1. Eligible Individuals and Scope of Activities

Individuals intending to receive education or training, or engage in research activities at educational institutions, companies, or organizations other than those covered by the student (D-2) visa category. 

2. Maximum Period of Stay Granted at Once

2 years

3. Activities Outside the Scope of Stay Permit

Activities outside the scope of the stay permit are generally restricted. (Verification Required)

1. Refer to “Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Stay Permit for Student (D-2) Visa Holders”

D-4 visa holders should refer to the following regulations regarding activities outside the scope of stay for student (D-2) visa holders.

a. Special Provisions for Student Researchers in Science and Technology Research Fields

• Eligible Applicants: Individuals enrolled in or who have completed a master's or doctoral program, and intend to be employed as a 'student researcher' under an employment contract at a government-funded research institution outside their affiliated university.

  The scope of government-funded research institutions is as follows:

  1. Research institutions as stipulated in Article 8 of the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Government-funded Research Institutions in the Science and Technology Field.

  2. Designated research institutions as stipulated in Article 3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of Designated Research Institutions.

  3. Researchers as stipulated in Article 14 of the Special Act on the Creation and Support of the International Science and Business Belt.

  ※ Note: Students affiliated with the University of Science and Technology (UST) and KAIST do not require separate permission as they may receive stipends for participating in their affiliated university's research projects for credit acquisition, etc., under current regulations.

• Required Documents: Employment contract, copy of business registration certificate of the research institution, fees
• Precautions: Foreign students are prohibited from engaging in activities outside their research visa status.

  Activities outside the scope of stay are prohibited for students (D-2) working as researchers in general companies (including university industry-academic cooperation groups) or organizations. Employment is only possible through a change of status.

  Dispatch work to external research institutes other than the affiliated university is strictly prohibited.

b. Part-time Employment (Arbeit) for Foreign Students

• Basic Principle: Limited to part-time employment activities typically undertaken by students (e.g., simple labor).

  ※ If you intend to engage in employment activities falling under [Table 1-2] of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, individual guidelines for each visa category will apply. (Examples: Presidential English Teaching Fellowship, language instructor, professional interpreter/translator, etc.)

2. Activities Outside the Scope of Stay for General Training (D-4-1) Visa Holders as Language Instructors (E-2)

• Holders of the language training (D-4-1) visa can engage in activities outside the scope of their stay 6 months after obtaining the D-4-1 visa.

3. On-the-Job Training for Students Undergoing Training at Excellent Private Educational Institutions

• Intern Requirements: Trainees who have completed 6 months of stay, possess TOPIK Level 2 or higher (including those who have completed Sejong Korean Level 2 or Social Integration Program Level 2 or higher), have an attendance rate of 90% or higher, and are recommended by the head of the educational institution.
• Internship Fields: Limited to fields directly linked to the relevant educational curriculum.
• Internship Institutions:

  Up to 10 institutions per educational institution (educational institutions manage separate lists).

  Institutions that have signed an on-the-job training agreement with the educational institution (specifying industry, hours, conditions, etc.) and have 5 or more regular employees (including workplaces).

  Institutions located within 50 km of the educational institution that can help improve the trainee's skills in connection with their training activities.

• Restricted Internship Institutions: Institutions that have received penalties or heavier sanctions for violations of the Labor Standards Act or the Occupational Safety and Health Act within the last 5 years.
• Obligations of Internship Institutions: Must appoint an on-the-job training supervisor (mentor) for career guidance and conduct labor rights education, industrial safety and health education, and sexual harassment prevention education to prevent safety infringements.

  ※ On-the-job training supervisor: Individuals with at least 3 years of experience in the relevant field and holding an intermediate or higher level qualification.

• Internship Hours: On-the-job training is limited to 28 hours per week, including weekends. On-the-job training activities after 9 PM are strictly prohibited.
• Restrictions on Internship Activities: Even if it is an activity to improve skills in the relevant field, it is restricted in the following cases:

  Simple production jobs in the manufacturing sector and the construction sector.

  External activities outside the management of the relevant institution, such as delivery or dispatch.

• Required Documents:

  Training Institution: Standard On-the-Job Training Agreement (signed with the internship institution, specifying internship requirements, allowances, internship hours and location, internship content, provision of breaks, prohibition of night internships, etc.), Internship Site Visit Confirmation (own format).

  Internship Institution: Copy of Business Registration Certificate (or Certificate of Unique Number), Copy of Corporate Register (if applicable).

  Trainee: On-the-Job Training Plan (own format).

