Contents
1. What Is the D-9-2 Visa?
The D-9-2 visa is a sub-type of the D-9 (산업연수, industrial trainee) visa category in Korea. It is specifically issued to foreign nationals who are sent to Korea under government-to-government (G2G) agreements between Korea and a sending country for training at a designated industrial facility (공업시설).
Unlike D-9-1 (general industrial trainee dispatched by an overseas company) or D-9-3 (technology transfer trainee), the D-9-2 program operates through formal bilateral MOUs between the Korean government and the sending country's government. This means trainees do not arrange the program independently — they are selected and dispatched by their home country's official sending agency through a government channel.
- Type: Government-to-government industrial facility trainee
- Visa code: D-9-2 (sub-type of D-9 industrial trainee)
- Training site: Designated industrial facility (공업시설) in Korea
- Duration: Typically 1–2 years (fixed by G2G agreement)
- Allowance: Training allowance (연수수당) — not a regular salary, but must meet minimum wage
- Common participating countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and others
The training is conducted at a specific industrial facility formally recognized and designated by the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). Trainees learn technical skills through hands-on work within the defined training scope. The program has a fixed duration and is not designed for indefinite extension — it serves a skills transfer purpose rather than long-term employment.
After completing the training period, most D-9-2 trainees are expected to return to their home country. However, trainees who demonstrate strong skills may have pathways to transition to other visa categories such as E-7-4 if they meet the points-based threshold.
2. D-9-2 vs D-9-1 vs D-9-3 Comparison
The D-9 category encompasses multiple sub-types depending on the mechanism of dispatch and the nature of the training. Understanding the differences is important for both applicants and employers.
| Factor | D-9-1 | D-9-2 | D-9-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-type name | General industrial trainee | Industrial facility trainee (G2G) | Technology transfer trainee (기술연수) |
| Sponsoring mechanism | Overseas company dispatches trainee to Korean affiliate or trade partner | Government-to-government (G2G) MOU between Korea and sending country | Korean company with overseas investment or trade relations transfers technology to trainees |
| Eligible countries | Broadly available — depends on the employer relationship | Only countries with active G2G MOU agreement with Korea | Broadly available — depends on corporate relationship |
| Training site type | Korean affiliate or business partner company | Designated industrial facility (공업시설) | Korean company with overseas investment links |
| Maximum duration | Typically up to 2 years | Typically 1–2 years (fixed by G2G agreement) | Up to 2–3 years depending on program |
| Allowance structure | Training allowance (not wages); minimum wage rules apply | Training allowance (연수수당); must meet or exceed minimum wage | Training allowance; structured by the Korean company's program |
| Work authorization | Permitted only within designated training scope | Permitted only within designated training scope at the specific facility | Permitted only within designated training scope at the sponsoring company |
| Selection process | Selected by the overseas company's own HR process | Selected through official G2G program by the sending country government agency | Selected by the Korean company's overseas partner or affiliate |
D-9-2 is unique because the selection and dispatch is government-led rather than employer-led. Individual applicants cannot directly apply for a D-9-2 visa without first being selected through the official G2G program of their home country. This makes D-9-2 the most structured and regulated of the D-9 sub-types.
