D-4 Language School Visa: Everything You Need to Know
If you are dreaming of learning Korean in Korea itself, drinking convenience-store coffee between classes, and practicing your pronunciation with real locals instead of your language app, then the D-4 language school visa is your official ticket in.
As a Korean local who has helped many foreign students figure out this exact visa, let me walk you through everything you need to know in a clear, simple, and honest way.
What Exactly Is the D-4 Visa
The D-4 visa is a long-term student visa for people who want to study Korean at an accredited language institute in Korea. This usually means a language center attached to a university. It is not for degree programs like bachelors or masters; those are covered by the D-2 visa.
Think of the D-4 as your beginner-level gateway into Korean student life.
Who Needs a D-4 Visa
You need a D-4 visa if you plan to:
Study Korean for more than 90 days
Enroll in a university-affiliated Korean language program
Stay in Korea long-term for language learning
If you plan to take only a short introductory course or a tourist-level class while visiting, the tourist visa is usually enough. But for real language study, schools will require the D-4.
Required Documents
Requirements vary slightly by embassy and country, but the common list includes:
- A valid passport
- Visa application form
- One recent passport-sized photo
- Certificate of admission from the Korean language school
- Bank statement showing financial ability
- Tuition payment receipt
- Academic transcripts or proof of education
- Application fee
Some embassies may ask for extra documents such as family relationship certificates or criminal background checks. Always check your local Korean embassy’s guidelines before submitting.
How to Apply for the D-4 Visa
Step 1. Apply to a Korean language school
Once you are accepted, the school will issue a certificate of admission and details for your visa application.
Step 2. Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents. Triple-check the bank balance requirement, as this is one of the most common reasons for visa delays.
Step 3. Submit at your local Korean Embassy
You will submit your application at the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Processing time can range from a few days to a few weeks.
Step 4. Receive your visa
Once approved, your passport will come back with your D-4 visa. Now it is time to book your flight and start practicing your polite-form greetings.
After Arriving in Korea
Once you arrive, there are a few important tasks to complete.
Alien Registration Card ARC
Within 90 days of arrival, you must apply for an ARC at the immigration office. Without this card, you cannot open a bank account, get a phone plan, or prove your legal status.
Address reporting
If you change your address, you must update your information at the immigration office or local district office.
Attendance matters
Language schools are strict about attendance. If you drop too low, your visa can be affected. Yes, even if you oversleep because you were up late watching Korean dramas.
Can You Work Part-Time on a D-4 Visa
Yes, but not immediately.
You must first study for at least six months and maintain good attendance. After that, you can apply for permission to work part-time. Common jobs include cafes, restaurants, or convenience stores.
Working without permission can cause serious visa issues, so always get approval first.
How Long Can You Stay on a D-4 Visa
Typically, the D-4 can be issued for 6 months to 1 year, depending on the school and your study plan. You can extend it as long as you continue studying and meet attendance requirements.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Starting the visa application too late
- Assuming they can work immediately
- Not preparing enough financial proof
- Skipping ARC registration
- Underestimating how strict attendance rules are
Avoid these, and your language school life will be much smoother.
Final Thoughts from a Korean Local
The D-4 visa is designed for people who want to fully experience language learning in Korea, not just play tourist. It gives you time to study, make friends, experience daily life, and slowly understand why Koreans take their late-night ramyeon so seriously.
If you prepare well, follow the rules, and stay committed to your classes, the D-4 visa opens the door to a rich and memorable chapter of your life in Korea.