Complete Guide to Getting Your Alien Registration Card (ARC) in Korea 2026 — Mandatory Within 90 Days: HiKorea Booking, Documents, and Immigration Office Visit

Complete Guide to Getting Your Alien Registration Card (ARC) in 2026 — What Every International Student Must Do Within 90 Days of Arrival

📌 What You Will Learn from This Guide

• ARC registration requirement and legal basis — applies to both D-2 and D-4 visa holders
• HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) appointment booking: 5-step complete walkthrough
• Full document checklist: 6 mandatory items plus TB examination and other extras
• Immigration office visit: detailed 6-step on-the-day process
• How to use your Temporary ID (Visit Confirmation Letter) before the ARC arrives
• Penalties for missing the 90-day deadline — fine up to 10,000,000 won
• 2026 fall semester entry timeline simulation

The very first thing every international student arriving in Korea needs to do is obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Without an ARC, you cannot open a bank account, enroll in health insurance, get a SIM card plan, or apply for a part-time work permit. Under Article 31 of the Immigration Act, anyone staying in Korea for more than 90 days must apply within 90 days of entry. Missing this deadline can result in a fine of up to 10,000,000 won.

This is especially important for students starting the 2026 fall semester: orientation, classes, and dormitory move-in all happen at the same time, making it easy to put off alien registration. This guide covers everything — use it to get your ARC done comfortably before the deadline. All D-2 (undergraduate, master's, doctoral, exchange) and D-4 (language training) visa holders are subject to this requirement.

Why Alien Registration Matters — Legal Obligation to Everyday Life

Alien registration is not just a bureaucratic formality. Once you complete it, you receive a 13-digit Alien Registration Number — similar to a Korean resident registration number. Without this number, virtually nothing in Korea can get started: bank accounts, National Health Insurance enrollment, National Pension contributions, part-time work permit applications, library cards, government scholarship applications — all require your Alien Registration Number.

The ARC itself functions as a government-issued ID. Under Article 27 of the Immigration Act, foreigners must present their ARC upon request by immigration or judicial police officers; failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 1,000,000 won. The ARC also reduces the risk of losing your passport, since you can use it for routine ID verification instead.

Your ARC remains valid throughout your visa period and is renewed alongside your visa at each extension. If your registered information changes — name, passport number, address, school — you must report it to the Immigration Office within 15 days.

Situations in Daily Korean Life Where You Need Your Alien Registration Number

• Opening a bank account and setting up internet banking
• Enrolling in National Health Insurance (mandatory for international students after 6 months)
• Applying for a part-time work permit (required document for submission through your university International Office)
• Getting a SIM card or a mobile plan (except prepaid)
• Registering on government portals
• Obtaining a digital certificate

⚠️ 90-Day Deadline — Day 1 Is Your Entry Date

The day you enter Korea counts as Day 1. If you arrive on September 1, the 90th day is November 29. Appointment slots fill up weeks in advance during the September semester rush, so booking your HiKorea appointment within 1-2 weeks of arrival is the single most important step.

HiKorea Appointment Booking — 5-Step Complete Walkthrough

Alien registration requires a prior appointment made via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) before visiting your local Immigration Office. Walk-ins are often refused or result in long waits with no guarantee of being processed. In September, thousands of international students across the country apply simultaneously — competition for slots is fierce.

HiKorea Appointment: 5 Steps

1

Visit www.hikorea.go.kr and log in
Switch to the English service. Log in or register using your passport number. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport.

2

Go to Civil Services, then Visit Reservation, then Alien Registration
From the top navigation, select Civil Services then Visit Reservation and choose Alien Registration as your service type.

3

Select your local Immigration Office
Choose based on your school or residential address. If you visit a branch outside your jurisdiction, your application may be refused.

4

Select the earliest available date and time
Available dates appear highlighted in green. In September, slots may fill up weeks in advance — always choose the earliest open date.

5

Confirm your booking and save the SMS
Enter your personal information and finalize the booking. You will receive an SMS confirmation — take a screenshot and bring it to your appointment.