3. Eligibility Requirements
D-9-2 eligibility is determined jointly by the applicant's home country government (through the G2G sending agency) and the Korean immigration authorities. Meeting all requirements is mandatory before a visa can be issued.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| G2G program selection | Must be selected and certified through the official government-to-government sending program of the home country. Individual self-applications are not accepted. |
| Designated employer | The Korean employer must be a formally designated industrial facility company recognized by the Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). Not all Korean manufacturers qualify. |
| Immigration record | No previous immigration violations in Korea or other countries. No outstanding deportation orders or re-entry bans. |
| Criminal record | No criminal record — must submit a criminal background check from the home country, certified and apostilled or consularly legalized. |
| Health clearance | Medical certificate required. TB (tuberculosis) and HIV screening results must be attached. Applicants with active TB or HIV positive results may be denied. |
| Age requirement | Typically 18–39 years of age at the time of application. The exact age range may vary depending on the specific G2G bilateral agreement. |
| No prior unauthorized work in Korea | Applicants who previously worked in Korea without proper authorization are generally disqualified from the D-9-2 program. |
| Technical background | Must have relevant technical background or prior training in the target industrial field, as certified by the sending country agency or a recognized training institution. |
Fraudulent "G2G intermediaries" exist in several sending countries who charge fees and claim to arrange D-9-2 placements outside official channels. Legitimate G2G programs are run exclusively by government agencies — no private fee intermediary is part of an official G2G process. Always verify program eligibility through the Korean embassy in your home country.
4. Application Process — From Selection to Visa Issuance
The D-9-2 application process is employer- and government-driven, not applicant-initiated. Trainees apply with documentation provided by their sending agency and the Korean employer. The steps below reflect the typical flow under active G2G programs.
-
Selection by home country sending agency
The applicant is evaluated and selected through the official G2G program in the home country. This may involve aptitude tests, medical screening, technical assessments, and background checks conducted by the government agency. -
Korean employer notifies Ministry of Justice of trainee invitation
The designated Korean industrial facility confirms the invitation to host the trainee and files the required notice or application with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) prior to visa issuance. -
Certificate of Industrial Training (산업연수확인서) issued
The Korean sponsoring company issues a Certificate of Industrial Training to the selected trainee. This document is the central proof of the training arrangement and is required for the visa application. -
Trainee applies for D-9-2 visa at Korean consulate in home country
The trainee submits the visa application at the nearest Korean consulate or embassy in their home country, attaching the Certificate of Industrial Training, G2G selection certificate, medical clearance, and other required documents. -
Visa issued (D-9-2) and travel to Korea
Upon approval, the D-9-2 visa is stamped in the passport. The trainee travels to Korea within the specified entry deadline on the visa. -
Alien Registration Card (ARC) registration within 90 days
Upon arrival in Korea, the trainee must register at the local immigration office and receive an Alien Registration Card within 90 days of entry. The industrial facility may assist with this process. -
Begin training at the designated industrial facility
Training commences at the designated facility per the training program schedule. All training activities must remain within the scope of the approved D-9-2 program.
Unlike most work visas where the applicant takes the initiative, D-9-2 applications are primarily driven by the Korean employer and the G2G program authority. As a trainee, your role is to prepare and submit the documents requested by those parties. If you are asked to pay large upfront fees as an individual applicant, treat this as a warning sign of potential fraud.
5. Core Document Checklist
The following documents are required for a D-9-2 visa application at the Korean consulate in the home country. The Korean employer or the G2G program authority typically provides or assists in obtaining several of these documents.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa application form | Standard Korean visa application form obtained from the Korean consulate in the home country or downloaded from the Korean immigration website. |
| Valid passport | Must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from the intended date of entry into Korea. |
| Certificate of Industrial Training (산업연수확인서) | Issued by the sponsoring Korean industrial facility. This is the primary document establishing the training relationship and must be submitted in original form. |
| G2G program selection certificate | Issued by the official sending country government agency confirming that the applicant was selected through the formal G2G program process. |
| Medical certificate (TB and HIV clearance) | Results of a TB chest X-ray and HIV test conducted at a recognized medical facility. Must be current (typically within 3–6 months of the application date). |
| Training agreement (훈련계약서) | The formal training contract between the trainee and the Korean industrial facility, specifying the training scope, duration, allowance, and conditions. |
| Proof of technical background | Certificate or documentation from the sending country confirming the applicant's relevant technical training or work experience in the target field. |
| Criminal background check | Issued by the home country authorities. Must be apostilled or consularly legalized for Korea. Must be current (within 3–6 months). |
| Passport-size photos | Recent photos (white background, 3.5cm × 4.5cm). The consulate typically requires 1–2 photos. |
| Consular fee | Visa application fee payable at the Korean consulate. The amount varies by country of application — verify with the specific consulate before submitting. |
Documents issued in a language other than Korean or English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Documents from countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention may be apostilled. Documents from non-Hague countries require consular legalization by the Korean embassy in the home country. Check which method applies before having documents prepared.
