How do I change my visa status from D-4 language visa to D-2 student visa?

Question

Accepted Answer

Apply for a change‑of‑status to a D‑2 student visa at your local immigration office **before your current D‑4 stay expires**, submitting the admission letter, proof of finances and the usual passport/ARC documents; the office will issue a new stay permit that lets you stay for up to **2 years per issuance** according to your study program. Full details below.

**Details**

- **When to apply** – Submit the change‑of‑status request **before the expiration date of your D‑4 visa** so you remain a legal resident .
- **Where to apply** – Local immigration office (or foreigner‑management office that issued your original stay permission) .
- **Required documents** (from the D‑2 visa checklist) 
 - Completed visa application form for D‑2 (study) status.
 - Valid passport and Alien Registration Card.
 - Official admission letter from the Korean university (issued by president or dean).
 - Proof of highest education level (transcript or diploma).
 - Proof of financial ability (bank statements, scholarship letter, etc.).
 - Additional items such as recent photo, tuberculosis test result (if required).
- **Procedure** 
 1. Gather the above documents.
 2. Submit them to the immigration office together with the change‑of‑status application form.
 3. Pay the processing fee (amount varies by office).
 4. Await approval; once granted, your Alien Registration Card will be updated with the new D‑2 status and stay period (up to **2 years per issuance**, extendable according to your program length) .
- **After approval** – You can enroll and, if eligible, apply for part‑time work permission under the D‑2 rules.

**Hotlines for help**

- Immigration inquiries: **1345**
- Legal aid for foreigners: **132**
- Labor issues (e.g., part‑time work permission): **1350**.

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