• Pre-notification of On-the-Job Training Processing (Pilot operation, until separate system development):

  Applicable Laws: Exceptions to Article 18 (Restrictions on Employment of Foreigners), Article 19 (Reporting Obligations of Employers of Foreigners), and Article 20 (Activities According to Stay Permit) of the Immigration Control Act.

  Notification Procedure: ① The head of the training institution visits the competent local immigration office to report with relevant documents (no fee). ② Relevant documents are collected, and the notification details are entered into the system for student part-time employment permits (until separate system development). ③ A notification confirmation is issued using the standard form for student part-time employment permits.

• Administrative Sanctions for Unpermitted Individuals:

  Foreigners: Processed according to relevant regulations for illegal employment violations.

  Educational Institutions: Prohibition of on-the-job training permits for 1 year from the date of the first violation. If a violation occurs during the prohibition period, further restrictions on visa issuance will be applied.

  Internship Institutions: Treated as illegal employment and processed according to relevant regulations.

• Administrative Sanctions for Violation of Permit Conditions:

  Foreigners: All on-the-job training permits prohibited during the training period.

  Educational Institutions: Prohibition of on-the-job training permits for 6 months from the date of violation.

  Internship Institutions: Prohibition of on-the-job training permits for 1 year from the date of violation.

4. Change or Addition of Workplace

Not applicable

*Note: For holders of non-profit cultural arts (D-1), student (D-2), and general training (D-4) visas whose purpose is not for profit, if there is a change (including name change) in their affiliated institution or organization, or for holders of reporting (D-5), religious (D-6), sojourn (D-7), corporate investment (D-8), or trade management (D-9) visas whose affiliated institution or organization name changes, a change notification of registered foreigner status under Article 35 of the Act shall be processed (Article 49-2 of the Enforcement Rules).*

5. Granting of Stay Permit

Not applicable

6. Permission to Change Stay Permit Status

a. Permission to Change Stay Permit Status to Language Training (Korean Language Training: D-4-1, Foreign Language Training: D-4-7)

1. Basic Principle: Permission for change of status is granted to long-term residents who are legally staying in Korea after foreigner registration. However, change of status for short-term residents (B, C series visas) is generally restricted. Among registered foreigners, those with other (G-1) visa status are restricted from changing their status, except for those with technical training (D-3), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), and humanitarian stay permit (G-1-6) visas.

※ Change of stay permit status to language training is only possible for individuals with a high school diploma or higher (however, for foreign language training (D-4-7), students attending high school or lower educational institutions are also eligible).

※ The process for verifying academic qualifications is the same as for applying for a student (D-2) visa.

2. Required Documents

b. Change to General Training (D-4-2) or other visa categories for Graduates

1. Target Applicants: Graduates of domestic universities (including junior colleges) who are recognized as needing training at institutions or organizations that meet any of the following criteria:

• Domestic parent company or foreign branch of an invested overseas company.
• Domestic headquarters or branch/affiliated company of an overseas foreign company where employment has been secured.
• United Nations organizations, intergovernmental organizations, diplomatic missions in Korea (Chamber of Commerce).

2. Training Location:

• Domestic parent company or foreign branch of an invested overseas company.
• Domestic headquarters or branch/affiliated company of an overseas foreign company where employment has been secured.
• International organizations, foreign diplomatic missions in Korea, Korean cultural centers of foreign countries, Chambers of Commerce in Korea, etc.

3. Required Documents:

• ① Application form, Passport, Foreigner Registration Card, 1 photograph, Fees
• ② Documents proving the necessity of training (e.g., certificate of employment, training plan)
• ③ Documents proving it is a domestic company invested by a foreign entity or a domestic company that has invested overseas.

c. Change to Student Visa for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students (D-4-3)

1. Eligible Applicants: Foreign students currently legally registered and residing long-term in Korea who have received admission to the following educational institutions (excluding short-term visa holders and G-1 visa holders).

2. Educational Institutions: Must fall under one of the following categories:

• Elementary, middle, and high schools as defined in Article 2, Clauses 1 to 3 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (excluding community schools, higher community schools, broadcasting and correspondence middle and high schools, and higher vocational schools).
• Foreign schools and alternative schools among miscellaneous schools as defined in Article 2, Clause 5 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

  Tuition fees must be 5 million KRW or more annually, and limited to institutions recognized for academic credit authorized by the Superintendent of Education.

• Foreign educational institutions as defined in Article 2, Clause 2 of the Special Act on the Establishment and Operation of Foreign Educational Institutions in Economic Free Zones and Jeju Free International City.
• Science gifted schools as stipulated in Article 14-3, Clause 1 of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Act.
• ※ (Caution) However, compulsory (free) education institutions as defined in Articles 10-2 and 12 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act are excluded.

