Student Visas

Visa Alterations

Extension of Stay

Visa expiration date for D-2 visa holders will most likely be March or September(this is so that when international students graduate in the end of February or August, they have 30 extra days to depart from Korea). Visa extension can be applied starting from 4 months before the expiration date. If students stay in Korea after their visa has expired, they can be regarded as illegal immigrants and will have to pay fines to the Immigration Office. Thus, don't forget to extend the visa in advance to the expiration date.

※ Visa extension can only be done through Korean Immigration Office while the foreigner is actually residing in Korea. Visa extension is not possible through Korean consulate or embassy in other countries.

※ Individual application will take more time to process than collective application, so the use of collective application service(held every March and September) is highly recommended.

Process

  • Individual application: Visit the Immigration Office or Apply online(hikorea.go.kr)
  • Collective application through the university: March and September of every year(Detailed information will be sent through student's email every February and August.)

Required Documents

  • Application Form(found at hikorea.go.kr)
  • Passport
  • Alien Registration Card
  • Certificate of Enrollment
  • Transcript
  • Proof of Residence
  • Document of Financial Statement(only for those who have overall GPA less than 2.0)
  • Confirmation of Extra Semester(if applying for an extra semester for undergraduate students) or Confirmation Form for Faculty Advisor on a Student's Thesis Schedule(if applying for an extra semester for graduate students)
  • Fee of 60,000 KRW
Change of Sojourn Status

Those who have an invalid visa must change their visa type to an appropriate one before the university begins. Refer to "Immigration" - "Student Visas" - "Visa Types" for more information.

Re-Entry Permits

Implementation of Re-Entry Permit Exemption

  • If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to Korea within 1 year from the departure date, you are exempted from re-entry permit
  • If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from a re-entry permit for the remaining period.
  • If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may submit application to an Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
  • If you are a registered alien and plan to return to Korea between 1 year and 2 years from the departure date, you may apply for multiple re-entry permit free of charge.
  • A 2-year period will be granted. If your period of sojourn remains less than 2 years, you are exempted from a re-entry permit for the remaining period.