Visa for international students enrolled in Korean language programs at university-affiliated language institutes or government-approved language training institutions. Covers Korean language courses typically lasting 6 months to 2 years. Not for degree programs — use D-2 for academic study.
University language programs typically cost ₩1,300,000–₩1,800,000 per 10-week term (4 terms/year). Annual cost approximately ₩5,000,000–₩7,200,000 ($4,000–$5,500). Tuition varies by institution reputation and location.
D-4 visa holders cannot work during the first 6 months. After 6 months with 90%+ attendance, students may apply for part-time work permission: up to 10 hours/week without Korean proficiency, up to 20 hours/week with required proficiency, and up to 25 hours/week in some accredited or excellent-institution cases.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-10 Job Seeking Visa (from D-4) | Job seeker | 6mo-12mo | Any | No | No |
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None required for entry | Admission | Korean | — | No Korean language requirement for D-4 visa entry — the purpose is to learn Korean. Programs typically start from beginner level (Level 1). |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $45 | One time |
| Alien Registration Card (ARC) | Registration | $22 | One time |
Most students use D-4 as a stepping stone to D-2 (degree program). Can change to D-2 status after achieving TOPIK Level 3+ and gaining university admission. D-10 job-seeking visa available after D-4 but limited to 1 year (vs 2 years for D-2 graduates). Work permission extremely limited.
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- South Korea F-4 Overseas Korean Visa (ancestry)
Last verified: May 3, 2026. Source