D-4 Korean Language Training Visa Process Details

D-4 Visa (Korean Language Training) – Step-by-Step Guide

1. What is a D-4 Visa?

The D-4-1 Visa is issued to foreign nationals who wish to study the Korean language in South Korea at university-affiliated language institutes or authorized language schools. It typically allows a stay of 6 months to 2 years, and extensions are possible up to 2 years.

2. Visa Process Overview

Step	Description	Estimated Time
Step 1	Apply to a language school and receive the Certificate of Admission	1–2 weeks
Step 2	Prepare documents (student + school)	1–2 weeks
Step 3	Apply for the visa at the Korean Embassy	1–4 weeks
Step 4	Enter Korea and register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC)	Within 90 days of arrival

3. Detailed Steps

🔹 1. Apply to a Language Institution

Choose a Korean language institute (usually university-affiliated), and apply online or by email. Most institutes offer four terms per year (spring, summer, fall, winter).

• Application form
• Passport copy
• Final academic diploma & transcript
• ID photo
• Bank balance certificate (usually over USD 10,000)

🔹 2. Receive Admission and Pay Tuition

After reviewing the documents, the school will issue a Certificate of Admission. Once tuition is paid, a receipt will be issued. Both of these documents are required for the visa application.

🔹 3. Prepare Visa Documents

Documents to be prepared by the applicant:

• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• 1 ID photo
• Certificate of Admission
• Tuition payment receipt
• Diploma and transcript (may require notarization)
• Bank balance certificate (issued within the last 30 days)
• Visa fee

Documents provided by the school:

• Certificate of Admission
• Business registration or school certification
• Academic calendar
• Course curriculum summary

🔹 4. Apply for the Visa

Submit the documents to the Korean embassy or consulate in your country. The review period usually takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on your nationality.

🔹 5. Arrive in Korea and Register as a Foreign Resident

After receiving your visa, enter Korea and register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days at your local immigration office. The ARC is required for legal stay, part-time work, and visa extensions.

4. Total Timeline

• School application and document preparation: 2–3 weeks
• Visa application and approval: 2–4 weeks
• Total duration: Approx. 1–2 months

5. Activities Allowed under D-4 Visa

Activity	Allowed?
Language study	✅ Required
Part-time work	✅ Allowed (after ARC + school permission)
Transferring schools	⚠️ Conditionally allowed (with immigration office approval)
Changing visa type	✅ Allowed (if eligible)

6. Important Notes

• You must maintain at least 80% attendance to extend your visa.
• Working without permission or ARC may result in visa cancellation or deportation.
• Unregistered status is considered illegal stay.

7. Useful Links

• HiKorea Visa Portal
• TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)
• University language center websites (e.g., Seoul National Univ., Yonsei, Korea Univ.)

If you plan to study Korean in South Korea, following this process carefully will help ensure a smooth visa application and entry. Requirements may vary depending on your country, so always check with your nearest Korean embassy or the language school.