

How to get work permission

Apply for the part-time work permit through your university’s support office or a HiKorea immigration office. You typically need a professor or department confirmation and proof of your Korean proficiency level. Working without this permission is an unauthorized activity and can hurt your future extensions or status changes. student part-time work permit Korea

D-4 language students face tighter work rules than D-2 degree students. If you hold D-4, do not assume the same hour caps apply. Confirm your specific allowance before accepting any job.

How does the student visa extension procedure work?

The student visa extension procedure means renewing your stay at an immigration office before your permit expires. Book a slot on HiKorea, bring your certificate of enrollment, passport, ARC, proof of funds, and any required fee. Apply within the window your permit allows, usually up to about four months before expiry. Late filing risks a fine.

Step-by-step extension

1. Check your expiry date on your Alien Registration Card, also called the ARC.
2. Reserve a visit through the HiKorea reservation system.
3. Collect your enrollment certificate, transcript, bank statement, passport, and ARC.
4. Submit the extension application at your assigned immigration office.
5. Pay the fee and keep your receipt as proof of a pending application.

The National Health Insurance Service enrolls most long-stay students in NHIS automatically, and keeping your insurance active supports a smooth extension. If you also study Korean through a public program, the KIIP integration curriculum can strengthen your long-term residency track.

Book early. Immigration slots in Seoul fill fast near semester start and end.