Can I change from D-4 (General Training) to another status of stay?

Yes, you can. However, it is allowed only in limited cases, after a strict review, and only if you already meet the requirements of the status you want while you are in Korea¹.

Basic rules

• In principle, you must leave Korea, get a visa (사증) for the new status of stay, and enter Korea again¹.
• If you meet the required conditions inside Korea, you can apply to change your status of stay without leaving the country¹.
• A common example is finishing a language course (D-4) and changing to university study abroad (D-2)¹.
• Marrying a Korean citizen and changing to marriage immigration (F-6) is also an example of a change of status¹.

How to apply

1. Check the requirements and documents for the status you want on HiKorea (하이코리아), in the guide for each status of stay¹.
2. You or your agent submit the documents to the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) that has jurisdiction over your address¹.
3. You must get permission before you start the new activity¹.

In general, it is safer to apply early, well before your period of stay ends.

⚠️ Please note

• If you do activities of another status (for example, working) before you get permission, it is a violation of the Immigration Act (출입국관리법). The fine (범칙금) depends on how long the violation lasted. For example, it is 500,000 won for less than 1 month and 10,000,000 won for 1 year or more but less than 2 years. The longer the period, the higher the amount².
• This fine is not an administrative penalty (과태료). It is money you pay in a criminal procedure instead of a court fine.
• Requirements and documents are different for each status you want to change to. Whether you get permission also depends on the review result.

For final confirmation, please check HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or call the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345). If your application was rejected or your period of stay has already ended, do not handle it alone. We recommend getting a consultation with the K-VISA AI Administrative Agent (K-VISA AI 행정사) in the Visa Service in the app.