Living alone as an international student in Korea, you may have thought:
"How wonderful it would be if my parents could come to Korea."
The short answer is — yes, it's possible, as long as you meet the requirements.
Through the Seasonal Work Invitation Program for Parents of International Students (D-2), you can personally invite your parents to Korea and live together in the same region. Launched as a pilot program in 2024, it is now officially in operation in 2026.
This program was introduced to address the chronic labor shortage in rural agricultural and fishing areas. Since international students' families are already familiar with Korean language and culture, parents tend to settle in quickly and are less likely to leave — which has earned the program positive evaluations.
[Student Requirements]
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Visa | D-2 (Study) visa holder |
| University | Certified internationalization university located outside the Seoul metropolitan area |
| Enrollment Period | Currently enrolled for 1 year or more |
| Remaining Semesters | At least 2 semesters remaining |
| Legal Record | No legal violations during stay in Korea |
※ Students on a D-4 (Language Training) visa or enrolled at a university in the Seoul metropolitan area are not eligible.
[Parent Requirements]
Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
Age | 55 years old or younger |
Health | In good health |
Criminal Record | No criminal record |
5 months + 3-month extension = up to 8 months
※ Parents' workplace is restricted to the same region as the student's university.
💡 Consider applying if:
· You want to live in the same region as your parents while studying alone in Korea
· Your parents wish to earn income legally in Korea
· You have plenty of semesters remaining before graduation and fully meet the eligibility requirements
⚠️ Important Reminders
Since this program is tied to labor demand in non-metropolitan agricultural and fishing sectors, placement is not guaranteed at your preferred time. Recruitment schedules and quotas vary by local government, so it is advisable to contact the local authority where your university is located in advance. Also remember: the applicant must be the student, not the parents, and the workplace is limited to the metropolitan region where your university is located.
