Can I work on a student visa?

D-2 university students can work part-time (20 hours/week) with permission from immigration. D-4 language students generally cannot work. Must apply for work permit after arrival.

How long can I stay on each visa type?

D-2 student visas: up to 2 years renewable. E-7 work visas: 1-3 years renewable. F-6 marriage: 1 year initially, then 3 years, then permanent. D-8 investment: 1 year renewable.

What if my documents are rejected?

You'll receive specific reasons for rejection. Can reapply immediately with corrected documents. Common issues: expired background checks, insufficient financial proof, incomplete employer documentation.

Do I need to speak Korean for the application?

Application forms are available in English at most consulates. Interview may be conducted in English for many visa types. However, some investment and specialized work visas may require Korean language ability.

Can I apply from Korea if I'm already there?

No, must apply from your home country or country of legal residence. Tourist visa holders cannot change to long-term status while in Korea. Must exit and apply at overseas consulate.

How to get a long-term visa for South Korea

Long-term visas for South Korea require specific documentation based on your purpose (work, study, marriage, investment). Apply at a Korean consulate with required documents, proof of finances, and background checks. Processing takes 7-14 business days and costs $40-90 depending on visa type.

Determine which long-term visa you need. E-7 for skilled work, D-2 for university study, D-4 for language study, F-6 for marriage to Korean citizen, F-5 for permanent residence, or D-8 for investment. Each has different requirements and validity periods.
Gather required documents. All visas need: valid passport (6+ months), completed application form, passport photo, criminal background check apostilled from your home country. Work visas need job contract and employer sponsorship. Student visas need acceptance letter and financial proof ($10,000+ in bank statements).
Get your criminal background check apostilled. Request from your national or state police. Must be issued within 6 months of application. Get apostille certification from designated authority in your country. This process takes 2-6 weeks depending on your country.
Submit application at Korean consulate. Apply in person at the consulate serving your area. Cannot apply by mail for long-term visas. Bring originals and copies of all documents. Pay fee: $40 for single entry, $60 for multiple entry, $90 for some work visas.
Wait for processing and collect visa. Processing takes 7-14 business days for most long-term visas. Some investment or specialized work visas can take 4-6 weeks. You'll receive a sticker visa in your passport valid for initial entry. Must enter Korea within 3 months of issue.
Complete registration in Korea. Within 90 days of arrival, register at local immigration office for Alien Registration Card (ARC). Bring passport, application form, fee payment, and proof of address. ARC serves as your ID while in Korea.

Can I work on a student visa?: D-2 university students can work part-time (20 hours/week) with permission from immigration. D-4 language students generally cannot work. Must apply for work permit after arrival.
How long can I stay on each visa type?: D-2 student visas: up to 2 years renewable. E-7 work visas: 1-3 years renewable. F-6 marriage: 1 year initially, then 3 years, then permanent. D-8 investment: 1 year renewable.
What if my documents are rejected?: You'll receive specific reasons for rejection. Can reapply immediately with corrected documents. Common issues: expired background checks, insufficient financial proof, incomplete employer documentation.
Do I need to speak Korean for the application?: Application forms are available in English at most consulates. Interview may be conducted in English for many visa types. However, some investment and specialized work visas may require Korean language ability.
Can I apply from Korea if I'm already there?: No, must apply from your home country or country of legal residence. Tourist visa holders cannot change to long-term status while in Korea. Must exit and apply at overseas consulate.