How do I apply for the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (사회통합프로그램, KIIP), and what benefits do I get for completing it?

You can apply for KIIP only online, through the Social Integration Information Network (사회통합정보망, www.socinet.go.kr). If you complete it, you get benefits for naturalization, permanent residence, visas, and more.¹

How to apply

1. Sign up as a member on the Social Integration Information Network and apply for the program. All immigrants and Korean nationals can apply if they want to.¹
2. Take the pre-assessment to be assigned a level. The assessment location is designated by your local Immigration Office (출입국·외국인관서).⁵
3. In My Page, apply for a course at the operating institution that covers your place of residence.¹
4. You must take part in classes within 2 years from the date you were assigned a level.⁵

Course structure

• Korean language and culture: Level 0 is 15 hours, and Levels 1~4 are 100 hours each.⁴
• Understanding Korean Society (Level 5): Basic is 70 hours, and Advanced is 30 hours.⁴
• Only people who have finished the Basic course, or who passed the comprehensive assessment for permanent residence, can take the Advanced course.¹

Benefits of completion

• Naturalization: If you complete all of Level 5 and pass the comprehensive assessment for naturalization, you are exempt from the naturalization interview.²
• Permanent residence: You are exempt from proving Korean language ability and from the field survey.³
• Other status of stay: You get bonus points and are exempt from proving Korean language ability.³
• Visa application: You are exempt from proving Korean language ability and other requirements.³
• The range of benefits you can get depends on the level you completed.³

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you cannot take part continuously for 30 days or more, you must apply for a suspension of completion within 15 days from the day the reason arose.¹
• If you are absent without permission for 30 days or more, you will be removed from the program, and everything you completed at that level becomes invalid.¹
• If your place of residence changes, first report the change, then apply to the new operating institution in charge.¹

For final confirmation, please check the Social Integration Information Network or call the Foreigner Comprehensive Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).