Visa & Immigration Guide

The Sungkyun Language Institute (SLI) Korean Regular Program is for international students who participate in Korean language training for 10 weeks or longer. Students must obtain an appropriate visa according to their nationality and length of study before entering Korea.
Since the required documents and processing time for visa issuance vary by country, students must check with the Korean diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in their home country in advance.
However, students from countries under the visa waiver agreement, Korean nationals, or students who already hold a visa that allows language training in Korea (such as D-2 or F visa) may participate in the Korean language program without applying for a new visa.

1. Types of Visa

Students who enter Korea without a visa and plan to study for more than 3 months must change their visa status to D-4-1.
Whether a visa status change is possible within Korea must be confirmed with the Immigration Office in advance.
In some cases, students may be required to leave Korea and re-enter, or apply for a visa from outside Korea.

2. Alien Registration Card (ARC)

• Eligibility: Korean language students who entered Korea with a D-4 visa
• Deadline: Must apply within 90 days from the date of entry (Failure will result in a fine)
• How to Apply: Visit the local Immigration Office (Online reservation required via HiKorea)
• Required Documents
  • Application Form (Template #34)
  • Passport
  • One photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
  • Certificate of Tuition Payment (New students) or Certificate of Enrollment (Continuing students)
  • Proof of Residence
• Fee: KRW 35,000

3. Change of Residence

• Deadline: Within 15 days after changing residence (Late report will result in a fine)
• How to Report
  • Online: www.hikorea.go.kr
  • Visit: Immigration Office or Community Service Center in the new residence area
• Required Documents: Proof of Residence

Types of Proof of Residence

4. Change of Personal Information on ARC

• Applicable Cases
  • Change of name, gender, date of birth, nationality
  • Change of passport number, issue date, or expiration date
• Deadline: Within 15 days after the change
• Required Documents
  • Application Form (Template #34)
  • Passport
  • Alien Registration Card
  • Proof of Changes

5. Extension of Stay (Visa Extension)

• Application Period: From 4 months before the expiration date until the expiration date
• How to Apply
  • HiKorea e-Application
  • Visit Immigration Office (Reservation required)
• Required Documents
  • Application Form
  • Alien Registration Card
  • Certificate of Enrollment
  • Transcript
  • Certificate of Tuition Payment
  • Proof of Residence
• Fee
  • E-Application: KRW 50,000
  • Visit Application: KRW 60,000
• Important Notes
  • Visa extension may be restricted if attendance rate is below 70%
  • Late application will result in a fine
  • Additional documents may be requested during screening

6. Part-time Work

• Eligibility
  • D-4 visa holders who have stayed in Korea for more than 6 months
• Conditions: Attendance rate of 90% or higher for each completed semester
• Working Hours
  • TOPIK Level 2 or above: Up to 25 hours per week
  • Below TOPIK Level 2: Up to 10 hours per week
• How to Apply
  • HiKorea e-Application
  • Visit Immigration Office
• Required Document
  • Confirmation Form for Part-time Work of Foreign Students
    (Must be signed by SLI Administration Office)
• Illegal Employment
  • Fine of KRW 2,000,000 or more
  • Deportation
  • Immediate dismissal from SLI

7. Immigration Contact Center & HiKorea

All international students staying in Korea must personally handle all immigration-related procedures such as visa application, alien registration, extension of stay, and address change through the Immigration Office or HiKorea.
SLI provides administrative guidance only.
The final responsibility for all immigration matters lies with the student.

1) Immigration Contact Center (1345)

The Immigration Contact Center is operated by the Ministry of Justice and provides comprehensive immigration counseling services.

• Main Services
  • Consultation on visa types and changes
  • Guidance on alien registration and visa extension
  • HiKorea usage support
  • General immigration inquiries
• Languages Supported
  20 languages including Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Mongolian, Indonesian, French, Bengali, Pakistani, Russian, Nepali, Cambodian, Burmese, German, Spanish, Filipino, Arabic, and Sri Lankan.
• Contact
  • From Korea: 1345
  • From overseas: +82-2-1345
  • Hours: Weekdays 09:00–22:00
    (After 18:00: Korean / English / Chinese only)

2) HiKorea – Official Korean Immigration Portal

HiKorea is the official immigration administration website operated by the Korean government. Most immigration services are processed through HiKorea

• Website www.hikorea.go.kr
• Main Functions
  • Search for local Immigration Offices
  • Check visa expiration date
  • Submit e-applications (visa extension, address change, etc.)
  • Make visit reservations
  • Download immigration forms
  • View visa guidelines

8. Immigration Office Visit Reservation (Mandatory)

All Immigration Offices in Korea operate under a reservation system.

Important

Without a reservation, applications may not be accepted or long waiting times may occur.
(Address change and passport change reports do not require reservation.)

Reservation (No ARC Number)

• 1. Visit HiKorea → “Visit Reservation”
• 2. Select “Non-member Reservation”
• 3. Verify passport information
• 4. Select Immigration Office based on residence or location of SLI(Seoul Sejong-ro or Suwon) 
• 5. Enter visit purpose and date
• 6. Print or capture reservation slip
• 7. Visit office 10 minutes before appointment

Reservation (With ARC Number)

• 1. Visit HiKorea → “Visit Reservation”
• 2. Enter ARC number and issue date
• 3. Select visit purpose and date
• 4. Print or capture reservation slip
• 5. Visit office 10 minutes before appointment

Final Notice

All immigration-related procedures including visa extension, alien registration, address change, and status change must be handled by the student personally.
SLI is not responsible for any disadvantages caused by late application, missing documents, or negligence.
Students must always check schedules and procedures in advance through HiKorea or the Immigration Contact Center (1345).