If you are planning to study in South Korea or seek employment there afterward, understanding the various types of Visas available is essential to achieving your goals. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand which Korean Visa you should be applying and the requirements of it to ensure a smooth process!
Visa-Free Entry
South Korea offers visa-free entry to citizens of more than 100 countries for short stays, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality. If you qualify for visa-free entry and are participating in one of our shorter programs, such as a 3-week Korean Language Camp or a 1-month International Summer School, you can avoid the effort and cost of applying for a visa. Instead, you may only need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), a straightforward process that usually takes less than a day for approval.
You may check your eligibility via the website linked here.
D-2 Student Visa
For those intending to pursue full-time academic programs, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, Exchange programs, or Summer and Winter school programs, a D-2 Student Visa is required. This Visa allows you to stay in South Korea for the duration of your studies. However, if your study period is 90 days or less and your country is eligible for the K-ETA, you can opt for the K-ETA instead.
D-4 Visa
If you are enrolling in a Korean Language Program at a university-affiliated language institute or a recognized private language school, or if you are engaged in a non-degree educational program that does not fall under the D-2 category, you will need to apply for a D-4 Visa.
Residence Card
Regardless of whether you hold a D-2 or D-4 Visa, you are required to apply for a Residence Card at the local immigration office in South Korea within 90 days of your arrival. This step is crucial to legalize your stay and allows you to access various services in the country.
D-10-1 Job Seeker Visa
Upon graduation, if you wish to extend your stay in South Korea to search for employment, you can apply for the D-10-1 Job Seeker Visa. This Visa grants you additional time to explore job opportunities and transition smoothly into the Korean workforce.
Working as an International Student
International students often inquire about working while studying in South Korea. If you hold a D-2 or D-4 Visa, you are permitted to take up part-time jobs, provided you meet specific conditions set by the immigration authorities. We have a detailed article (linked here) that covers the requirements and process for working as an international student in South Korea, which you can refer to for more information.
With a vast network of university partnerships, Flying Chalks is dedicated to facilitating students' study journeys in South Korea. Whether securing admissions at your preferred Korean university, navigating student visas, or arranging accommodation, our team of education experts ensures a seamless process from start to finish, at no cost to you. Additionally, our support extends to on-ground assistance in South Korea, ensuring a smooth experience throughout your academic pursuit.
To learn more about studying in South Korea and the available programs, you can book a free consultation with us using the link in our profile.
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