Student Visa

If you're planning to study in Korea, be sure to check the required visa information.
It's important to know in advance about visa types, application procedures, and necessary documents to ensure a successful study abroad experience.

Visa Application

Students wishing to study in Korea must prepare the necessary documents for entry after receiving an admission letter and obtain a student visa through the Korean Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Application Institution

To obtain a visa, applicants must submit a visa application form along with documents required for their specific visa type to the head of a Korean diplomatic mission abroad (embassy, consulate general, or representative office).

Visa Types

• D-2: For international students enrolling in degree programs.
• D-4: For international students enrolling in non-degree programs (training).
  • Study (D-2)

    D-2-1	D-2-2	D-2-3	D-2-4	D-2-5	D-2-6	D-2-7
    Associate Degree Programs	Bachelor's Degree Programs	Master's Degree Programs	Doctoral Degree Programs	Research Programs	Exchange Students	Work-Learning Linked Study

  • General Training (D-4) : For those participating in training or research activities at institutions other than those qualified under the D-2 visa category, such as training institutions, companies, or organizations, a D-4 visa is required. However, if participants receive compensation exceeding living expenses from the training institution or meet specific conditions set by the Minister of Justice for industrial training, other visa types (e.g., short-term employment or research visas) must be obtained. (D-4-1: Korean Language Training, D-4-2: Foreign Language Training)

Required Documents

To obtain a visa, applicants must submit a visa application form along with documents required for their specific visa type to the head of a Korean diplomatic mission abroad (embassy, consulate general, or representative office).

Study (D-2)

• Copy of Passport
• One Photo (passport-size, taken within the last 6 months)
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate (or Certificate of Registration Number) of the Educational Institution
• Standard Admission Letter (issued by the university president or dean)
• Tuberculosis Test Result (if applicable)
• Documents Proving Family Relationship (only if parents' bank statements are submitted)
• Proof of Highest Education Level
• Proof of Financial Ability

General Training (D-4)

• Copy of Passport
• One Photo (passport-size, taken within the last 6 months)
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate (or Certificate of Registration Number) of the Educational Institution
• Standard Admission Letter (issued by the university president or dean)
• Certificate of Enrollment or Proof of Highest Education Level
• Proof of Financial Ability
• Training Plan

* Additional documents may be required depending on the program and your country, so please check with the Korean diplomatic mission in your country before applying for a visa.

Visa Application Fees

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

• Single-entry Visa
  For stays of 90 days or less: approximately $40 USD.
  For stays of 91 days or more: approximately $60 USD.
• Multiple-entry Visa
  Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 2 entries: approximately $70 USD.
  Multiple-entry visa with no entry restrictions: approximately $90 USD.

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Immigration

Arrival in Korea

Once you arrive in Korea, you must complete the immigration process at the airport.
Check the detailed information needed for immigration and prepare ahead to locate your school and accommodation.

Immigration Inspection and Procedures

Manual Immigration Inspection

• Immigration inspections are generally conducted separately for locals and foreigners.
• Foreigners (excluding registered foreigners) must complete an arrival card, and those subject to registration must register with the local Immigration Office within 90 days of arrival.

Exemption from Arrival Card Submission

Korean nationals, registered foreigners, and those intending to stay for over 90 days are not required to submit an arrival card.

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What is an Alien Registration Card (ARC)?

The answer is actually in the name! To put it simply, the Alien Registration Card (ARC) serves as the official identification card for foreign residents in Korea. It eliminates the need to carry a passport and is required for essential activities such as opening a bank account, obtaining a mobile phone number, and verifying identity in various administrative processes. Hence, the sooner you get it, the faster your transition into life in Korea will be!

An ARC has your foreign identification number – which is your birth date + 7 unique digits -, name, country, visa type, duration of stay, and address.

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How to get the Alien Registration Card?

Alien Registration Card (ARC) is an identification card for international students studying in Korea. The students should apply for ARC as soon as they arrive in Korea (within 90 days).

Required Documents for ARC Application

• Application form (downloadable at HiKorea)
• Passport, and one copy of the passport ID page (the page with your photo)
• One color photo: The size of the photo should be 3.5cm*4.5cm and the background should be white.
• Proof of Residency
  • Living on-campus: ‘Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation’ from CJ I-House office with signature, and dormitory payment receipt
  • Living off-campus: Submit the copy of rental contract
    If the contract is not under the applicant’s name, it is required to submit the copy of accommodation provider’s ID card & ‘Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation’
• Application fee 30,000 KRW (in cash)

Steps for Alien Registration Card (ARC) Application

Go to the immigration website (www.hikorea.go.kr) and make an online reservation for the visit to the Daejeon Immigration Office.
It usually takes 2~3 weeks for the Alien Registration Card (ARC) to be issued

Want to apply through University

First thing’s first: you need to know which method of application you prefer more. Do you plan on personally going to the immigration office yourself? Perhaps Woosong university offers a special service that it applies on your behalf? Depending on your preference, the application process for each method differs slightly.

The school would designate a date and a location within the campus to collect the necessary documents and payment. Then, it would apply for your ARC on your behalf, along with other students who applied.

You would still need to visit the immigration office to register your fingerprint but the process is shorter and hassle-free. However, one notable con to this method is the wait time is slightly longer and the fees are slightly more expensive (40,000 KRW). Otherwise, it is a convenient method you can definitely benefit from as a student!

Individual Application

Reservation: The first important step is to make a reservation at www.hikorea.go.kr. The English site is fairly easy to navigate. Under the Petition Application tab, click on the reserve visit. You can read a detailed guide on how to continue from there on the website.
There are two important things to note: your immigration office, and your date of application.

Immigration offices in Daejeon:

• Address: 7 Mokjung-ro 26beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon City (대전광역시 중구 목중로26번길 7)
  Office hours: 9 AM to 6 PM from Monday to Friday
  Contact Number: 042-220-2001
• Call 1345: Korea Immigration Call Center (Support in English available)
  Depending on your visa type, you may need more documents than the ones listed above, so it would be helpful to contact 1345 for further information

Additionally, if you opt for picking up your ARC in person, simply visit the immigration office at the designated date. You do not need a reservation and would only be asked to wait your turn.

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Lost your ARC?

Oh no! Perhaps one of an expat’s worst nightmares! Don’t panic; all you need to do is to quickly apply for a replacement at the immigration office. The required documents and fees are the same as your first-time application. Don’t forget to make that reservation!

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Changed your address?

Korea has strict rules when it comes to changes in addresses. Foreigners are required to report a change in their place of residence within 14 days or be imposed a heavy fine. That being said, the steps are really simple.
All you need to do is to visit either the immigration office or your nearest town district office (or Gu-office). Similarly, you need to bring your Alien Registration Card, passport, and proof of residence.