3. Categories of Applicants and Required Documents

Attached Documents

* Originals prepared in a foreign language must be submitted with a translation. When attaching a translation, a translator's confirmation statement (Form Attachment 3) must also be submitted.

** 〈Examples of Family Relation Proof Documents〉 China: Hukou or Family Relationship Certificate, Philippines: Family Census, Indonesia: Kartu Keluarga, Bangladesh: Jammo Kagoj or Jammo Shaidhi Ticket, Vietnam: Ho Khau (So Ho Khau) or Birth Certificate (Giay khai sinh), Mongolia: Certificate of Kinship, Pakistan: Family Certificate, Sri Lanka: Paulla Certificate, Myanmar: Family Relation Certificate (Im Taung Su Sain), Nepal: Janmaadhaa, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Thailand: Birth Certificate.

d. Foreign Training at Excellent Private Educational Institutions (D-4-6)

1. Eligible Applicants: Registered foreigners legally residing in Korea who meet the trainee criteria.

※ Change Restrictions: Holders of B2 and C3 visas, as well as those with technical training (D-3), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), and other (G-1) visas are restricted from changing their status.

2. Criteria for Permitted Training Institutions (All of the following conditions ① to ⑥ must be met):

• ① Institutions meeting any of the following criteria:

  Professional technical training institutions established (or affiliated) by listed Korean companies

  ※ 'Professional technical training institutions affiliated with listed Korean companies' refer to institutions that are invested to a level comparable to establishment or are significantly managed by listed Korean companies.

  ※ 'Professional technical training' refers to the technical and skill fields specified in Table 2 of the Enforcement Rules of the National Technical Qualification Act.

  Professional technical training institutions affiliated with universities

  ※ Refers to specialized professional technical training institutions formally operated within universities (e.g., dedicated attached training institutes like language centers). General lifelong education centers that conduct multiple courses are excluded.

  Domestic branches of renowned foreign professional technical training institutions or educational institutions in corporate form with exclusive operating agreements

  ※ 'Renowned professional technical training institutions' refer to institutions located in countries advanced in their respective fields, such as the United States, Europe, or Japan. The applicant educational institution must submit supporting materials such as foreign media articles and information on its graduates to prove its legitimacy.

  Non-profit vocational ability development training corporations permitted by the Minister of Employment and Labor under Article 32, Clause 1 of the Worker's Vocational Competency Development Act.

  Lifelong vocational education academies in vocational technology fields, in corporate form, accredited for their learning courses by the Minister of Education under Article 3 and Article 3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Recognition of Credits*

  * 'Lifelong vocational education academies in vocational technology fields' refer to academies established under Article 6 of the Act on the Establishment, Operation, and Extracurricular Tutoring of Academies that offer 'teaching courses in vocational technology fields' as specified in Table 2 of Article 3-3, Clause 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the same Act.

  Full-time universities as 'school-type lifelong education facilities' under Article 31 of the Lifelong Education Act

  Full-time universities: K-Arts, Baeksok Arts University, Jeonghwa Arts University

• ② Educational institutions established for more than 1 year.
• ③ Educational institutions where tuition fees per semester are 4 million KRW or more (8 million KRW annually).
• ④ Limited to vocational technology education as defined in Table 2 of Article 3 of the Enforcement Rules of the National Technical Qualification Act or Table 2 of Article 3-3, Clause 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Establishment, Operation, and Extracurricular Tutoring of Academies.

  However, management/office administration and culture/tourism fields, as well as occupations such as wallpapering, plastering, laundry, funeral services, hospice care, and cleaning, are excluded from training courses.

  To prevent training deficiencies, educational institutions with fewer than 10 Korean students enrolled in each course under the D-4-6 training program of this guideline, accumulated over the past year from the application date, will be restricted from inviting trainees.

  ※ Even if a program falls under the D-4-6 training course, the number of Korean students who participated in one-off, short-term programs will be excluded from the enrollment count (e.g., a 3-day aviation service training program commissioned by an airline).

• ⑤ Educational institutions that operate training courses for at least 15 hours per week, at least 4 days a week (Monday to Friday), during daytime hours.
• ⑥ Educational institutions equipped with dormitory facilities and their own training centers for trainees.

  ※ Rented facilities not affiliated with the institution are not recognized. However, residential facilities with a long-term lease agreement signed by the head of the educational institution for the trainees are exceptionally allowed. Facilities that are difficult for continuous residence, such as boarding houses, inns, and motels, are not recognized.

