When can I apply to extend my D-4 general training stay, and what documents do I need?

For a D-4 extension, apply from 4 months before your stay period ends until the day it ends. If you pass the expiry date, you may be fined. In addition to the basic documents, you submit a certificate of enrollment (training) and proof of your place of residence.

These are the only documents you need (D-4 general training)

• Basic documents (application form, passport, Alien Registration Card, fee)
• Certificate of enrollment (재학증명서): it must show attendance and the training schedule. Get it from your school or training institution.
• Proof of finances or a letter of identity guarantee: submit this only if you cannot prove your living costs such as tuition, or if the Minister of Justice says it is especially needed
• Proof of residence: lease contract, accommodation confirmation, utility bill receipt, dormitory fee receipt, etc.

D-4 subtypes (Korean cooking D-4-5, excellent private education institution D-4-6) have their own documents. Korean cooking trainees also need a training fee payment certificate and an individual training plan, among others. Private institution trainees also need an attendance certificate and a bank balance certificate, among others.

Steps to apply

1. From 4 months before expiry, get a certificate of enrollment (including attendance) from your school or training institution.
2. Prepare proof of residence and, if needed, financial documents.
3. Visit the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) with authority over your address and apply. In some cases, a proxy can apply, so please check.
4. The fee for a stay extension is 60,000 KRW. For in-person applications, you usually pay with revenue stamps. Government-invited scholarship students may be exempt if their sponsoring agency requests it.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• The maximum stay period you can get at one time is 2 years. However, some guidance says general training is, in principle, up to 1 year from the date of entry. So the actual permitted period is decided by immigration.
• If you apply before expiry, you can stay while you wait, even if the result comes late.
• You must be in Korea on the day you apply. You cannot apply from abroad.
• Approval is not guaranteed. Your attendance rate and ability to cover living costs are reviewed.

Please check the exact documents once more for your training type (D-4-1, D-4-7, etc.) at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).