💡 Check Your University Group Registration Service First!

Universities such as Ewha Womans University, Dongguk University, and Incheon National University offer an on-campus group alien registration service for new international students. This is far more convenient than visiting individually — check your International Office notice board before and after enrollment.

Complete Document Checklist for Alien Registration

A single missing document means same-day rejection and a second visit. Check every item against the list below the evening before your appointment.

📋 Mandatory Documents for D-2 and D-4 Visa Holders (6 Items)

1. Original passport — validity must cover your intended stay. Renew first if expiry is approaching.
2. Standard Admission Letter or Certificate of Enrollment — issued by your university or language school International Office. D-4 holders submit a language school enrollment certificate.
3. Proof of residence — lease agreement, dormitory move-in confirmation, or boarding house contract.
4. Passport-size photo — taken within the last 6 months; 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm; white background; front-facing; no glasses; upper body visible.
5. Application fee 30,000 won — cash or debit card. Some offices do not accept credit cards.
6. Alien Registration Application Form — available in-person at the counter. Recommended to download and print from HiKorea in advance.

📋 Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• TB examination certificate: Required for nationals of high TB-risk countries. Issued by a Ministry of Justice-designated medical institution (including public health centers). Allow 1-3 days for results.
• Health insurance documents: If the National Health Insurance Service has already processed your enrollment, bring the confirmation letter.
• Under age 17: A registration certificate for minors applies; apply within 90 days of your 17th birthday.

No Proof of Residence? Here Is What to Do

If you have not yet moved into your dormitory or signed a lease, a temporary accommodation booking confirmation combined with a temporary address letter from your university International Office may be accepted as a substitute at some offices. Requirements vary by location, so contact your local Immigration Office or call 1345 before visiting.

Immigration Office Visit — Detailed 6-Step On-the-Day Process

Allow approximately 1-2 hours for your entire visit, including waiting time.

Step 1

Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment. Check in at the information desk or entrance kiosk and collect your queue number.

Step 2

While waiting, complete the Alien Registration Application Form available at the office. Fill in your name, date of birth, passport number, residential address, and university name.

Step 3

When your number is called, approach the counter and submit all your documents. Missing anything means same-day rejection.

Step 4

Proceed to a separate counter for 10-fingerprint scan and facial photograph. This takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Step 5

Pay the alien registration fee of 30,000 won. Cash or debit card is standard.

Step 6

Once all steps are complete, you receive a Visit Confirmation Letter (Temporary ID). Your physical ARC will arrive by registered post approximately 2-3 weeks after your application.

Using Your Temporary ID and What to Do After Your ARC Arrives

The Visit Confirmation Letter (Temporary ID) you receive after applying can be used for the following:

• University administration: submit additional documents to the International Office, apply for a student ID, submit scholarship applications
• Bank account opening: IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, Woori Bank, Shinhan Bank, and some other banks allow basic account opening with the Temporary ID (policies vary by bank)
• Health insurance processing: use as proof of alien registration when visiting the National Health Insurance Service
• Prepaid SIM activation: some carriers allow activation with the Temporary ID

Once your physical ARC arrives, store it safely and back up a photo of the front to cloud storage. If lost, replacement requires 30,000 won and a trip to the Immigration Office.

⚠️ Moving? Report Your New Address Within 15 Days!

After moving, you must report your new address to the Immigration Office or your local Community Service Center within 15 days. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 1,000,000 won.

Penalties for Missing the 90-Day Deadline

The 90-day alien registration deadline is a strict legal obligation under the Immigration Act. A violation remains permanently on your Korean immigration record and can seriously disadvantage future visa reviews.

Violation	Penalty (Immigration Act)
Failure to register within 90 days	Up to 1 year imprisonment or fine up to 10,000,000 won
Failure to carry the ARC	Fine up to 1,000,000 won
Failure to report address change within 15 days	Fine up to 1,000,000 won
Failure to report other registered information changes	Fine up to 1,000,000 won
Visa extension / work visa change / permanent residency application	Violation history may result in review disadvantages

If the deadline is approaching and you have not yet been able to make an appointment, call the Immigration Call Center immediately (1345) and ask for help.