3. Foreign Trainee Criteria (All of the following conditions ① to ③ must be met):

• ① Must be 18 years of age or older and under 30 years of age, and possess a high school diploma or higher.
• ② Must be able to prove their living expenses in Korea during the training period.

  Living expenses in Korea will be assessed based on the criteria for living expenses for language trainees (D-4-1).

  ※ Bank balance certificates issued by domestic or foreign banks are generally required. However, if living expenses are supported by a government or company, it can be proven with relevant documents. Documents issued abroad, such as bank balance certificates, require an Apostille from the home country or consular confirmation from the Korean Embassy in that country.

• ③ Must possess the Korean language proficiency required for the training.

  Korean Language Proficiency Criteria: TOPIK Level 1 or higher, or completion of Sejong Institute Beginner Level 1 or higher courses.

4. Permitted Quota per Training Institution and Sanctions for Illegal Overstayers

• The number of trainees allowed will be within a total of 300 per training institution, regardless of the course. However, the training quota will be reduced by the number of individuals who become illegal overstayers.
• Restrictions on New Invitations for Violations by Inviting Parties and Excessive Occurrence of Illegal Overstayers

  Training institutions must report to the head of the competent Immigration Office (or Branch/Sub-office) within 15 days of becoming aware of the following situations. If such a report is missed twice or more per year, new invitations will be prohibited for 6 months.

  ※ Non-entry of invited trainees, failure to register after entry, complete departure or unknown whereabouts during training, failure to depart after completion of training, etc. (Reporting procedures will follow Article 19 of the Act).

  If the illegal overstay rate falls within the following percentages relative to the number of invited individuals, new invitations will be prohibited for 1 year. If, during the prohibition period, the additional illegal overstay rate (including those who have left their registered status) exceeds 2% of the invited number, the training will be suspended.

  ※ 15 or fewer invited individuals (illegal overstay rate: 30%), 16 to 50 invited individuals (illegal overstay rate: 20%), 51 or more invited individuals (illegal overstay rate: 15%). However, illegal overstayers who voluntarily depart (excluding those subject to deportation or exit orders) will be excluded from the illegal overstay rate calculation.

5. Required Documents

e. Change of Status for German Nationals Entering with Visa Exemption (B-1) to Long-Term Stay Status

• Permitted Stay Status: All long-term stay statuses except technical training (D-3), non-professional employment (E-9), and working holiday (H-1).
• Permitted Duration: The maximum period of stay that can be granted for each stay status.

7. Extension of Stay Permit

a. Extension of Stay Permit for Language Trainees (D-4-1, D-4-7)

1. Basic Principle

• Exclusion of Leave of Absence for Personal Reasons: Extension of stay is restricted for students who suspend their studies due to personal reasons or insufficient credits. However, exceptions may be made for changes to the relevant stay status in cases of illness or accidents deemed unavoidable.
• Change of Language Institute for Language Trainees:

  When a change of institute is unavoidable due to reasons not attributable to the trainee, such as the closure of a language institute.

  When the trainee possesses a TOPIK Level 3 (or KIP) or higher score and the reason for changing the institute is deemed legitimate.

• Encouragement of Extension via Online or Student Coordinators (to alleviate congestion)

  Target Applicants: Those not subject to direct in-person assessment, such as students enrolled in accredited universities.

  Application Example:

  Online Application: The student themselves or a student coordinator (※ Student coordinators can apply for up to 10 students in a batch).

  In-Person Visit: The student themselves or a student coordinator.

2. Required Documents

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), Passport, Foreigner Registration Card, Fees
• ② Documents proving enrollment (e.g., Certificate of Enrollment, Extension Certificate for Exchange Students, Certificate for Research Students)
• ③ Documents proving the normal pursuit of studies (e.g., Academic Transcript, Certificate of Attendance)
• ④ Proof of financial support (only bank deposits held in the student's Korean account are recognized)
• ⑤ Recruitment brochure (specifying training schedule) or Study Plan (for language trainees only)
• ⑥ Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement, accommodation provision confirmation, notice of impending expiry of stay, public utility bills, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)

b. Required Documents for Extension of Stay Permit for Foreign Students at Elementary, Middle, and High School Educational Institutions (D-4-3)

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), Passport, Foreigner Registration Card, Fees
• ② Certificate of Enrollment
• ③ Proof of tuition payment (all study-related expenses including tuition, dormitory fees, admission fees, etc.)
• ④ Proof of financial capability for residing in Korea (bank balance certificate with an amount equal to or exceeding the standard, maintained for more than 3 consecutive months, or proof of deposit/withdrawal transactions, etc.)
• ⑤ Guarantor's Bond, proof of relationship, and proof of guarantor's financial capability (if the guarantor has changed)

  For those exempt from requiring a guarantor, a 'Confirmation of Dormitory Admission' issued by the school principal must be submitted.

