How to Get a D-2 Student Visa for Korea
The D-2 visa is the main visa for international students enrolled in degree programs at accredited Korean universities. Whether you are starting a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program, this guide walks you through the full application process.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
Issuance-manual sections covering D-2 student visa issuance, consular review, and TB-related entry screening.
Stay-manual sections covering D-2 extension, leave of absence, school transfer, reporting duties, and part-time work permission.
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Important manual-based filing notes
These points are drawn from Korea immigration manuals and recurring review patterns for higher-risk guide topics.
HiKorea — Korean visa & residency manual: Issuance-manual sections on D-2 issuance and TB-related entry screening.
Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Bureau: Stay-manual sections on D-2 extension, school-status review, reporting, and part-time work.
- D-2 review depends on genuine school enrollment and later compliance. School status changes can become immigration issues quickly.
- Document freshness matters in practice for school and civil records, even when applicants focus only on the headline admission packet.
- Part-time work is a separate compliance question and should not be assumed from student status alone.
- If a TB or medical certificate is requested, use the required provider and format exactly.
Who qualifies for the D-2?
Foreign nationals who have received a formal acceptance letter from a Korean university accredited by the Ministry of Education qualify for the D-2. This includes 2-year associate degree programs, 4-year undergraduate programs, and all postgraduate degrees. Exchange students on programs shorter than 6 months typically use a D-2-1 or C-3 short-stay visa instead.
Applying from abroad
Most D-2 applicants apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in their home country before departure. The process begins after you receive your admission letter from the university. Korean consulates in some countries (China, Vietnam, Mongolia, Uzbekistan) have stricter document requirements and longer processing times — typically 4–8 weeks instead of the standard 2–4 weeks.
Financial requirements
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses. The standard requirement is USD 10,000 (or equivalent) in a bank account in your name (or your guarantor's name if they are a parent). The bank balance certificate must be recent — typically issued within 3 months of the application date.
Step-by-step process
Get your admission letter
Apply to and receive a formal admission letter from a Korean university. The university's international office will provide guidance on the visa application once you are accepted.
Prepare your documents
Core documents: passport (valid for 6+ months beyond intended stay), admission letter (입학허가서), application form (available at consulate or HiKorea), passport photo, bank balance certificate, and proof of payment of the first semester tuition. Some consulates also require a Certificate of Enrollment from your previous institution.
Submit at the Korean consulate
Submit all documents at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Many consulates now accept applications through a visa application center (VAC) rather than directly — check the specific requirements for your country.
Register your ARC after arrival
After arriving in Korea, you must register your ARC within 90 days at the immigration office near your university. Many universities organize group ARC registration for new international students — check with your international student office.
Complete the alien registration
Bring your passport, visa, application form, passport photo, and ₩30,000 fee to the immigration office. Your ARC will be mailed to you within 2–3 weeks of registration.
Tips from 행정사s
Many Korean universities have official immigration help desks for international students — use them. They process hundreds of applications annually and know exactly what local immigration requires.
Your bank statement must show available funds, not a loan or credit line. Some consulates specifically exclude credit balances.
Keep a copy of your D-2 admission letter — you will need it if you travel in and out of Korea during your studies.
After completing your degree, you can change status to D-10 (job seeker) to look for employment in Korea without returning home.
Need help with this?
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Key Immigration Terms
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Visa Process
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official ID card issued to foreigners staying in South Korea for 91 days or longer. It is required to open a bank account, sign a phone contract, and access most public services.
Visa Process
HiKorea
How to use HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) — Korea's official immigration portal for visa extensions, status changes, and ARC renewal. Processing time: 3-10 business days.
Visa Process
Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
A visa extension — officially called a 'stay period extension' (체류기간 연장) in Korean immigration law — allows a foreigner to legally remain in Korea beyond the expiry date on their current visa or ARC without leaving the country.
Visa Process
Status of Sojourn Change (체류자격 변경)
A status of sojourn change allows a foreigner already in South Korea to switch from one visa category to another without leaving the country — for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa upon graduation and employment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work part-time on a D-2 visa?
Yes, but with restrictions. You need a part-time work permit (시간제취업허가서) from immigration. Hours depend on your Korean proficiency: if you meet TOPIK Level 3+ (or equivalent), you can work 25 hours/week on weekdays, with unlimited hours on weekends, public holidays, and during school breaks. Without meeting the Korean language requirement, you are limited to 10 hours/week on weekdays only. Graduate students (master's/PhD) who meet the language requirement can work up to 30 hours/week plus unlimited during breaks.
Can I transfer universities on the same D-2?
If you change universities, you must report the change to immigration and your new university must re-invite you under the same D-2 status. Failing to report a university transfer is a visa violation.
What happens to my D-2 if I take a leave of absence?
If you take an official leave of absence, your D-2 is typically maintained but you cannot work. You must report the leave to immigration and may need to adjust your status if the leave extends beyond 1 year.