D-4 Visa
2025-10-03
D-4 Visa Overview
This visa is for foreign nationals who come to Korea to study Korean or take part in specific professional training programs. The language training visa generally refers to D-4-1, and D-4-7 has the same issuance and eligibility requirements as D-4-1. TalentLink provides guidance on D-4-1.
1
Eligible Applicants
- 1) Those who wish to study Korean at a university-affiliated language institute
- 2) Those receiving technical or skills training at national/public research institutes or training centers
- 3) Periods in which normal work is not possible due to work-related injury, illness, pregnancy, childbirth, etc. are excluded from the regular period of stay, and the total period of stay may not exceed 5 years
- 4) Those receiving education or training as interns, or engaged in research activities, at foreign-invested companies or companies that have invested overseas
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Period of Stay
- 1) Up to 2 years (single-entry visa, extension required every 6 months) (See details on extension of period of stay)
| Category | Visa | Detailed Status of Stay | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Training & Study Abroad | D-4-1 | Korean Language Training | Training at a language institute affiliated with a higher education institution or foreign educational institution |
| Language Training & Study Abroad | D-4-7 | Foreign Language Training (other than Korean) | Training at a language institute affiliated with a higher education institution or foreign educational institution |
| Language Training & Study Abroad | D-4-3 | Elementary, Middle & High School Students | Study at educational institutions at the high school level or below |
| Training | D-4-2 | Training at Other Institutions | Education, training, or research activities at educational institutions, companies, organizations, etc. other than those covered by D-4-1 |
| Training | D-4-5 | Korean Cuisine Training | Training at an institution designated as a Korean cuisine education institution |
| Training | D-4-6 | Private Institution Training (Technical Training) | Technical training for foreign nationals at an outstanding private educational institution |
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Part-time Work
- International students holding the language training (D-4-1, D-4-7) status of stay under D-4 may engage in part-time employment. (See details on part-time work)
5
Changing Schools
- In principle, you must leave Korea and re-enter with a new visa issued for the new school, but exceptions are allowed in the following cases
- 1) When changing schools is unavoidable through no fault of the trainee, such as the closure of the language institute
- 2) When the applicant holds a TOPIK Level 3 (KIIP) or higher score report and is recognized as having a legitimate reason to change schools