Admission and school records are incomplete
The admission certificate, school status, and program details need to support the exact study route.
Manual basis: Study-status manuals rely on school-issued admission and program documents.
Readiness check
Are you ready to apply for D-4?
Use this quick self-check before you spend time on forms or book a consultation for General Training Visa.
0 of 6 ready0%
Next focus
Eligibility fit
I meet the core D-4 requirements and understand any sponsor, degree, income, family, or experience conditions that apply.
Overview
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.
Who is the D-4 visa for?
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.
Eligibility requirements
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
Delay and refusal risks
What can go wrong with D-4?
Student-status delays usually come from school eligibility, finances, admissions records, or study/work compliance.
Financial proof does not match the filing route
Weak balance records, unclear sponsor support, or missing scholarship/tuition proof can create delay.
Manual basis: Study-status manuals include financial ability and tuition/stay-expense evidence.
Prior violations or unresolved compliance issues
Prior overstays, fines, unauthorized work, tax delinquency, or criminal history can trigger closer review even when the basic visa category looks correct.
Manual basis: The stay manuals repeatedly reference status restrictions, law-violation review, criminal-record checks, tax/payment issues, and status-change limits.
Required documents
- 1.
Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
- 2.
Standard admission certificate issued by university president/dean (표준입학허가서)
- 3.
Final academic records — apostille or Korean consular authentication required
- 4.
Financial proof: bank balance statement (issued within 30 days) or scholarship certificate, covering tuition + living expenses for study period
- 5.
Family relationship certificate (if submitting parents' bank statement)
- 6.
Training plan including class schedule, instructor roster, and facility details
How to apply — step by step
- 1
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.
- 2
Apply for D-4 visa
Submit your application at the Korean consulate with your enrollment certificate and supporting documents.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
Immigration Specialists
Verified professionals who can help with your visa application
Verified Specialists
Find a certified immigration administrative agent.
Mr. Visa Korea lists certified immigration administrative agents (행정사) who have been verified by our team. Book a consultation directly — no cold calls, no guessing.
Verified profiles only
Direct consultation booking
Key Immigration Terms
Unfamiliar with a term?
