What is a D2 Visa?
Essential Visa for International Students
If you’re an international student looking to pursue a degree in South Korea, obtaining a D2 visa is a must. The D2 visa grants you the legal status required for studying in a university or graduate program. With this visa, you’ll be able to engage in your academic pursuits in South Korea and, under certain conditions, even work part-time.
Scope and Eligibility of the D2 Visa
The D2 visa is designated for students enrolled in regular degree programs at accredited institutions of higher education. These institutions must be established under the Higher Education Act or other relevant laws and meet the criteria set by the Minister of Justice.
✅ Eligible Institutions for D2 Visa:
- Universities and graduate schools
- Research institutions meeting the criteria established by the Minister of Justice
- Language institutes affiliated with universities (limited to certain programs)
❌ Excluded Institutions:
- Broadcasting and Cyber Universities (including distance learning)
- Lifelong education institutions and vocational training programs
- Evening graduate schools without daytime courses (some exceptions may apply)
Required Documents for D2 Visa Application
When applying for a D2 visa, you’ll need to gather the following essential documents:
📌 Common Required Documents:
- Visa application form
- A copy of your passport
- Recent passport-sized photo (taken within the last six months)
- A copy of the business registration or unique identification number of the educational institution
- Standard admission letter (issued by the university president or dean)
- Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)
- Documentation proving family relationships (if submitting parents’ bank statements)
- Final academic qualification documents (submission methods may vary by country and degree program)
What is a Visa Issuance Confirmation?
The visa issuance confirmation is a document that shows you’ve received pre-approval for your visa application, streamlining the overall visa approval process.
✅ Where to Apply:
- At the immigration office in the area where your prospective university is located
- Online application: Visa Portal System
Duration and Potential Changes to Your D2 Visa
The D2 visa allows for a stay of up to two years and can be extended as long as you remain enrolled in your studies. After completing your academic program, you may also transition to a work visa (like D10 or E7).
Conclusion
The D2 visa is an essential requirement for international students aiming to obtain a degree in South Korea. Before applying, ensure that your chosen institution qualifies for D2 visa issuance, and prepare your documents meticulously.
Please note that this information is current as of the time of writing and that government policies may change. This article serves solely as informational and does not provide legal interpretations or judgments.
For additional inquiries, feel free to reach out through our 1:1 Counselling Board.