2026 Fall Semester Timeline

Here is a detailed recommended schedule for international students (D-2 and D-4) entering Korea for the 2026 fall semester.

📅 Recommended Timeline (Assuming Entry Date: September 1, 2026)

• Sep 1Arrive. Check passport stamp. Day 1 begins.
• Sep 1-3Settle into accommodation. Check university International Office for group registration notices.
• Sep 4-7Secure the earliest available HiKorea appointment. Confirm TB examination requirement.
• Mid SepVisit Immigration Office, submit documents, biometrics, fee, and receive Temporary ID.
• Nov 2990-day deadline. Visit and application must be completed before this date.
• Early-Mid OctARC arrives by registered post. You can now open a bank account, enroll in health insurance, and apply for a part-time work permit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is ARC registration mandatory for D-4 visa holders?

Yes. D-4 visa holders have the same 90-day registration obligation as D-2 holders. Your language school enrollment certificate serves as the admission letter.

Q2. What if I cannot get an appointment within 90 days?

If HiKorea slots are fully booked, try the same-day walk-in queue (first come, first served) or call the Immigration Call Center (1345) to ask about emergency booking options.

Q3. Where do I get a TB exam, and how much does it cost?

Visit a Ministry of Justice-designated medical institution (most public health centers qualify). The test is usually free or very low cost. Results are typically ready within 1-3 days.

Q4. What if I lose my ARC?

Report the loss to your local Immigration Office immediately and apply for a replacement. The replacement fee is 30,000 won.

Q5. Is my ARC automatically updated when I extend my visa?

Yes. Your ARC validity is extended at the same time as your stay extension permit. The extension fee is 60,000 won, and you can apply from 4 months before the expiry date.

Wrap-Up — 5 Key Checkpoints

• Book your HiKorea appointment within 1-2 weeks of arrival — competition for September slots is intense
• Cross-check all 6 required documents the evening before your visit
• Verify in advance whether you need a TB examination — if your country is on the high-risk list, the certificate is mandatory
• After receiving your Temporary ID, immediately start banking and insurance tasks
• Report any address change to the Immigration Office within 15 days of moving — fine up to 1,000,000 won for non-compliance

DODREAM Is Here for You

If you are worried about what comes next — visa extension, visa change, or applying for a part-time work permit — DODREAM's expert consultation team is ready to guide you through every step with a solution tailored to your situation.

Get Free Consultation from DODREAM →

---

🌐 Read in other languages | 다른 언어로 보기

• 🇰🇷 한국어로 보기
• 🇬🇧 View in English
• 🇨🇳 中文阅读
• 🇻🇳 Đọc bằng tiếng Việt
• 🇺🇿 Oʻzbek tilida oʻqish

Korea Tax Refund Guide for International Students 2026 — Hometax Sign-Up to Receiving Your Refund, Step by Step

Korea Tax Refund Guide for International Students 2026 — From Hometax Sign-Up to Receiving Your Refund, A to Z

What You Will Learn in This Guide

• How to reclaim taxes withheld from your part-time wages
• How to register on Hometax as a foreigner (using your Alien Registration Number)
• Whether you are required to file and when the filing period is (every May)
• When and how you will receive your refund (automatic deposit in June or July)
• Whether both D-2 (degree) and D-4 (language study) visa holders are eligible
• What to prepare now for next year's filing

If you are an international student studying in Korea, you may be working part-time to cover living expenses. But did you know that tax is deducted from every paycheck you receive? If the 3.3% withholding or employment income tax pre-paid on your behalf turns out to be more than your actual tax liability, you can recover the difference by filing a comprehensive income tax return.

