Hello! If you don't take the TOPIK or the social integration program, but you know the language, can they still grant a 3-year extension, or is a certificate mandatory now?
2026-02-12 18:52
Visa Info
From 2026, H2 will be discontinued; the transition to F4 is mandatory.
- Zhanna🌹 A long time ago 2026.02.11 23:09 H Popular
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What changes from 2026? ❌ H-2 Visa: No longer issued (from February 12, 2026). ✅ F-4 Visa: Becomes the only primary visa for ethnic Koreans.
What should those who currently have an H-2 do? You need to apply for a change of status to F-4. This won't happen automatically! 🎁 Good news: Until the end of 2027, you do not need to pay the government fee for the visa change.
What’s the catch? It all comes down to the Korean language. Now, the duration of your F-4 visa directly depends on your language proficiency: 🗣 Passed TOPIK or the social integration program? Get a 3-year visa. 😶 Don’t know the language? You'll only get it for 1 year.
Bottom line: The state wants compatriots not just to come for work (H-2), but to live here permanently and learn the language (F-4).
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I am currently preparing translations of Ministry of Justice publications. In the "Q&A" document, there are the following answers:
11. Due to the strengthening of social integration (including higher Korean language requirements), it may be difficult for compatriots with weak Korean language skills to meet the requirements. What is the opinion on this matter?
— The requirement for Korean language proficiency for compatriots in their most active socio-economic age (14–59 years old) is a minimum safety measure so that they can find employment in Korea and protect their rights and interests.
— For compatriots with insufficient Korean language levels, support is planned through participation in the "사회통합프로그램" to maximize their language proficiency.
— Even with an insufficient level of Korean, if a compatriot continues to study Korean through the "사회통합프로그램" (i.e., is registered and undergoing training), they will be granted an appropriate period of stay.
— The following are exempt from confirming Korean language proficiency: individuals who previously held Republic of Korea citizenship; individuals under 13 or 60 years of age and older; students in Korean elementary/middle/high schools; as well as individuals for whom the fact of submitting documents confirming Korean proficiency is recognized from a previous status of stay, etc.
So, if you are not included in the list of exempt persons, you will most likely need confirmation documents.
2026-02-12 19:06
Aha, I’ve got it now, thank you so much.
And is a specific TOPIK level required, or is it enough just to have the certificate in hand and that’s all?
2026-02-12 19:20
TOPIK Level 2 and above
2026-02-12 19:43
Without a certificate, they just renew it for a year.
2026-02-12 19:43
Dmitry, where did this information come from? Passing KIIP Level 1 was enough for a 3-year extension.
2026-02-12 20:19
I got the information from this post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUnP4B8kcoe/?img_index=2&igsh=MTJheWpkeXllZHE3YQ==
2026-02-12 20:20
Thank you for the response. The post doesn't say that specifically the second 2 geup is required. At the immigration center, they said 1 completed KIIP course is enough.
2026-02-12 20:23
Here is the third slide from the post. Well, if the immigration service told you that, then in your case, it will probably be enough.
2026-02-12 20:24
Thank you. It’s just that different officers in immigration often have different information.
2026-02-12 20:26
In the infographic, you can find the Russian translation of the Ministry of Justice announcement regarding "Объединении виз H-2 и F-4"
Key points:
1) Without discrimination by citizenship: if it is confirmed that a person is a compatriot, they are issued an F-4 visa and residence status.
2) The new issuance of "Visit and Employment (H-2)" visas is discontinued; however, current H-2 status holders may remain in Korea until the end of their stay period.
3) (+10 permitted occupations)
4) When submitting documents confirming Level 1 Korean language proficiency under the Social Integration Program, a 3-year stay period is granted (visa term — 2 years). If not submitted, the stay period is 1 year.
From 01.01.2029, the Social Integration Program requirement will increase to Level 3, while
① until 31.12.2026, the current Level 1 applies,
② from 01.01.2027 to 31.12.2028, Level 2 applies.
5) For individuals with a high level of Korean language proficiency and for active (top) volunteers, the income criterion will be relaxed when applying for permanent residency (F-5)
2026-02-12 20:28
There are Korean language proficiency criteria for H-2 and F-4.
Having reviewed the information regarding the integration, I assume that Level 1 of the program or TOPIK will be sufficient until 31.12.2026.
*From 01.01.2027 to 31.12.2028, Level 2 applies.
*From 01.01.2029 - Level 3.
2026-02-12 20:30