South Korean visas are generally categorized into four main types: Diplomatic/Official Visas, Work Visas, Short-Term Residency and Non-Profit Activity Visas, and Long-Term Residency Visas. Among them, student visas for studying in South Korea fall under the long-term residency visa category, which includes four specific types as follows:
D4 Student Visa for South Korea
Obtaining a D4 visa means you officially become an international student in South Korea and are entitled to all the benefits provided by the South Korean government for international students. The D4 visa is valid for 6 to 12 months (depending on the specific visa type). The D4 visa is divided into two subcategories:
- D4-1 Visa: Korean Language Study Visa
- D4-6 Visa: Vocational Training Visa
⊕ D4-1 Visa: Korean Language Study
The D4 visa is for international students who come to South Korea to study the Korean language at language institutes. It is the most common type of visa for international students.
Image of South Korea D4-1 Student Visa
The conditions for obtaining a D4-1 visa are quite simple. You just need to:
- Be a foreigner.
- Have graduated from high school with an average GPA of 5.0 or higher over three years.
- Have graduated from high school no more than 3 years ago (if you have a higher degree, this time limit may be extended).
- Have no criminal record.
- Not be prohibited from entering or leaving Vietnam or South Korea.
- Meet the health requirements for studying, and not have any contagious diseases (such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, etc.).
- Have no immediate family members (in your household registry) residing illegally in South Korea.
⊕ Visa D4-6: Vocational Training Visa
The D4-6 visa is a vocational training visa. It is issued to international students accepted by a vocational college in South Korea. The D4-6 visa is granted to students who register to study a specific trade in South Korea (e.g., beauty, mechanics, electronics, cooking, etc.).
During vocational training, you will engage in both studying and working. This means you will learn and practice the trade while earning a salary.
The conditions for the D4-6 visa include those of the D4-1 visa. Additionally, you must register to study a specific trade at a vocational college in South Korea.
Image of South Korea D4-6 Student Visa
D2 Study Abroad Visa for South Korea
After completing a one-year Korean language course, you will be granted a D2 visa, which is specifically for international students majoring in universities, colleges, and vocational colleges.
The requirement to study specific majors at colleges/vocational colleges is to pass TOPIK level 2. Passing TOPIK level 3 qualifies you for university studies, and passing TOPIK level 4 qualifies you for postgraduate courses.
- The D2 visa has a maximum stay of 2 years and can be extended after expiration.
- With a D2 visa, you are allowed to work part-time for up to 25 hours per week. There are no limits on working hours during weekends and public holidays.
- The D2 visa is divided into 8 categories based on the study abroad program as follows:
- D2-1 Visa: For college students, who can enroll with a TOPIK level 2 certificate without needing to take additional Korean language classes upon arriving in Korea.
- D2-2 Visa: Issued to students studying in undergraduate programs.
- D2-3 Visa: Issued to students pursuing a master’s degree, requiring TOPIK level 4.
- D2-4 Visa: Issued to doctoral researchers (holding a master’s degree or higher).
- D2-5 Visa: Issued to doctoral candidates (studying at the doctoral level or above).
- D2-6 Visa: Issued to exchange students (students receiving exchange scholarships between two schools; the visa duration depends on the exchange program).
- D2-7 Visa: For combined study and work abroad (only a few cases are accepted for this visa category each year).
- D2-8 Visa: Short-term study abroad, very limited in number.
Image of South Korea D2 Student Visa
D10 Study Abroad Visa for South Korea: Granted After Graduation
You will be issued a D10 visa immediately after graduation, even if you do not have a job at that time. With this visa, you can stay in Korea to look for work for 2 years. However, if you do not sign an employment contract within those 2 years, you will be required to return to your home country.
All international students with a D2 visa can switch to a D10 visa after graduation. Note that this visa is only for individuals who have received formal training in Korea (i.e., those who went for labor export will not receive this visa).
E7 Study Abroad Visa for South Korea
The E7 visa is granted to skilled workers with high expertise who have been formally trained. In simple terms, the E7 visa is issued to those who have qualifications to work in Korea.
Currently, most individuals with D2 or D4 visas are transitioning to E7 visas to work and settle permanently in Korea. In fact, the South Korean government encourages this, as the country is facing a shortage of skilled labor, especially in the engineering sector, to support its industrial needs.
⇒ Requirements for Applying for an E7 Visa:
To be granted or to switch to an E7 visa, you need to meet the following conditions:
- Be under 35 years old.
- Have at least a diploma from a vocational school or higher.
- Have a company that has agreed to employ you, with a complete employment contract and personal income tax number.
- Have at least 3 years of work experience in Korea.
After 5 years, the visa will be converted to an F2 visa (permanent residency), and after the next 2 years, it can be converted to an F5 visa (permanent residency visa in Korea).
When you obtain D10 and E7 visas, settling in Korea will become easier.
