🛂 Korean Visa Types Explained (D-4, D-2, E-2, F-series, etc.)

Planning to study, work, or live in Korea? Understanding Korea’s visa system is the first step. The visa codes — like D-4, D-2, or F-6 — might look confusing, but each one has a specific purpose. This guide will walk you through the most common Korean visa types and how to choose the right one.

1. D-4 Visa: Korean Language Training

The D-4 visa is designed for students enrolling in Korean language institutes, often connected to major universities. It's a great option for people who want to improve their Korean before applying for a university or a job.

📎 Official Info: Korea Visa Portal – D-4

2. D-2 Visa: University Students

The D-2 visa is for international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate programs at accredited universities in Korea. You can also work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) under this visa with permission.

📎 Scholarship tip: Consider applying through Study in Korea for government-funded opportunities.

3. E-2 Visa: English Teachers

The E-2 visa is issued to native English speakers who come to Korea to teach in schools, hagwons, or public programs like EPIK. You must have a university degree and be from an approved English-speaking country.

📎 EPIK program info: EPIK Official Website

4. F-Series Visas (F-1 to F-6)

F-1: Visiting family or accompanying dependents
F-2: Long-term residency (can be applied for after staying on D/E visa)
F-4: Overseas Korean visa (for people with Korean heritage)
F-5: Permanent residency
F-6: Marriage visa (for foreign spouses of Korean nationals)

📎 More details: Hi Korea Immigration Portal

5. Tips and Resources

Apply early — visa processing can take 2–4 weeks.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Check with the Korean embassy in your country for the latest requirements.
Always keep a digital and paper copy of your visa approval and ARC (Alien Registration Card).

6. 🤔 Did you know?

Korean visa types are structured by letter and number — but there's meaning behind the codes! For example, "D" stands for education and "E" for employment. The number helps narrow down the category (e.g., D-2 = degree programs, D-4 = language training). This system is used across most Korean immigration paperwork!

7. Learn Korean with a Tutor

🧑‍🏫 Planning to apply for a D-4 or E-2 visa?

👉 Book a Korean class with me on italki to improve your speaking skills before arrival. Let’s get you ready to live confidently in Korea!