• ⑥ Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement, accommodation provision confirmation, notice of impending expiry of stay, public utility bills, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)

c. Required Documents for Extension of Stay Permit for Korean Cuisine Trainees (D-4-5)

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), Passport, Foreigner Registration Card, Fees
• ② Copy of Business Registration Certificate (or Certificate of Unique Number), Copy of Corporate Register (if applicable)
• ③ Certificate of payment for training fees (if additional training fees are paid)

  ※ If the training institution bears the training fees and living expenses, a confirmation of expense burden issued by the training institution will be accepted as a substitute.

• ④ Documents explaining the necessity of continued training (e.g., plan including reasons for extension and training schedule)
• ⑤ Recommendation letter from the head of the training institution (specifying training performance and attendance rate)
• ⑥ Proof of Korean language proficiency (for those who have submitted an application for exemption from basic Korean language proficiency certificate)
• ⑦ Health Certificate (for those who have submitted a confirmation of scheduled treatment)
• ⑧ Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement, accommodation provision confirmation, notice of impending expiry of stay, public utility bills, dormitory fee receipts, etc.)

d. Required Documents for Extension of Stay Permit for Foreign Training at Excellent Private Educational Institutions (D-4-6)

※ If the training institution bears the training fees and living expenses, a confirmation of expense burden issued by the training institution will be accepted as a substitute.

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), Passport, Foreigner Registration Card, Fees
• ② Documents to be Prepared by Training Institution: Certificate of Attendance (attendance roster for the previous semester, indicating class hours and attendance hours, attendance rate), Technical Training Plan (schedule, training dates), Dormitory Admission Confirmation (if applicable), other documents proving the normal pursuit of training.
• ③ Documents to be Prepared by Applicant:

  § Proof of living expenses: 'Certificate of Balance' issued by the bank for the period of stay and 'Certificate of Deposit Transaction History' for the past 6 months.

  § Certificate of payment of tuition (educational fees): Including details of the course period, tuition fees, and payment dates.

  § Certificate of enrollment (training): Including admission date, major, etc.

• ④ Training Plan (for those exceeding 1 year of stay)

  ※ The general training period is normally a maximum of 1 year from the date of entry.

8. Re-entry Permit

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption System (Revised Enforcement Rules effective December 1, 2010)

• Registered foreigners who re-enter within 1 year from the date of departure are exempt from re-entry permits.
• If the remaining period of stay is less than 1 year, re-entry permits are exempted within the remaining period of stay.
• ※ However, students who require a re-entry permit due to reasons such as entry restrictions must obtain a re-entry permit from the immigration office (office/branch) in their area of residence.

2. Multiple Re-entry Permit (Multiple re-entry is restricted for Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya. However, it is possible for nationals of these countries with marriage immigration (F-6), student (D-2), or general training (D-4) visas.)

• For those who wish to re-enter within 2 years, exceeding 1 year from the date of departure, within the remaining period of stay.
• Required Documents: Application form (Form No. 34), Original Passport, Foreigner Registration Card, Fees*

9. Foreigner Registration

1. Required Documents for Foreigner Registration

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), Original Passport, 1 standard size photograph, Fees*
• ② Certificate of Enrollment, ③ Proof of residence

2. Required Documents for Foreigner Registration of Korean Cuisine Trainees

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), Original Passport, 1 standard size photograph, Fees*
• ② Copy of Business Registration Certificate (or Certificate of Unique Number) of the training institution
• ③ Health Certificate issued by a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice

3. Required Documents for Foreign Students at Elementary, Middle, and High School Educational Institutions (D-4-3)

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), Original Passport, 1 standard size photograph, Fees*

  * Even government-funded scholarship students are subject to fees for registration and re-issuance of registration cards, as per Article 74 of the Enforcement Rules.

• ② Certificate of Enrollment**

  ** If applying for foreigner registration before admission for reasons such as opening a bank account or renting accommodation, a tuition payment statement with the school principal's seal may be accepted as a substitute.

