Study Korean language at a university language institute or vocational school.
Stay Duration
Up to 6 months per initial visa issuance (extendable by semester; extensions denied if attendance falls below 70%)
Processing
1–3 weeks
Visa Fee
$74.63 (status change) / $44.78 (extension)
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
The D-4 visa covers training and language study programs that are not full degree programs. Sub-codes include: D-4-1 (Korean language study at university language institutes), D-4-7 (foreign language study), D-4-2 (corporate graduate trainee), D-4-3 (K-12 foreign student), D-4-5 (Korean culinary training), and D-4-6 (accredited private education institutions). The most common is D-4-1 — the standard route for foreigners who want to study Korean before entering a degree program or working. Important: As of October 2025, D-4-6 (private education) requirements were significantly tightened — sponsoring institutions must meet stricter standards, educational subcontracting is prohibited, and KIS conducts regular on-site inspections.
Foreign nationals enrolled in Korean language programs at accredited university language institutes (어학원), or in vocational/corporate training programs. Commonly used by those planning to apply for D-2 university admission or who want to learn Korean before working.
Enrolled in a language institute attached to an accredited university (D-4-1) — general private academies (학원) are NOT eligible for D-4-1; D-4-6 covers accredited private education but has stricter requirements since October 2025
High school diploma or equivalent (minimum 12 years of education) required for D-4-1; D-4-7 foreign language track allows high school students
Proof of financial sufficiency covering tuition + living expenses for the full study period
Education credentials verified via apostille or consular authentication
Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
Standard admission certificate issued by university president/dean (표준입학허가서)
Final academic records — apostille or Korean consular authentication required
Financial proof: bank balance statement (issued within 30 days) or scholarship certificate, covering tuition + living expenses for study period
Family relationship certificate (if submitting parents' bank statement)
Training plan including class schedule, instructor roster, and facility details
Enroll in a Korean language program
Apply to a university language institute (e.g., Yonsei Korean Language Institute, Seoul National University Language Education Institute) or an accredited vocational school.
Apply for D-4 visa
Submit your application at the Korean consulate with your enrollment certificate and supporting documents.
Arrive and register
Register at immigration within 90 days of arrival. Maintain attendance above 70% — immigration monitors this and extensions are denied if you fall below threshold.
Extend or change status
You may extend the D-4 for additional semesters or change to D-2 once accepted into a degree program.
Need help with your D-4 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles D-4 applications.
Unfamiliar with a term?
Still have questions about the D-4 visa?
Ask K-VISA AI — free, instant answers on Korean visa requirements and procedures.