Korea D-2 Student Visa Complete Guide (2026): Application, Renewal & Part-Time Work
The D-2 visa is issued to foreign students enrolled in a regular degree program at an accredited Korean university, college, or graduate school. This guide covers everything from the initial application through post-graduation visa transitions.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is the D-2 Student Visa?
- 2. D-2 Visa Sub-Types
- 3. Eligibility Requirements
- 4. Required Documents
- 5. Application Procedure
- 6. Foreigner Registration After Arrival
- 7. D-2 Visa Renewal
- 8. Part-Time Work Permit
- 9. Post-Graduation Visa Transitions
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. Consultation
1. What Is the D-2 Student Visa? {#section-1}
The D-2 (Study) visa is issued to foreign students enrolled in a regular degree program at a Ministry of Education-accredited institution.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | D-2 (Study) |
| Permitted activities | Regular degree program enrollment (associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral) |
| Eligible institutions | Ministry of Education-accredited 4-year universities, colleges, and graduate schools |
| Initial validity | Up to 2 years (issued per semester or academic year) |
| Part-time work | Up to 20 hours/week with prior authorization |
2. D-2 Visa Sub-Types {#section-2}
| Sub-type | Description |
|---|---|
| D-2-1 | Associate degree program (2-year college) |
| D-2-2 | Bachelor's degree program (4-year university) |
| D-2-3 | Master's degree program |
| D-2-4 | Doctoral degree program |
| D-2-5 | Research program |
| D-2-6 | Exchange student program |
| D-2-7 | Credit transfer program |
| D-2-8 | Distance/cyber university |
3. Eligibility Requirements {#section-3}
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Letter of Acceptance from an accredited Korean institution |
| Education | High school diploma or higher (graduate programs require bachelor's degree) |
| Financial capability | Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses |
| Academic standing | Must maintain attendance and grade requirements for renewal |
4. Required Documents {#section-4}
Applying from Abroad (New Entry)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa application form | Available at Korean embassy/consulate |
| Valid passport (6+ months remaining validity) | |
| Passport-size photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm) | 1 copy |
| Letter of Acceptance (original) | Issued by the Korean institution |
| Academic certificates (graduation certificate + transcripts) | Notarization or apostille required |
| Financial proof | Bank statement, scholarship confirmation letter, etc. |
| Parental/guardian financial guarantee (for minors) |
Changing Status from Within Korea (D-4 → D-2, etc.)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa status change application form | |
| Letter of Acceptance | |
| Passport and alien registration card | |
| Academic certificates | |
| Financial proof |
5. Application Procedure {#section-5}
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply to a Korean university and receive acceptance |
| 2 | Receive Letter of Acceptance from the institution |
| 3 | Apply for D-2 visa at the Korean embassy/consulate |
| 4 | Enter Korea after visa issuance |
| 5 | Register as a foreigner within 90 days of arrival (immigration office) |
| 6 | Receive student ID and alien registration card; begin school |
6. Foreigner Registration After Arrival {#section-6}
You must complete foreigner registration at your local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.
| Required Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | |
| Passport-size photo | 1 copy |
| Enrollment certificate or Letter of Acceptance | Issued by the school |
| Proof of residence (dormitory confirmation or lease agreement) | |
| Registration fee | Approx. KRW 30,000 |
7. D-2 Visa Renewal {#section-7}
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | Per semester or academic year (generally 1–2 years) |
| When to apply | 2–3 months before expiration |
| Renewal conditions | Must meet attendance rate requirements; poor grades may limit renewal |
| Required documents | Enrollment certificate, transcript, attendance record, passport, alien registration card |
Low attendance or academic probation may result in renewal restrictions. Check with your school's international office in advance.
8. Part-Time Work Permit {#section-8}
D-2 visa holders may work part-time after receiving a part-time employment permit from the immigration office.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Permitted hours | Up to 20 hours per week during semester |
| During vacation | No hour restriction |
| Application method | Immigration office visit or Hi Korea online |
| Required documents | Enrollment certificate, alien registration card |
| Permitted job types | Wide variety of jobs other than simple labor |
Working without a part-time employment permit may result in visa cancellation and deportation.
9. Post-Graduation Visa Transitions {#section-9}
| Target Visa | Conditions |
|---|---|
| D-10 (Job seeker) | After graduation for job-seeking activities (up to 1–2 years) |
| E-1 to E-7 (Employment) | After a job offer is confirmed, change to the relevant work visa |
| F-2-7 (Points-based residence) | If sufficient points are accumulated (Korean language, grades, employment, etc.) |
| F-6 (Marriage) | Upon marriage to a Korean national |
Time spent as a D-2 student in Korea also counts toward the F-2-7 points-based residence visa's Korea residence bonus.
10. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-10}
Q. Can I work part-time during the semester on my D-2 visa? A. Yes, but you must first obtain a part-time employment permit. During the semester, you are limited to 20 hours per week. During vacation periods, there is no hourly restriction.
Q. If I change my major or school, do I need a new visa? A. Changing your major within the same school does not require a new visa. If you transfer to a different institution, you must report the change to the immigration office.
Q. Is my D-2 visa still valid during a leave of absence? A. Your D-2 status can generally be maintained during a leave of absence, but you will need to show proof of your planned return when renewing. For extended leaves, notify the immigration office.
Q. Can I go directly to a work visa after graduating? A. After graduation, you can change to a D-10 (job seeker) visa to job-hunt for up to 1–2 years. Once you receive a job offer, you change to the appropriate work visa (E-series).
Q. How do I change from a D-4 language study visa to a D-2 student visa? A. After receiving admission from a Korean university, apply for a visa status change at your local immigration office. You can apply while still on D-4 status after completing language study.
11. Consultation {#section-11}
Student visa applications, renewals, part-time work permits, and post-graduation visa transitions can be complex. Vision Administrative Office provides expert consultation on all aspects of student visa status.
Free consultation: 02-363-2251
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