6. Training Conditions and Allowances
D-9-2 trainees work within a regulated framework that establishes minimum standards for their training conditions and compensation. While trainees are not classified as regular employees, Korean law provides important protections.
| Condition | Standard / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Training allowance (연수수당) | Must not fall below the Korean minimum wage (최저임금) under applicable regulations. The minimum wage is updated annually — check the current year's rate at the Korea Labor Institute or Ministry of Employment and Labor. |
| Accommodation | Typically provided by the industrial facility as part of the G2G program arrangement. The quality and cost deduction (if any) must comply with the terms of the training agreement. |
| Working hours | Training hours comply with the Korean Labor Standards Act (근로기준법). Standard training is conducted during regular working hours; overtime is generally limited under G2G program terms. |
| Industrial accident insurance (산재보험) | D-9-2 trainees are enrolled in industrial accident insurance, covering workplace injuries and occupational diseases. This provides the same coverage mechanism as regular workers for on-site accidents. |
| Employment insurance | D-9-2 trainees are generally NOT covered under the general employment insurance (고용보험) system. This differs from regular employment. |
| Meals | Meals are often provided by the facility as part of the training program. If meals are provided in lieu of part of the allowance, this must be reflected in the training agreement. |
| Training scope limitation | Trainees must not perform work outside the designated training scope defined in the training agreement. Any deviation from the approved training scope constitutes a violation of D-9-2 status conditions. |
If a training facility fails to pay the minimum allowance or withholds payments, trainees have the right to report the issue to the Korea Labor Foundation (한국노동재단) or the Ministry of Employment and Labor (고용노동부). Allowance violations by the facility do not constitute a visa violation on the part of the trainee — report the issue through proper channels rather than seeking unauthorized alternative employment.
7. Transitioning from D-9-2
D-9-2 is not designed as a permanent immigration pathway, but trainees who complete the program with strong performance records have options to pursue continued presence in Korea through legitimate channels.
After the Training Period Ends
Upon completing the D-9-2 training period, the default expectation under most G2G programs is that the trainee returns to the home country. The skills and experience acquired during the training are intended to benefit the home country's industrial sector.
Transition to E-7-4 (Points-Based Non-Professional Employment)
Some trainees with demonstrated technical skills may pursue a transition to the E-7-4 visa, a points-based non-professional employment visa for skilled foreign workers. Key points:
- D-9-2 training experience counts as Korea work/training experience in the E-7-4 points evaluation
- You must reach the E-7-4 minimum points threshold (typically 80 points or higher)
- A Korean employer must be willing to sponsor the E-7-4 application
- Relevant occupational qualifications or vocational certificates strengthen the application
- Korean language ability (TOPIK score) adds points in the E-7-4 assessment
Re-invitation Channels
Some G2G programs maintain re-invitation or preferred-returnee mechanisms for high-performing trainees. These allow former D-9-2 trainees to be prioritized for future G2G placements at the same or different facilities. Check with your home country's G2G sending agency for details on any re-invitation program that applies to your agreement.
D-9-2 status alone is not a direct pathway to F-5 permanent residency. Time spent under D-9-2 does not automatically accumulate toward F-5 qualification. If long-term residency in Korea is a goal, trainees should plan to transition to a qualifying work visa (such as E-7 or E-7-4) and then build the required years of qualifying residency under that status before applying for F-5.
