Planning to learn Korean intensively at a university language institute while experiencing life in Seoul or Busan? The D-4-1 Student Visa is the standard path for international students enrolling in regular language training programs for more than 90 days (up to 2 years).

Here is everything you need to know to get your D-4 visa approved and prepare for student life in Korea.

1. Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Enrollment: Must be accepted into a certified Korean university language center (KLI) for at least two consecutive semesters (approx. 6 months).
• Education: High school graduate or higher diploma.
• Financial Proof: Proof of sufficient financial capability (typically a bank balance of $10,000 USD / approx. 13,000,000 KRW held for a certain period).
• Clear Record: No criminal background and valid health clearance (tuberculosis test required for select countries).

2. Required Documents Checklist

Submit the following to your local Korean Embassy/Consulate (or through your university):

• Standard Admission Certificate (표준입학허가서): Issued by the university after tuition payment.
• Business Registration Certificate of the University (사업자등록증 사본).
• Completed Visa Application Form + Passport Photo.
• Valid Passport (minimum 6 months remaining).
• Apostilled/Consular-Verified Diploma or Graduation Certificate.
• Bank Statement: Proving the required balance under your name or parents’ name (with family relation certificate if using parents’).
• Study Plan & Personal Statement: Brief outline of why you want to study Korean.

3. Key Rules & Working Regulations for D-4 Holders

• Initial 6-Month Work Restriction: You cannot work legally during your first 6 months of stay.
• Part-Time Work Permission (알바): After 6 months and maintaining at least 90% attendance and a TOPIK level (Level 2+ recommended), you can apply for immigration permission to work part-time (typically up to 20 hours per week).
• Alien Registration Card (ARC): You must apply for your ARC at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.

Guide 2: D-10 구직(Job Seeking) 비자 가이드

How to Get the Korea Job Seeker Visa (D-10-1) in 2026

By jaeho0707

Graduated from a Korean university or have international professional experience and want time to hunt for full-time jobs (E-7 visa sponsorship) in Korea? The D-10-1 Job Seeker Visa grants you 6 months to 2 years to stay legally while attending interviews and doing internships.

1. The Points-Based System (Point Table)

The D-10 visa is awarded based on a point system (total 190 points). You must score:

• At least 20 points in Basic Qualifications (Age + Education).
• A total score of 60 points or higher across all categories.

Major Scoring Criteria:

• Education: Bachelor’s (15 pts), Master’s (20 pts), PhD (25 pts). (Graduates from domestic universities receive extra bonus points).
• Age: 20–24 (10 pts), 25–29 (20 pts), 30–34 (15 pts), 35–39 (10 pts).
• Korean Proficiency: TOPIK Level 3+ (5–20 pts) or completion of KIIP (Korea Immigration & Integration Program).
• Work Experience: Previous relevant professional work experience overseas or in Korea.

2. Required Documents Checklist

• Visa Application Form + Passport Photo.
• Valid Passport & Current ARC (if switching visas inside Korea).
• Comprehensive Job Search Plan (구직활동계획서): A month-by-month outline of companies you target, recruitment cycles, and career development steps.
• Degree Certificate & Official Transcripts.
• Proof of Living Expenses: Bank statement showing funds to support your 6-month stay (usually ~4,500,000 to 5,000,000 KRW).
• Score Sheet Proofs: TOPIK score reports, previous career certificates, and internship proof.

3. Important Regulations

• Internships: You can engage in paid internships during your D-10 stay, but you must report the internship to immigration within 14 days of starting.
• Extensions: The visa is granted for 6 months initially and can be extended up to 1–2 years depending on your degree origin and job-hunting activity reports.
• Visa Conversion: Once you secure a qualifying job offer meeting the E-7 salary threshold, you can switch directly to an E-7 workplace visa without leaving the country.