• ③ Proof of scholarship (if applicable, official document from the institution/organization)
• ④ Proof of residence

4. Notification of Changes to Foreigner Registration Information

• Information to be Reported: Name, sex, date of birth and nationality, passport number, issue date, and expiry date.
• Eligible Applicants: Change or addition to the affiliated institution or organization (including name changes) (as of November 16, 2010).
• Reporting Deadline: Within 15 days of the change, report to the head of the municipal/county/district office in the new place of residence or the competent Immigration Office (Office/Branch) in the new area of residence.
• Required Documents:

  ① Application for Change of Foreigner Registration Information, Passport and Foreigner Registration Card, Fees

  ② Certificate of Enrollment, ③ Proof of residence

5. Notification of Change of Residence for Foreign Students

• Reporting Deadline: Within 15 days of moving to a new residence, report to the head of the municipal/county/district office in the new place of residence or the competent Immigration Office (Office/Branch) in the new area of residence.
• Attached Documents: Application for Change of Residence, Passport and Foreigner Registration Card.

10. Reference: Stay Permits Allowing Study Activities Without Separate Permission

• Eligible Applicants: Diplomatic (A-1) to Agreement (A-3), Cultural Arts (D-1), General Training (D-4-2), News Coverage (D-5) to Trade Management (D-9), Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Seafarer Employment (E-10), Visiting Cohabitation (F-1) to Marriage Immigrant (F-6), Refugee Applicant (G-1-5), Humanitarian Stay Permit Holder (G-1-6), Visiting Employment (H-2) visa holders, and holders of other stay permits who have received permission for student (D-2) activities.
• ※ Study activities are permitted without separate authorization as long as they do not infringe upon the original purpose of stay.
• ※ Language training is permissible for all legally residing individuals.
• ※ Holders of non-professional employment (E-9) and seafarer employment (E-10) visas, as well as refugee applicants (G-1-5), can engage in study activities without separate permission. However, they cannot change their status to student (D-2) after their current stay period expires. They can re-enter Korea by obtaining a visa (or visa issuance confirmation) after departing.
• Holders of the working holiday (H-1) visa can engage in training and study activities without separate permission from countries where there are no treaty restrictions. However, nationals of the following countries can engage in training without separate permission only within the scope permitted by the treaty. If the scope exceeds the treaty provisions, permission is required.

  Australia: Cannot pursue formal education in subjects other than Korean language.

  Taiwan: Cannot pursue formal education except for language training and seminars for understanding regional culture.

  Ireland: Cannot pursue training or academic programs. However, Korean language courses can be registered for up to 6 months.

  Denmark: Can pursue training or educational programs for up to 6 months.

  Canada: Korean language education is permitted for up to 3 months.

  Hong Kong: Can enroll in a single short-term training course for up to 6 months.

11. Other: Additional Information Regarding Excellent Private Educational Institutions

• Other Education: Training institutions may conduct Korean language education (by certified Korean instructors) necessary for academic pursuits for their registered trainees. Charging additional fees for Korean language programs is strictly prohibited and will be excluded from the required technical training hours (15 hours or more per week).
• Employment Privileges for Training Completion:

  Permission to Change to Specific Activities (E-7) Visa: Trainees with an associate's degree or higher who have successfully completed their training program and meet the requirements for the Specific Activities (E-7) visa can have their status changed. (This applies only if the intended employment is in a skilled or technical occupation and is related to the degree and training program obtained.)

  Participation in the Social Integration Program: To help trainees meet the requirements for changing to the Specific Activities (E-7) visa, training institutions must provide guidance on how to participate in the Social Integration Program administered by the Ministry of Justice.

  Operation of Korean Language Education Programs

12. Related Forms

On-the-Job Training Related Forms (Examples)

On-the-Job Training Company Site Visit Card (Example)

OO Company On-the-Job Training Program Structure and Operation Plan (Example)

Standard On-the-Job Training Agreement (Example)

Article 1 (Purpose) This On-the-Job Training Agreement aims to define and ensure the faithful observance of the matters necessary for on-the-job training between __________ Company Representative (hereinafter referred to as "Employer") and __________ Trainee (hereinafter referred to as "Intern") and __________ Training Institution (hereinafter referred to as "Vocational Training Institution Representative").

Article 2 (Definitions) An "Intern" refers to a person who experiences work (duties) at a business or workplace for the purpose of education or training, as distinct from an employee who provides labor for wages.

Article 3 (Internship Period) ① The internship period shall be from 20___. ____. ____ to 20___. ____. ____. ② The internship period may be determined within the scope of study days, upon agreement between the "Intern" and the "Vocational Training Institution Representative."