Many students miss out on refunds because they assume the process is complicated. In reality, all you need is your Alien Registration Number to sign up for Hometax (hometax.go.kr), and using the National Tax Service pre-filled return service, you can complete your filing in 10 to 20 minutes. Read this guide in full and you will be well-prepared to claim your refund when May comes around next year.

How Tax Refunds Work — Withholding Tax and Comprehensive Income Tax Filing

To understand tax refunds, you first need to understand withholding tax. When you work part-time in Korea, your employer calculates and remits tax to the government each time they pay you. This is called withholding tax (원천징수).

Two Types of Withholding

3.3% Business Income Withholding: Applied when income is treated as business income — for example, freelance or short-term part-time work. 3.0% goes to income tax and 0.3% to local income tax. This is commonly used for workers at cafes, convenience stores, and restaurants under informal contracts.

Employment Income Withholding: Applied when you have a formal employment contract and are enrolled in the four major social insurances. Tax is withheld monthly according to the simplified tax withholding table and reconciled through year-end tax settlement or a comprehensive income tax return.

Because both methods involve paying tax in advance, if the actual tax owed after calculating your total annual income and applying all deductions is less than what was already withheld, the difference is refunded to you. International students tend to have relatively low incomes and benefit significantly from the basic personal deduction and earned income deduction, which means many students get back most of the 3.3% that was withheld.

A Real-World Example

Annual part-time income: KRW 8,000,000 (3.3% withheld) — Tax paid: approx. KRW 264,000
After applying the basic personal deduction (KRW 1,500,000) and earned income deduction, actual tax owed: KRW 0 to 50,000 range
You could receive KRW 200,000 or more as a refund!

How International Students Sign Up for Hometax — Step-by-Step

Hometax is the National Tax Service's official tax filing platform. Any foreigner who holds an Alien Registration Number can sign up. D-2 (degree program) and D-4 (language study) visa holders follow the same registration process.

PC Sign-Up Process

1

Visit hometax.go.kr
Open the official Hometax website in your browser. The PC version is recommended for first-time filers because it has the most features.

2

Sign Up — Individual — Foreigner
Click Sign Up in the top menu, select Individual as your account type, then choose Foreigner when prompted.

3

Enter Your Alien Registration Number and Name
Enter the 13-digit Alien Registration Number shown on your ARC and your full name in English as it appears on your passport.

4

Choose a Verification Method
Select from Korean mobile phone SMS, an accredited certificate (financial certificate), or a simple authentication app such as KakaoTalk, Naver, or PASS. If you do not have a Korean phone number or certificate, visit your nearest tax office in person and they will process it for you right away.

5

Set Username and Password, Then Register Your Refund Bank Account
After verification, set your username and password. Once logged in, go to My Page and then Refund Bank Account to register a Korean account held in your name.

Don't Have a Korean Bank Account?

You must have a Korean bank account in your own name to receive your refund. You can open an account at major banks such as Kookmin Bank (KB), Shinhan Bank, or Hana Bank by visiting a branch with your ARC. Some banks offer accounts designed specifically for international students.

Filing Obligation and Deadline — Do I Have to File?

It is important to know whether your filing is mandatory or optional. Failing to file when required results in a penalty surcharge, but if you are only filing to claim a refund, there is no penalty for not filing.

Cases Where Filing is Mandatory

• Students with business income (3.3% withholding): Mandatory regardless of the amount
• Students who received employment income from two or more employers: Combined filing required
• Annual employment income exceeds KRW 20,000,000: Filing required
• Students who have income in addition to employment income: Combined filing required

Filing Year	Income Year	Filing Period	Status
2025	2024	May 1 – May 31, 2025	Closed
2026	2025	May 1 – June 1, 2026	Closed
2027	2026	May 1 – June 1, 2027	Start Preparing Now!

How to File on Hometax — Using the Pre-Filled Return

For international students whose main income comes from part-time work, the pre-filled return (모두채움 신고) — where the National Tax Service pre-populates your income data — is the most convenient option. Note that for the pre-filled return to appear, your employer must have already submitted your income statement to the National Tax Service.

