Extending tourist stay in South Korea to take a language course?
I'm an American citizen planning to go to Seoul as a tourist for a month or two, and, if I like it, enroll in a three-month Korean language course through one of the universities there (making a total stay of five months, more than the 90 days I can get visa-free).
Once I'm in Seoul as a tourist, what are my options for extending my stay in order to take a language course? Do I need to apply for a visa? If so, will I have to apply from outside South Korea?
Best Answer
In this scenario it might have been best to get a D-4 visa since you are learning Korean at Seoul. I'm not too sure if it is a D-4 so you should ask your local Korean embassy for clarification.
(Full link) http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/sub/overseas_info/guide/guide_visa.do
Visa for General Training (D-4): For persons who study Korean at a university-run language school, persons who study in a qualified educational institute or an educational institute other than an academic research institute, persons who get technical training at national or public research institutes, training institutes, bodies etc. persons receiving payment from research institutes or who have industrial training system qualifications
Valid Passport
Visa application form or Certificate for Recognition of Visa Issuance
Processing Fee: Amount corresponding to USD 30 (Single-entry) or USD 50 (Multiple-entry) -Verification of School Entrance or Enrollment (Verification of Training) -Financial Verification (more than USD 3,000 in domestic bank account or certificate of currency exchange) or documentation under a university academic exchange agreement
Identification Verification (for those who cannot verify their financial ability for tuition and living expenses or upon the request of Justice Ministry)
Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance: In order to shorten the issuing period and simplify visa issuance procedures, an immigration office head can issue a certificate for recognition of visa issuance after examining the applicant's documents upon the request of a sponsor in Korea. Then, the Korean missions overseas will issue a visa based on the certificate. The certificate is required except for special cases. The applicant or sponsor in Korea can apply for the certificate at the nearest immigration office (or its branch) with required documents. When the certificate is issued and sent to the applicant, then the applicant can get a visa by submitting the certificate to the nearest Korean missions overseas. The certificate is effective for three months and valid for a single visa application.
Just remember that you will have to travel outside of Seoul to apply for the visa.
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Can you extend your tourist visa in South Korea?
Foreign nationals who wish to extend their stay in South Korea beyond the expiration date on their visa may apply for an extension. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis with certain exceptions. To request a South Korea visa extension, the applicant is advised to visit the Seoul immigration office.Is it possible to extend your visa to stay in Korea?
If you wish to extend your current visa, it is usually possible, with some exceptions. In order to apply for a visa extension, the applicant must go to the Seoul immigration office. If you plan to extend your visa, you should apply for said extension at least two months before your visas expiration.Can I change my tourist visa to student visa in Korea?
*Group Tourism (C-3-2), Medical Tourism (C-3-3), and General Tourism (C-3-9) visas CANNOT be changed to student visa (D-2) in Korea. Student entering Korea with such types of visa must make a departure as soon as possible, and obtain student visa (D-2) at Korean embassy or consulate in his/her home country.How can I stay in Korea for more than 90 days?
Visitors who plan to stay in Korea for longer than 90 days must obtain a visa before entering Korea. Nationals of those countries or regions with which Korea has signed a visa waiver agreement can enter without a visa, on the condition that they do not engage in remunerative activities during their stay.HOW TO APPLY SOUTH KOREA TOURIST VISA (DIY) I REQUIREMENTS I TRAVEL TIPS and RECOMMENDATIONS
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