Article 4 (Internship Location) The internship shall be conducted at a company agreed upon by the "Employer," the "Vocational Training Institution Representative," and the "Intern." However, the internship location shall be arranged within a distance of 1 hour one-way or 50 km one-way from the training institution.

Article 5 (Internship Method) ① The internship shall be conducted according to the on-the-job training plan prepared by the "Employer" in consultation with the "Vocational Training Institution Representative" based on the vocational training curriculum. ② The "Employer" shall cooperate with the "Vocational Training Institution Representative" to ensure the "Intern" attends vocational training and evaluations at their enrolled vocational training institution. ③ Prior to the internship, the "Vocational Training Institution Representative" shall provide pre-training that includes the internship plan, internship methods, rules to be observed, and relevant laws, in consultation with the "Employer."

Article 6 (Employer's Obligations) The "Employer" shall ensure that the internship is conducted as a learning-centered vocational education and shall comply with the following:

1. The "Intern" shall be assigned to an internship department considering their major and aspirations, and opportunities shall be provided for the "Intern" to gain diverse and broad field experience.

2. A supervisor with the ability to guide the internship shall be assigned to diligently guide the "Intern's" internship.

3. The on-the-job training supervisor shall be selected from individuals holding relevant certifications and with at least 3 years of field experience.

4. The "Employer" shall cooperate when the "Vocational Training Institution Representative" seeks to verify the fulfillment of the internship agreement and shall endeavor to reflect the verification results in the internship.

5. The "Employer" shall provide education on labor-related laws such as the Labor Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act to the "Intern."

6. The "Employer" shall conduct sexual harassment prevention training for the "Intern."

Article 7 (Intern's Rights) ① The "Intern" has the right to receive appropriate guidance to receive learning-centered on-the-job training. ② The "Intern" has the right to be protected from industrial accidents during the internship period and to receive appropriate compensation in case of an industrial accident. ③ The "Intern" has the right not to be disadvantaged in relation to the internship, except in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

Article 8 (Intern's Obligations) The "Intern" shall comply with the following:

1. Diligently perform the on-the-job training education.

2. Comply with the internship standard agreement and company rules during the internship period.

3. Do not disclose confidential information of the "Employer" learned during the internship.

4. Do not leave the internship without authorization.

Article 9 (Internship Hours and Breaks) ① The internship hours shall be ____ hours per day (for the initial adjustment period of ____ days, ____ hours), with a maximum limit of 28 hours per week. ② Breaks during the internship shall be ____ minutes (____ minutes per hour during collective training). ③ Holidays and leave shall be in accordance with the employment rules set by the "Employer," but at least one day of rest per week must be provided. ④ The "Employer" shall not assign the "Intern" to internship work during night hours (10 PM to 6 AM) or on holidays.

Article 10 (Internship Allowance, Meal Expenses, and Supplies, etc.) ① The internship allowance may be paid as follows:

※ Payment Date: The ____th of each month

※ Allowance Amount: __________________ KRW

※ Payment Method: □ Bank Transfer (Account No.: ______________________) / □ Direct Payment

※ Calculation Period: From the __ day of the current month to the __ day of the current (or next) month.

② The provision of lunch shall be in accordance with the employment rules set by the "Employer."

③ The "Employer" shall provide internship textbooks, work uniforms, and other necessary supplies free of charge to the "Intern" during the internship period.

**Article 11 (Internship Evaluation and Review) ① The "Employer" shall evaluate the "Intern's" internship performance based on the standards set by the "Vocational Training Institution Representative" and report the results to the "Vocational Training Institution Representative." ② Upon completion of the internship, the "Intern" may review the results of the internship evaluation if requested.

Article 12 (Industrial Accident Compensation) The "Employer" shall compensate for industrial accidents incurred by the "Intern" in relation to the internship in accordance with the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act. However, if the "Employer's" business is not subject to the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, compensation equivalent to that under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act shall be provided.

Article 13 (Awards and Disciplinary Actions) ① The "Employer" may award the "Intern" for outstanding internship performance or exemplary conduct during the internship period. ② If the "Intern" violates the internship agreement or other internship-related rules, the "Employer" shall notify the "Intern's" affiliated vocational training institution of such violation.

Article 14 (Internship Termination) ① If the "Intern" violates the internship agreement or other internship-related rules, the "Employer" shall notify the "Vocational Training Institution Representative" and take necessary measures such as termination. The "Intern" must be given an opportunity to explain their actions in such cases. ② The "Intern" may request termination from the "Employer" in consultation with the "Vocational Training Institution Representative." In such cases, the "Vocational Training Institution Representative" must notify the "Employer" in writing.

