Korea D-4 General Training Visa — How It Differs from D-2

Overview

D-4 (General Training) applies to those receiving education or training, or engaging in research, at institutions, companies or organisations outside the scope of D-2 educational and academic research institutions.

Language training uses sub-codes D-4-1 (Korean) and D-4-7 (foreign language). A change of status to language training is generally allowed for lawfully staying, registered long-term residents; holders of short-term (B- or C-series) statuses are generally restricted.

At a Glance

Scope of Activity

• Education or training at institutions outside the D-2 scope
• Education or training at companies and organisations
• Engagement in research activity

Who Qualifies

• Persons receiving education or training at educational institutions outside the D-2 scope
• Persons receiving education or training at companies or organisations
• Persons engaging in research activity
• Persons undertaking Korean language training (D-4-1) or foreign language training (D-4-7)

Required Documents

• Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34), passport and ARC, fee
• Standard admission letter (for language training, issued by the university president or dean) and the institution's business registration or unique ID certificate
• Training plan and documents evidencing the training body
• Evidence of ability to pay tuition and living costs
• Proof of residence

Application Process

1. Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
2. Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
3. Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
4. File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
5. Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
6. Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.

Key Points

• For non-profit D-1, D-2 and D-4 holders, a change of affiliated institution or organisation (including a name change) is handled as an alien registration change report.
• A change of status to language training (D-4-1, D-4-7) is generally allowed for registered long-term residents but generally restricted for short-term (B- or C-series) status holders; high-school graduation or higher is required (D-4-7 is also open to high-school students or below).
• D-4-2 holders are listed among the statuses that may undertake study activity without a separate permit.
• Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
• Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
• Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
• You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
• Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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