8. Common Issues and What to Avoid
D-9-2 trainees face specific risks related to the structured nature of the program. Understanding these issues in advance — and knowing how to prevent them — protects both the trainee's legal status and the integrity of the G2G program.
| Issue | Prevention / Response |
|---|---|
| Working outside the designated training scope | Strictly prohibited under D-9-2 status. Performing work not covered in the training agreement — even at the employer's request — can result in visa cancellation and deportation. Refuse unauthorized work instructions and document any pressure to do so. |
| Overstaying the training period | Depart Korea before the D-9-2 visa expires. Overstaying — even by a few days — triggers a violation record and may result in an entry ban of 1–5 years. Monitor your visa expiry date carefully and initiate departure well in advance. |
| Changing training facility without permission | Requires formal Ministry of Justice (MOJ) approval. A trainee cannot independently move to a different company, even if the new company is also a designated facility. All facility changes must be coordinated through the G2G program authority, the sponsoring company, and immigration. |
| Sending agency fraud (fake G2G programs) | Only use official government-to-government channels for D-9-2 placement. Verify the program's legitimacy with the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country before paying any fees. Legitimate G2G programs do not require large individual placement fees paid to private brokers. |
| Unpaid or underpaid training allowance | Report immediately to the Korea Labor Foundation (한국노동재단) or the Ministry of Employment and Labor (고용노동부). Do not seek unauthorized alternative employment as a response to non-payment — this creates an additional immigration violation on top of the employer's labor law violation. |
| Facility closure during training period | If the designated facility closes or ceases operations, immediately contact your G2G sending agency and the local immigration office. A transfer to an alternative designated facility may be arranged officially. Do not independently seek a new employer. |
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Book a Free Consultation9. Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no. D-9-2 trainees are sponsored by a specific designated company, and the visa is tied to that facility. Changing the training facility requires Ministry of Justice approval and must be coordinated between the sponsoring company, the G2G program authority in the home country, and the Korean immigration office. Unauthorized workplace changes — including self-arranged moves to other facilities — are a serious immigration violation that can result in visa cancellation and forced departure.
No. D-9-2 trainees receive a training allowance (연수수당) rather than a regular employment salary. However, under applicable Korean regulations, this allowance must meet or exceed the Korean minimum wage (최저임금) for the applicable period. Industrial accident insurance (산재보험) applies to D-9-2 trainees in the same way it does to regular workers. Trainees are generally not enrolled in the employment insurance (고용보험) system, which means they are not entitled to unemployment benefits after the training ends.
D-9-2 has a fixed training period determined by the specific G2G agreement between Korea and your home country — typically 1–2 years. Extensions are limited and require the approval of both the sponsoring Korean company and the Ministry of Justice. Most D-9-2 programs are structured with a defined end point; indefinite extension is generally not available. Trainees approaching the end of the training period who wish to remain in Korea should begin planning their next steps — whether departure or a status transition — well in advance.
Transitioning from D-9-2 to E-7 is possible but not automatic — it requires meeting all standard E-7 requirements independently. You will need a Korean employer willing to sponsor the E-7 application, relevant educational qualifications or professional experience meeting E-7 criteria, and an occupation that falls within the E-7 approved occupation list. The practical training experience gained during D-9-2 counts as Korea work/training experience for the purposes of the E-7-4 points-based evaluation. Consulting a licensed immigration professional before attempting this transition is strongly recommended.
Countries with G2G industrial trainee MOUs that enable D-9-2 placements include Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and several others. The list of currently active agreements and participating quotas may change from year to year. For the most current and accurate information on whether your home country has an active G2G agreement for industrial facility trainees, check with the Korean consulate or embassy in your home country, or contact the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
If the designated industrial facility closes or ceases operations during your training period, your training basis under D-9-2 is invalidated. You should immediately contact both your G2G program's sending agency in your home country and the Korean immigration office (출입국사무소) where you are registered. Depending on the specific G2G agreement and the availability of alternative designated facilities, an official transfer to a new training site may be arranged through proper program channels. You must not independently find a new employer or begin working elsewhere — all transitions must go through official G2G program channels and immigration approval.
