The D-2 visa is issued for studying or conducting research activities at educational or academic research institutions of college level or higher.

• 1

  Eligibility

  Individuals who wish to study in regular programs (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees) or conduct research at universities or academic research institutions that meet the requirements set by the Minister of Justice. (Note: Excludes broadcasting and correspondence universities, cyber universities, lifelong education institutions, vocational training institutions, and night universities or graduate schools that fail preliminary review by the local immigration office.)

• 2

  Period of Stay

  • 1)

    Initially granted for 1 year by default, but 2 years for universities with general certification or excellent certification.
    (Certification benefits apply similarly for extensions of the period of stay.)

  • 2)

    For D-2-5, D-2-6, and D-2-8 types, the visa is granted on a 1-year basis.

  Learn more about extending the period of stay

  Degree	Permissible Period of Stay (Based on Enrollment Date)	Exceptions
  Associate	3 years	Up to 4 years for 3-year programs
  Bachelor's	6 years	7 years for 5-year programs
  Master's	5 years	6 years for 3-year programs
  Doctoral	8 years	7 years for 2-year programs

• 3

  Visa Types

  Category	Visa Type	Specific Eligibility	Description
  Degree Program	D-2-1	Associate	Associate Degree Individuals seeking education in a regular associate degree program at a junior college or academic institution affiliated with a junior college.
  	D-2-2	Bachelor's	Individuals seeking education in a regular bachelor's degree program at a university or academic institution affiliated with a university.
  	D-2-3	Master's	Individuals seeking education in a regular master's degree program at a graduate school or academic institution affiliated with a graduate school.
  	D-2-4	Doctoral	Individuals seeking education in a regular doctoral degree program at a graduate school or academic institution affiliated with a graduate school.
  General Criteria	D-2-7	Work-Study Program	International students selected as government-sponsored scholars or those enrolled in or planning to enroll in regular degree programs (associate degree or higher) at domestic universities.
  	D-2-5	Research Program	Individuals intending to conduct specific research at academic institutions offering education at the junior college, university, or graduate school level.
  	D-2-6	Exchange Student	International students participating in a student exchange program established under academic exchange agreements with foreign universities, for the purpose of earning academic credits.
  	D-2-8	Visiting Student	Foreign university students or faculty members seeking short-term study (less than one year) in non-degree programs at domestic universities.

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  Visa for Study Without Additional Permission

  • 1)

    Diplomatic (A-1) ~ Agreement (A-3)

  • 2)

    Cultural Arts (D-1), General Training (D-4-2), Reportage (D-5) ~ Trade and Management (D-9)

  • 3)

    Professor (E-1) ~ Specific Activities (E-7), Non-Professional Employment (E-9), Seafarer Employment (E-10)

  • 4)

    Visiting and Cohabitation (F-1) ~ Marriage Immigration (F-6)

  • 5)

    Refugee Applicants (G-1-5), Humanitarian Stay Permission (G-1-6)

  • 6)

    Visiting Employment (H-2)

  • 7)

    Other residence statuses where permission for activities beyond the scope of stay has been granted under the D-2 (Study) category.

    ※ Non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), and refugee applicants (G-1-5) can study without additional permission but cannot change their status to D-2 (Study) after their current residence period ends. They must leave the country and reapply for the visa.

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  Part-Time Work

  Foreign students with D-2 (Study) residence status are permitted to work part-time. Learn more about part-time work

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  School and Degree Changes

  Learn more about changing schools and degrees