Pre-Filled Return Steps

1

Log in to Hometax and Open the Comprehensive Income Tax Menu
During the May filing period, navigate to All Menus, then Tax Filing, then Comprehensive Income Tax.

2

Select Pre-Filled or Simplified Expense Rate Return
On the return type selection screen, choose Pre-Filled Return. If it is not available, proceed with the standard return.

3

Review Income and Deductions
Confirm that the income figures shown match your withholding tax certificate. The basic personal deduction (KRW 1,500,000 per person) and earned income deduction are applied automatically.

4

Check Refund Amount or Tax Due
If the refund amount displayed at the bottom of the screen is negative, you are eligible for a refund.

5

Confirm Refund Account and Submit
Verify your refund bank account and click Submit Return. A confirmation receipt will be issued.

Pre-Filing Checklist

• Hometax username and password
• Korean bank account number in your own name
• Withholding tax certificate or income statement (can be looked up on Hometax)
• Alien Registration Card (for identity verification)

Receiving Your Refund — Timeline and How to Track It

Once you submit your return, the National Tax Service reviews your filing and transfers the refund.

Early May to Early June

Filing period — Complete your return on Hometax

June

National Tax Service reviews returns and confirms refund amounts

June to Early July

Refund automatically deposited to your registered account (within 30 days of the filing deadline)

You can track your refund status in real time by logging in to Hometax and going to My Hometax and then Refund Inquiry / Objection. If you have any unpaid taxes, the refund will automatically be applied to cover them first, with only the remaining balance deposited.

Missed the 2026 Deadline? — Late Filing and Amended Returns

You can still submit a late return (기한 후 신고) on Hometax after the deadline. No penalty surcharge applies when the return results in a refund. If you already filed but some deductions were missed, you can request an additional refund through the amended assessment claim (경정청구) system within five years of your original filing.

Preparing for Next Year's Filing

If you are working a part-time job this year, it is smart to start preparing for your May 2027 filing now.

Item	How	Priority
Register on Hometax	hometax.go.kr — Foreigner sign-up	Essential
Open a Korean Bank Account	Visit a bank branch with your ARC	Essential
Keep Withholding Tax Certificates	Request from employer or look up on Hometax	Essential
Register Refund Bank Account	Add via Hometax My Page	Recommended
Keep Monthly Wage Records	Save screenshots or copies of bank transfer records	Recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can both D-2 and D-4 visa holders file?

Yes. As long as you worked legally in Korea and had tax withheld, you are eligible to file regardless of your visa type. This applies equally to D-2 (degree program) and D-4 (language study) visa holders. You must have worked within the permitted hours under your part-time work authorization.

Q2. My income details do not appear on Hometax. What should I do?

If your employer has not submitted your income statement to the National Tax Service, your income will not appear on Hometax. Ask your employer to submit the income statement or issue a withholding tax certificate. If your employer is uncooperative, you can report this to your local tax office or contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor employment center at 1350.

Q3. I am graduating and leaving Korea — can I still receive my refund?

If you complete your filing before departure and keep your Korean bank account active, the refund will be deposited even after you leave. If you need to close your Korean account before leaving, apply for an immediate refund at a tax office when you submit your departure notice. Amended assessment claims can also be filed online after you return to your home country.

Q4. My part-time income is very small. Do I still need to file?

If your wages were processed as 3.3% business income (freelance method), you are required to file regardless of the amount. Filing will apply deductions and typically result in an additional refund, so there is every reason to file.

Q5. My Korean is not strong enough to file on my own. Can I get help?

Call the National Tax Service helpline 126 for multilingual support in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and more. Visiting a tax office in person is another option — the staff will walk you through the filing. Some university international student offices also hold tax filing seminars.