Article 15 (Modification of Internship Content) If the "Employer" intends to modify the internship content due to the "Intern's" aptitude, health, skill acquisition, or other reasons, the consent of the "Intern" and the "Vocational Training Institution Representative" must be obtained.

Article 16 (Prevention of Internship Interruption) If the "Intern's" internship is interrupted due to the "Employer's" responsibility, the "Employer" shall endeavor to prevent the interruption by arranging the "Intern" with another internship company of the same or similar type in consultation with the "Vocational Training Institution Representative."

Article 17 (Certificate of Completion) Upon completion of the "Intern's" internship in accordance with the internship plan as per Article 5, Clause 1, the "Employer" shall issue a certificate of internship completion upon request from the "Intern."

**Article 18 (Applicable Laws) This agreement supersedes other laws. For provisions not covered herein, the Vocational Training Promotion Act and the Labor Standards Act shall apply.

This agreement is made in triplicate, signed and sealed by the "Employer," the "Intern," and the "Vocational Training Institution Representative," and each party shall retain one copy.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q. Who is eligible for a D-4 (General Training) visa?

A. This visa is for foreigners who intend to receive education, training, or engage in research activities at educational institutions, companies, or organizations other than those covered by the student (D-2) visa category.

Q. Can I work part-time (hourly employment) while holding a D-4 visa?

A. In principle, activities outside the scope of the D-4 visa status are restricted. However, D-4-1 (Language Training) visa holders can engage in language instruction (E-2) activities after 6 months from obtaining the visa. Part-time work may also be permitted under specific conditions according to student part-time employment regulations. Additionally, trainees at excellent private educational institutions may be allowed to participate in on-the-job training if they meet the requirements.

Q. What are the different types of D-4 visas?

A. According to the manual, D-4 visas are categorized into language training (D-4-1: Korean, D-4-7: Foreign languages), training for graduates (D-4-2), students at elementary, middle, and high schools (D-4-3), Korean cuisine trainees (D-4-5), and training at excellent private educational institutions (D-4-6).

Q. What is the maximum period of stay for a D-4 visa, and can it be extended?

A. The maximum period of stay granted at once is 2 years. Extensions due to personal reasons (e.g., leave of absence) are restricted, but extensions may be granted exceptionally in cases of unavoidable circumstances such as illness or accidents. For extensions, documents such as a certificate of enrollment, academic transcript, and proof of financial support must be submitted.

Q. I am attending a Korean language academy (D-4-1). Can I transfer to another language academy?

A. A change of institution is possible if it is unavoidable due to reasons not attributable to you, such as the closure of the language institute, or if you possess a TOPIK Level 3 (or have completed Level 3 or higher of the Social Integration Program) and the reason for changing the institute is deemed legitimate.

Q. What are the requirements for my high school-aged child to study in Korea (D-4-3)?

A. For self-funded students, admission to a designated educational institution and the ability to cover tuition and living expenses are required. Additionally, a guarantor residing in Korea, such as a relative, is necessary. For nationals of certain countries (21 countries with a high prevalence of illegal overstaying), income requirements apply to the guarantor.

Q. What is the 'Foreign Training at Excellent Private Educational Institutions (D-4-6)' visa?

A. This visa is for foreigners receiving professional technical training at excellent private educational institutions recognized by the Ministry of Justice, such as institutions affiliated with listed companies or university-affiliated professional technical institutions. Both the training institution and the trainee must meet specific criteria, including annual tuition fees, age, academic background, and Korean language proficiency.

Q. Can I do an internship (on-the-job training) with a D-4 visa?

A. For trainees at excellent private educational institutions (D-4-6) only, on-the-job training is possible for up to 28 hours per week in fields related to the training curriculum, provided they meet requirements such as having completed 6 months of stay, possessing TOPIK Level 2 or higher, maintaining a 90% attendance rate, and receiving a recommendation from the head of the educational institution. This must be pre-notified.

Q. What documents are required for foreigner registration upon entering Korea with a D-4 visa?

A. Common documents include an application form, passport, photograph, and fees. A certificate of enrollment and proof of residence are also required. Depending on the specific category, such as D-4-3 (students at elementary, middle, and high schools) or D-4-5 (Korean cuisine trainees), additional documents like a family relations certificate, proof of scholarship, or health certificate may be requested.

Q. What should I do if I need to change my training institution?

A. A change of workplace is not permitted for D-4 visas. If the name of your affiliated training institution changes, or if you change institutions within the permissible scope, you must report the change of foreigner registration information within 15 days.