D-4 Language Training Visa Requirements and Documents — Language Institute Admission, Financial Ability and Attendance Rate

Procedure

1. 1. Check the training institution and the sub-category

   First check whether it is Korean language training at a university-affiliated language institute or similar institution (D-4-1) or foreign language training (D-4-7). The sub-category and the documents to submit differ depending on the training institution.

2. 2. Obtain the Certificate of Admission

   Apply to the language institute for admission, pay the tuition, and then receive the Certificate of Admission (standard admission letter). The training period and course name on the certificate must match the later visa application documents.

3. 3. Prepare the education and financial ability documents

   Prepare the certificate of the highest level of education with an apostille or consular legalization. Financial ability is proven with a bank deposit, a certificate of a balance maintained for a certain period or longer, or the like. If a family member bears the costs, submit documents on the relationship and a confirmation of financial support together.

4. 4. Apply for a visa, or change status in Korea

   From abroad, apply for a visa at a Korean diplomatic mission. A person staying in Korea applies for permission for change of status of stay when the requirements are met. Complete foreigner registration within 90 days after entry.

5. 5. Manage the attendance rate and extend the stay

   At an extension of the period of stay, the attendance rate, grades and tuition payment records are examined. If the attendance rate is low, the extension may be refused or granted only for a short period, so keep an attendance certificate for each term.

Required documents

• Visa application form or integrated application form, passport, photograph
• Certificate of Admission (standard admission letter) from the language training institution
• Certificate of the highest level of education (apostille or consular legalization)
• Proof of financial ability (bank balance certificate, deposit certificate, etc.)
• If someone else bears the costs: documents proving the relationship and a confirmation of financial support
• For an extension: attendance and grade certificate, tuition payment receipt, proof of place of stay

Fees

The government fee for an extension of the period of stay is 48,000 won for an electronic application and 60,000 won for an in-person application, and the fee for a change of status of stay is 100,000 won. At Hwang Yunsang Administrative Office, the service fee starts from 170,000 won for an electronic application for extension of the period of stay and from 350,000 won for permission for change of status of stay. We will advise on the fee after a consultation, depending on the scope of education document authentication and supplementation of financial documents.

See fees and official charges for this service →

Legal basis and review date

• Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, attached Table 1-2
• Immigration Act, Article 31
• Immigration Act, Article 25
• Immigration Act, Article 20
• Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 72
• Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 74

Checked against the statutes on 2026-09-30

Statutes and public notices change, so each case needs to be checked individually. Statute titles are given in English for reference. The Korean statutes are the authoritative text.

Check these first

• Foreigner registration must be completed within 90 days from the date of entry, and an extension of the period of stay must be applied for before the period expires.
• If the education certificate has no apostille or consular legalization, a request for supplementation will be issued.

Frequently asked questions