Student Visas

Overall Types of Visas

Not all foreigners receive the same visa: the proper visa will be issued depending on the particular situation of the individual. If you enter Korea on B-1 or B-2 tourist visa (an automatic visa agreement between many countries and Korea), you will need to change your visa type to a proper student visa before your school program begins. Students are strongly advised to consult the Immigration Contact Center by dialing 1345 without the area code.

Student Visa
For a Student Visa
Period of Stay Visa Type Eligibility Required for Entry Required for Departure
More than 91 days Study (D-2)
  • Bachelor's Degree(D-2-2)
  • Master's Degree(D-2-3)
  • Doctor's Degree(D-2-4)
  • Research Process(D-2-5, different from E-3 Research)
  • Exchange(D-2-6)
  • Visiting(D-2-8)
Passport, Visa Passport, Alien Registration Card, Re-entry Permission from Immigration Office(if leaving for more than 1 year)
Language Training (D-4)
  • A person planning to study Korean at a university or a language institute that is a part of a university
Less than 90 days Temporary Visit (C-3)
  • A person going to stay for a short period of time for general training, collecting academic datum or for other similar reasons.
Passport, Visa Passport

*Student visa can either be obtained at a Korean consulate abroad, or students can change their visa status to a student visa through the local Immigration Office in Korea.

Note:
  1. If you have a C-3 visa or a type of short-term visa instead of a D-2 visa, you must change your visa status within 30 days after arriving in Korea.
  2. There are two types of visas: a single entry and a multiple entry visa. If you want to travel abroad during your stay in Korea, we suggest you get a multiple entry type. The embassy or a consulate will issue you a single entry visa if you do not specifically request otherwise.
  3. If you want to take Korean language classes, you can apply for a D-4 Visa. More information is available at: www.yskli.com.