General Training (D-4) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application, Extension, and Change

D-4-1 and D-4-7 Visa Application

• Visa Application Form (사증발급신청서)
• Passport and one photo conforming to standard specifications
• Copy of the educational institution’s Certificate of Business Registration (사업자등록증) or Certificate of Unique Identification Number (고유번호증)
• Standard Admission Letter (표준입학허가서) issued by the university president or dean
• Certificate of Enrollment or proof of highest level of education completed
• Proof of financial means
• Training plan

As a rule, apply at a Korean diplomatic mission with jurisdiction over your country of residence or the location of your last school. Some nationalities or university types may apply only through a Certificate of Visa Issuance.

D-4-1 Certificate of Visa Issuance Application

• Certificate of Visa Issuance Application Form (사증발급인정신청서)
• Passport and one photo conforming to standard specifications
• Copy of the educational institution’s Certificate of Business Registration or Certificate of Unique Identification Number
• Standard Admission Letter
• Certificate of Enrollment or proof of highest level of education completed
• Proof of financial means
• Training plan

You may apply at the Immigration Office (출입국·외국인관서) with jurisdiction over the location of the university you plan to attend. University staff responsible for international students may also apply online through the Visa Portal (사증포털).

Change of Status of Stay for D-4-1 and D-4-7

• Application form, passport, Alien Registration Card (if held), and one photo
• Copy of the educational institution’s Certificate of Business Registration or Certificate of Unique Identification Number
• Standard Admission Letter
• Proof of financial means
• Certificate of Enrollment or proof of highest level of education completed
• Training plan

As a rule, this is permitted for long-term stayers who have registered as foreign nationals and are staying in Korea lawfully. The fee for permission to change status of stay is KRW 100,000.

Extension of Period of Stay for D-4-1 and D-4-7

• Application form, passport, and Alien Registration Card
• Documents verifying enrollment
• Documents verifying academic performance, such as an academic transcript or attendance confirmation
• Proof of financial means
• Recruitment guidelines or training plan
• Proof of residence

For proof of financial means, only deposits in the applicant’s own account in Korea are accepted. The fee for permission to extend the period of stay is KRW 60,000.

Alien Registration

• Application form
• Original passport
• One photo conforming to standard specifications
• Certificate of Enrollment
• Proof of residence

The fee for an Alien Registration Card is KRW 35,000. Separate document requirements apply to D-4-2K, D-4-3, and D-4-5, so check the requirements for the relevant category.

Q. Who is eligible for General Training (D-4)?

This status is for people who wish to receive education or training, or conduct research, at an institution other than an educational institution or academic research institution eligible for D-2. It includes several subcategories, such as Korean language training, corporate internships, and study at a high school or lower-level school.

Q. Can I take Korean language classes at any academy?

No. D-4-1 Korean language training is for affiliated language institutes and similar institutions at universities eligible to issue D-2 visas. Lifelong education facilities and private academies are not included among the institutions eligible for a General Training (D-4) visa.

Q. What is the maximum period of stay for D-4?

The maximum period of stay granted at one time for all D-4 categories is two years. The actual visa validity period varies by subcategory; D-4-1 visas are indicated as single-entry visas valid for six months or less.

Q. Can I change to D-4 after entering Korea on a short-term stay status?

A change of status in Korea is generally restricted for holders of short-term stay statuses (B or C categories) who wish to take language training (D-4-1 or D-4-7). Holders of a short-term stay status also cannot change their status in Korea to study at a high school or lower-level school (D-4-3).

Q. Can I work part-time or do other work on D-4?

D-4 is not listed as a general work status, and activities outside the status of stay are generally restricted. Holders of D-4-1 may apply for permission to engage in activities outside their status as a foreign language instructor (E-2) after six months have passed from the date they acquired the status.

Q. What documents do I need to submit to extend my period of stay on D-4-1?

In addition to the application form, passport, and Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증), you need proof of enrollment, evidence of academic performance such as grades or attendance, proof of financial means, a training plan, and proof of residence. An extension may be restricted if you have discontinued your studies for personal reasons or due to insufficient academic credits.

Q. How do I change schools on D-4-1?

As a rule, you must leave Korea, obtain a visa for the university you plan to transfer to, and re-enter Korea. Exceptions may be made if a transfer is unavoidable through no fault of your own, such as because a language institute has closed, or if another valid reason is recognized.

Q. What documents are required to register as a foreign national on D-4?

As a general guideline, you need an application form, original passport, photo conforming to standard specifications, Certificate of Enrollment (재학증명서), and proof of residence. Separate registration documents are specified for D-4-2K, D-4-3, and D-4-5.