How long does it take to get a Korea D-2 student visa?

After your university applies for a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance on your behalf, Korean Immigration typically reviews it in roughly 3 to 4 weeks. The consulate or embassy then issues the visa sticker, usually within about 5 to 7 business days. Timelines vary by office and season — confirm current waits with your university and embassy.

Can D-2 students work part-time in Korea?

Yes, but only after obtaining a part-time work permit, and the allowed hours depend on your TOPIK level and study level. Rules changed for 2026, so verify the current hour limits with your university's international office and HiKorea before working.

Do I need a TOPIK score for a D-2 visa?

A TOPIK score is generally not required to receive the D-2 visa itself, but your university may have its own language admission requirements, and your TOPIK level affects how many hours you may legally work part-time. Always check your specific university's rules.

What financial proof does a D-2 visa need?

You typically need to show you can cover tuition and living costs, for example through a bank balance certificate or a scholarship award letter. The exact amount and document format are set by Korean Immigration and your embassy, so check their current checklist.

Is the D-2 visa the same as a residence card?

No. The D-2 is your entry visa. After arriving, if you stay over 90 days you must separately apply for a Residence Card (formerly the Alien Registration Card) at an immigration office through HiKorea.

Home › Korea D-2 Student Visa Guide

Korea D-2 Student Visa Guide (2026)

General information for foreign students · Last reviewed: June 2026

The D-2 is Korea's long-term visa for foreigners enrolled in a degree program (associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) at an accredited Korean university. This page explains who it's for, the documents most applicants need, how part-time work hours work, and the basic steps — in plain language, with no false promises. Visa decisions are made by Korean Immigration, not by any guide.

⚠️ Visa rules change often. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Always verify the current requirements for your situation on the official Korea Immigration Service site hikorea.go.kr, the Study in Korea portal, and with your nearest Korean embassy or consulate before applying.

Who the D-2 visa is for

The D-2 is for students admitted to a full degree program at a recognized Korean higher-education institution. It has sub-types (for example D-2-2 bachelor's, D-2-3 master's, D-2-4 doctoral, D-2-6 exchange). If you are taking a non-degree Korean language course instead, that is usually a different visa (D-4), not D-2. Confirm which sub-type fits your enrollment with your university's international office.

Core requirements and documents

The exact checklist is set by Korean Immigration and can differ by embassy and nationality. The items below are the ones most D-2 applicants are asked for — treat this as an orientation, not a guaranteed list.

1. Certificate of Admission (CoA)

Issued by your Korean university once you are accepted. This is the foundation document — without confirmed admission there is no D-2.

Source of truth: your university's admissions office

2. Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI)

In the common process, your university applies to Korean Immigration for this on your behalf. Immigration's review typically takes around 3–4 weeks for a complete application. Times vary.

Applied for by your university, reviewed by Korean Immigration

3. Proof of finances

Evidence you can cover tuition and living costs — for example a bank balance certificate or a scholarship award letter. The required amount and format are set officially; check the current figure with your embassy.

Verify exact amount on the official checklist

4. Academic credentials

Proof of your most recent completed education (diploma/transcripts), often apostilled or consular-legalized depending on your country.

Legalization rules vary by country — confirm with your embassy

5. Passport, photo, application form & fee

A valid passport, a recent passport photo, the completed visa application form, and the consular fee. Some embassies require a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate before issuing the visa.

Form and fee from your local Korean embassy/consulate

Part-time work on a D-2 (2026)

D-2 students may work part-time only after obtaining a part-time work permit from immigration. The number of hours you may legally work is tied to your TOPIK level and study level, and these limits were adjusted for 2026. The table below reflects widely reported 2026 limits, but the rule that matters is the one immigration and your university apply to you — confirm before you start any job.

Level	Reported 2026 term-time limit
Undergraduate, below TOPIK 3	Up to about 10 hrs/week
Undergraduate, TOPIK 3+	Up to about 25 hrs/week
Graduate (Master's/PhD)	Up to about 30 hrs/week
Graduate, TOPIK 4+	Up to about 35 hrs/week

Working without a permit, or beyond your allowed hours, can put your visa status at risk. Always get the permit first and verify your limit on HiKorea or with your international office.

After you arrive: the Residence Card

The D-2 gets you into Korea. If you stay longer than 90 days, you must separately register and obtain a Residence Card (formerly the Alien Registration Card) at the immigration office for your district, booked through HiKorea. See our Residence Card / ARC registration guide for that next step.

Travel tip, not visa advice: many incoming students set up a local eSIM before landing so they can receive verification texts and book their HiKorea appointment on arrival.

Compare Korea travel eSIMs

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a D-2 visa?

After your university applies for the Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance, Korean Immigration typically reviews it in about 3–4 weeks, then the embassy issues the visa sticker in roughly 5–7 business days. Seasonal volume can lengthen this — confirm with your university and embassy.

Can D-2 students work part-time?

Yes, after getting a part-time work permit. Allowed hours depend on your TOPIK level and study level and changed for 2026 — verify your specific limit with HiKorea and your international office before working.

Do I need a TOPIK score for the visa itself?

Usually not for the visa, though your university may require Korean proficiency for admission, and your TOPIK level affects part-time work hours. Check your university's rules.

How much money do I need to show?

Enough to cover tuition and living costs, shown via a bank certificate or scholarship letter. The exact amount is set officially and changes — check the current figure on your embassy's checklist.

Is the D-2 the same as a residence card?

No. The D-2 is your entry visa; the Residence Card is obtained separately after arrival if you stay over 90 days.

⚠️ Reminder: requirements, fees, and processing times change. Do not rely on this page as your final source. Confirm everything on hikorea.go.kr and with your Korean embassy before acting. This is not legal advice.