Korean Student Visa Process (D-2) 2026 for International Students

If you got selected for a Korean scholarship or university program, the next step is to get your student visa. This visa lets you enter Korea legally and study full time. In this guide you will learn everything about the D-2 visa. This is the main student visa for Korea. We will show you how to apply for it in easy steps.

What Is the D-2 Student Visa?

The D-2 visa is the official study visa for students going to Korean universities. You also need it if you got scholarships like GKS, KOICA, KAIST, UST, or AKS. The Korean Embassy in your country gives you this visa after you get your admission letter.

With this visa you can:

• Study full time in a Korean university
• Stay for the full duration of your degree
• Apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) in Korea
• Work part-time (with permission)
• Extend your visa for research or thesis work if needed

Required Documents for Korean Student Visa 2026

The embassy may ask for slightly different documents, but here’s the common list:

• Visa application form (download from embassy website)
• Passport (valid for at least 2 years)
• Passport size photos (white background)
• Admission letter or scholarship certificate from university
• Certificate of Enrollment from university or KOICA
• Your degree certificates and mark sheets
• Financial proof (bank statement or scholarship letter)
• Visa fee (different in each country)
• Medical check report (for long stay)

Note: If you are a scholarship student, your financial proof and tuition fees are already covered, so the process is much easier.

When to Apply for the Visa

Apply for your visa right after you get your final admission or scholarship letter. Most embassies say you should apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your flight to Korea.

If you wait too long, you might miss your orientation or first week of classes.

Step by Step Process for Korean Student Visa 2026

Step 1: Get Your Admission Letter

• Before you apply for visa, make sure your university or scholarship office sends you the final admission letter. This is the most important document. Without this, you cannot apply.

Step 2: Collect All Documents

• Check your country’s Korean Embassy website for updated requirements.
• Make sure your passport is valid, your photos are recent, and your name matches on every document.
• Create a folder with digital copies too — it helps later when applying for your ARC.

Step 3: Submit at the Korean Embassy

• Go to the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country.
• Submit your visa form and all documents. Some embassies allow online applications, but most still require physical submission.
• You’ll get a receipt after submission. Keep it safe.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• The visa process takes 10 to 15 working days in most cases. Some embassies may take longer during busy months like July or August.
• You can check your visa status online using your passport number. Check the embassy website for tracking.

Step 5: Collect Your Visa

Once approved, you will get a sticker or e-visa in your passport. Check the details carefully:

• Your name is spelled correctly
• Visa type says D-2
• Duration is correct

Now you are officially ready to travel to Korea. You should also check How to Apply for Korean Scholarships.

After Arrival in Korea

• After landing in Korea, you must register as a foreign student.

1️⃣ Apply for Your Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Within 90 days of arrival, visit the nearest immigration office to apply for your Alien Registration Card (ARC).
You’ll need:

• Passport
• Visa copy
• Admission certificate
• Two photos
• Fee (₩30,000 in cash or card)

The ARC acts as your local ID card in Korea. You’ll need it for banking, SIM cards, and part-time jobs.

2️⃣ Set Up a Bank Account

Go to any nearby bank like KEB Hana, Woori, or Shinhan.
You’ll need your passport, ARC, and university certificate.
This account will receive your monthly scholarship allowance.

3️⃣ Get a SIM Card and Transportation Card

Buy a SIM at the airport or campus store.
For local travel, get a T-money card — it works on buses and trains all across Korea.

4️⃣ Attend Orientation Week

Your university or scholarship office will hold an orientation for new students.
You’ll learn about campus rules, class schedules, and Korean culture.

Don’t skip this — it’s your chance to meet new friends and professors.

Common Visa Mistakes to Avoid

Many students delay or face problems because of small errors. Avoid these:

❌ Submitting old or unclear passport photos
❌ Using expired passports
❌ Forgetting the scholarship letter
❌ Sending documents without proper translation
❌ Applying too late before the semester starts

Check your documents twice before submission. It saves weeks of delay.

Pro Tips from Current Students

✔ Print two copies of your admission and scholarship letter.
✔ Keep all original certificates with you on the flight.
✔ Save embassy contact details in your phone.
✔ Apply for your ARC early — immigration slots fill fast.
✔ Always carry your passport or ARC during the first few weeks.

These small things make your first month in Korea much easier.

Quick Summary

Step	Action
1	Receive admission or scholarship letter
2	Collect all required documents
3	Submit visa at Korean Embassy
4	Wait 10–15 days for approval
5	Collect visa and book ticket
6	Apply for ARC after arrival

FAQs