Summary — Key Takeaways

• Both D-2 and D-4 visa students can claim a refund on Korean part-time income
• Register on Hometax with your Alien Registration Number — foreigners enjoy the exact same service as Korean nationals
• Filing period: May 1 to June 1 every year (for 2026 income, file in May 2027)
• Refund deposit: June or July after the filing deadline, auto-deposited to your registered account
• Prepare now: Register on Hometax + open a Korean bank account + keep your withholding tax certificate

DODREAM is Here to Help

If you have questions about the tax filing process, your part-time work authorization, or your visa situation, DODREAM's specialist consultation team is ready to provide detailed guidance tailored to international students.

Get Free Consultation from DODREAM →

---

🌐 Read in other languages | 눔른 언어로 보기

• 🇰🇷 한국어로 보기
• 🇬🇧 View in English
• 🇨🇳 中文阅读
• 🇻🇳 Đọc bằng tiếng Việt
• 🇺🇿 Oʻzbek tilida oʻqish

2026 Fall Korean University Admissions for International Students: Documents, TOPIK and D-2 Visa Complete Guide

If you are aiming to enter a Korean university in the 2026 fall semester (September intake), now is the final stretch of your preparation. Most major Korean universities accept applications for their fall international admissions track between April and June, and after receiving your acceptance letter you will need to move quickly through D-2 visa application and entry preparations.

The international admissions track operates on an entirely separate path from the CSAT-based system used for Korean students. There are many checkpoints you must not miss — from eligibility and required documents to Korean language requirements and visa procedures. This guide provides a systematic breakdown of the entire 2026 fall international admissions process.

What Is the 2026 Fall International Admissions Track?

Korean four-year universities and graduate schools hold international admissions twice a year. For the first semester (March enrollment), applications are typically accepted in the previous year’s October–December. For the second semester (September enrollment), applications run from April to June of the same year. The 2026 fall cycle targets September 2026, and many universities have already opened or are in the process of opening their application windows.

The international admissions track is primarily designed for pure foreign nationals (applicants whose both parents hold foreign citizenship). Crucially, the departments available, number of spots, schedule, and document requirements can differ significantly from university to university. You must always verify the official 2026 fall admissions guidelines directly from the institution you plan to apply to.

Sample Fall Admissions Timeline at Major Universities

• Yonsei University: Applications open early April → oral interviews in May → results announced in June
• Korea University: Applications run April–May → document review → results announced in June
• Kyung Hee University: Separate notice for graduate fall international track; undergraduate fall track also available
• Sungkyunkwan University, HUFS, Chung-Ang University, etc.: Check each university’s admissions office website individually

Note

Some universities and departments do not hold a fall admissions round. Always confirm whether a fall intake exists for 2026 directly with the admissions office of each institution.

Eligibility: Everything You Need to Know

Pure Foreign National (both parents holding foreign citizenship)

This is the most common category. Both you and your parents must hold foreign citizenship, and you must not have ever acquired Korean citizenship. Most universities require at least a high school graduation from abroad. Some institutions restrict eligibility based on the length of time spent studying inside Korea.

Overseas Korean / Overseas National

This applies to individuals of Korean heritage holding foreign citizenship. Those with an Overseas Korean (F-4) or Working Visit (H-2) immigration status may qualify at universities that accommodate this category. Overseas national tracks often have additional requirements such as minimum overseas residency periods, so read the guidelines carefully.

Eligibility Checklist

• Confirm your and your parents’ current citizenship (including dual citizenship and naturalization)
• Identify your applicant category (pure foreign national / overseas Korean)
• Country where you attended and graduated from high school
• Length and type of immigration status in Korea

Complete Required Documents Guide

Document	Details and Notes
Passport copy	Color copy; at least 6 months of validity recommended
High school graduation certificate	Certified translation required; some universities require Apostille certification
High school transcripts	All years of grades; GPA conversion chart may be requested
TOPIK score report	Valid within 2 years of issue; original document required
Bank statement	USD 10,000 or more (varies by university); English recommended
Parents’ nationality documents	Parents’ passports or foreign citizenship certificates (pure foreign national category)
Application form and personal statement	In Korean or English, using the university’s official format
Recommendation letter (some universities)	From a homeroom teacher or school principal

The most important thing when preparing documents is allowing enough time for translation and notarization. This process can take 1–3 weeks depending on your country. Start document preparation at least 4 weeks before the application deadline.

