What are the KIIP levels and the benefits of completing them?

The Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP, 사회통합프로그램) is a Ministry of Justice (법무부) course that teaches Korean language and basic knowledge of Korean society. If you complete it, you get benefits when you apply for naturalization, permanent residence, a change of status, or a visa. Your level is assigned by your pre-assessment score. I am not sure about the exact hours and level structure from the materials I have.

How your level is decided

• First, you take the basic knowledge pre-assessment. It measures your Korean ability and your understanding of Korean society.
• Your score decides your starting level.
• Level 5 is divided into a basic course (50 hours) and an advanced course.
• If you finish the Level 5 basic course, you are recognized as eligible for permanent residence. If you finish the advanced course too, you are recognized as eligible for naturalization.

Benefits of completing the program

• Naturalization
• The naturalization written test has been replaced by the comprehensive assessment for naturalization.
• If you finish the full Level 5 course (basic + advanced) and pass the comprehensive assessment for naturalization, you are exempt from the naturalization interview.
• The waiting period for the nationality review is also shorter.
• Permanent residence (F-5)
• You are exempt from proving your Korean ability and from the field survey.
• Other statuses of stay
• You get bonus points, and you are exempt from proving your Korean ability.
• Visa applications
• You are exempt from proving your Korean ability and similar requirements.

The scope of the benefits depends on the level you completed.

⚠️ Things to be careful about

• You pass the comprehensive assessment with 60 points or more out of 100.
• To apply for permanent residence, you must complete KIIP or pass the comprehensive assessment for permanent residence. Some people are exempt or have eased requirements.
• If you skip the Level 5 basic course and pass the comprehensive assessment for permanent residence directly with a pre-assessment score of 85 or more, your certificate will say 'not completed'. It changes to 'completed' after you finish the basic course later.
• Naturalization applicants must pass the comprehensive assessment for naturalization within 1 year of the application date. If you do not pass, your naturalization application will be denied.
• You cannot apply for the comprehensive assessment for naturalization applicants while a class is in progress. Take it after the class ends, or apply for a completion pause in My Page on the Social Integration Information Network (socinet.go.kr).
• If you pass the comprehensive assessment for naturalization before finishing the course, it is not recognized as completion. You also cannot get the interview exemption.

To find out your starting level from your pre-assessment score, check socinet.go.kr, your local immigration office (출입국·외국인관서), or the Foreigner Comprehensive Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).