Do international students have to report when they change schools or quit school?

Yes, you must report. If you change schools, you must report to Immigration yourself within 15 days. If you quit (drop out or are expelled), the school reports it to Immigration. After that, your status of stay can become a problem.

Documents to prepare when changing schools

You can change schools only within the same degree program. For example, you can move from a bachelor's program to another bachelor's program. You also need Korean language ability, such as TOPIK level 3 or higher. But this Korean language requirement does not apply if you move to a certified university (인증대학) or if your school has closed.

• Basic documents (application form, passport, Alien Registration Card)
• Certificate of enrollment (or withdrawal) — get it from your previous school. A certificate of expulsion is also accepted.
• Transcript — get it from your previous school.
• Standard admission letter — get it from your new school.
• Proof of Korean language ability and financial ability — not needed if you move to a certified university.
• Documents showing why you must change schools — only for those it applies to, such as when a program is closed.
• Proof of Korean government scholarship student status — only for those it applies to.

Reporting steps

1. Enter the new school and prepare your documents.
2. Within 15 days of the transfer date, go in person to the Immigration office in charge of the area where your new school is located and report. You cannot apply online.
3. During the review, Immigration checks whether the real reason for changing schools is study. If it looks like a way to stay in Korea, they review more carefully.

⚠️ If you quit school

If you take a leave of absence, are expelled, drop out, or do not register, the school reports it to Immigration within 15 days. Then Immigration may try to cancel or change your permission to stay. You usually get a notice to appear within 14 days and explain your situation. If they cannot reach you, you may be subject to deportation or a departure order.

If you plan to quit, decide in advance whether you can change to another status of stay or whether you must leave Korea. In this case, we recommend K-VISA AI administrative agent consultation (Visa Service in the app).

Before you change schools, first go to the international office of your new school and check that you meet the school change requirements. Confirm the final details at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.