Korean Language Requirements by TOPIK Level

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Programs

Most undergraduate programs require at least TOPIK Level 3. Some top-ranked universities and popular departments require Level 4 or above or give preference to higher scores. If admitted without a TOPIK score, you may face consequences if you fail to obtain the required level within the designated period.

Graduate Programs (Master’s and Doctoral)

Graduate program requirements vary significantly by institution and department. Many recommend TOPIK Level 4, but some departments accept Level 3, while others require Level 5 or above. English-medium programs may accept TOEFL or IELTS. Always verify requirements directly from the official admissions guidelines of the specific department.

Key TOPIK Information

• TOPIK scores are valid for 2 years from the date of issue (scores from 2024 onward eligible for 2026 fall)
• Administered 6 times a year at over 200 test centers in more than 60 countries
• For a September fall application, sit TOPIK by May or June at the latest
• TOPIK I covers Levels 1–2; TOPIK II covers Levels 3–6 — undergraduate and graduate applicants should take TOPIK II

D-2 Visa Application: From Acceptance to Entry in Korea

After receiving your university acceptance, you need a D-2 (Student) visa to enter Korea. If you are already in Korea on another immigration status, you can switch to D-2 through a status change procedure (fee: 130,000 KRW).

Key Documents for D-2 Visa Application

• Official Letter of Admission (Standard Admission Certificate) — issued by the university’s International Office
• Tuition payment confirmation
• Passport (at least 6 months of validity remaining)
• Visa application form and photo
• Bank statement (proof of financial ability; issued in English)
• High school graduation certificate and transcripts
• Medical certificate (required by some embassies)

Visa applications at the Korean embassy or consulate typically take 2–4 weeks. Once you enter Korea on the D-2 visa, you must complete alien registration at the local Immigration Office (입출국·외국인청) within 90 days of entry (fee: 30,000 KRW). After your alien registration card is issued, enrollment in Korea’s National Health Insurance follows automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I apply to multiple universities at the same time?

A. Yes. Applying to multiple universities simultaneously is permitted. Some universities restrict applying to multiple campuses within the same institution. Applying across different universities is generally allowed.

Q. What is an Apostille and where do I get one?

A. An Apostille is an internationally recognized certification that verifies the authenticity of a foreign public document. It is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a designated authority in the country that issued the document.

Q. Can I work part-time in Korea on a D-2 visa?

A. Yes. Undergraduate students (D-2-1, D-2-2) with TOPIK Level 3 or above are permitted to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during the semester and without restriction during vacation periods. You must obtain a part-time work permit through your university’s International Office before starting work. Working without a permit may result in visa cancellation.

Q. Are there any Korean-language-free programs in Korea?

A. Some universities offer English-only departments (e.g., Global Studies, International Studies) where applicants can apply using English proficiency scores only.

Q. How does health insurance work after I enroll?

A. Under current Korean law, all international students on a D-2 visa are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance (국민건강보험). Monthly premiums are charged automatically. Failure to pay may result in restrictions on visa extension.

Study in Korea More Easily with DODREAM

Successfully completing the 2026 fall international admissions process requires meticulous attention to every detail — documents, Korean language proficiency, financial proof, and visa application. DODREAM is a specialist agency for Korean study-abroad visas, providing professional end-to-end support from reviewing your application documents and D-2 visa filing through to alien registration and part-time work permits. If this is your first time preparing for study in Korea, start with a free consultation from DODREAM.

Get Free Consultation from DODREAM →

---

🌐 Read in other languages | 다른 언어로 보기

• 🇰🇷 한국어로 보기
• 🇬🇧 View in English
• 🇨🇳 中文阅读
• 🇻🇳 Đọc bằng tiếng Việt
• 🇺🇿 Oʻzbek tilida oʻqish