D-2 student visa: from documents to registration after arrival

What is the D-2 visa?

D-2 is the study status of residence. It is for degree or research programs at college level or above. It is divided by program: associate (D-2-1), bachelor's (D-2-2), master's (D-2-3), doctoral (D-2-4), research (D-2-5), exchange student (D-2-6) and so on. Sub-categories can change, so double-check on HiKorea.

If you are only studying the Korean language, see the D-4 visa instead.

Application flow (big picture)

1. Apply and get accepted. The school issues a Standard Admission Letter.
2. Apply for the visa. The method depends on your school and nationality. Some students apply at a Korean embassy or consulate in their home country; for others the school obtains a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance from the Ministry of Justice and sends it to you. Your acceptance notice or the school's international office will tell you which applies.
3. Enter Korea within the period shown on your visa.
4. Register as a foreign resident within 90 days of arrival at an immigration office. Many schools help students do this.
5. Receive your Alien Registration Card, then set up a bank account, phone plan and so on.

Documents usually required

This varies by school, nationality and application method. These are commonly requested. Always follow your acceptance notice and your school's international office for the exact list.

• Visa application form, valid passport, passport-style photo
• Standard Admission Letter issued by your school
• Proof of your last education (diploma and transcripts, with apostille or consular confirmation if required)
• Proof of financial ability (such as a bank balance certificate). The required amount differs by school and nationality and can change.
• Language proof (TOPIK or an English test, per the school's rules)
• For some nationalities, health documents such as a TB test result
• Fee

Foreign documents may need translation or authentication, which can take time. Start right after you are accepted.

After you arrive

• Foreign resident registration: within 90 days of arrival. Late registration can lead to a fine.
• Health insurance: students staying beyond a certain period are required to enroll. Check your school and the NHIS.
• Extending your stay: apply before your permitted stay ends. Applying after expiry can hurt your case.
• Reporting changes of address or phone number within the deadline.

Part-time work

With a D-2 you generally need prior permission to work part-time. The usual flow is confirmation from your school's international office, then permission from immigration. The allowed hours and job types depend on your program, language ability and length of stay. Working without permission can hurt your visa extension and stay, so check before you start working.

Common mistakes

• Missing the validity period of documents and having to reissue them
• Forgetting translation or authentication of foreign documents
• Registering as a foreign resident after the 90-day limit
• Applying for an extension after the permitted stay has ended
• Trusting old information from a friend. The rules change often.

Official sources

• HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr): guidance by status of residence and online applications
• Study in Korea (studyinkorea.go.kr): the government's official study-abroad site
• Immigration Contact Center 1345: multilingual phone help
• The international office at your school

Frequently asked questions