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

You can apply for the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) only online, through the Social Integration Information Network (socinet.go.kr). If you complete it, you can get benefits when you apply for permanent residence, naturalization, or other residence statuses.

How to apply

1. Sign up as a member on the Social Integration Information Network (www.socinet.go.kr) and apply to join the program. Any immigrant or Korean citizen who wants to join can apply.
2. You are assigned a level through a pre-assessment and other steps. Check your assigned level on My Page.
3. Read the course notice. Then apply for a course at the operating institution you want in the area where you live.
4. Take classes and tests for each level. Levels 0 to 3 cover Korean language and Korean culture. Level 4 is the mid-term test. Level 5 is Understanding Korean Society (basic and advanced).

Benefits of completing the program

• Permanent residence (F-5): You are exempt from proving your Korean language ability and from the field investigation.
• Naturalization: If you complete the full Level 5 course and pass the comprehensive test for naturalization, you are exempt from the naturalization interview. The waiting period for the nationality review is also shorter.
• Other residence statuses: You can get extra points, or you are exempt from proving Korean language ability.
• Visa (VISA) application: You are exempt from proving Korean language ability and similar requirements.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If your place of residence changes, your application is rejected. First report your change of residence (within 15 days of the day you moved). Then apply again to the operating institution for your new area.
• If you cannot take part for 30 days or more because of childbirth, medical treatment, housework, or similar reasons, apply for a suspension of completion on My Page within 15 days of the day the reason began. If you do not register again within 2 years after the suspension, you may be removed from the program by the office.
• If you are absent without a reason for 30 days or more, you are removed from the program. Everything you completed at that level becomes invalid.
• To apply for permanent residence, you must complete the program or pass the comprehensive test for permanent residence. Even if you do not take the Level 5 basic course, you can take the comprehensive test for permanent residence if you score 85 or more on the pre-assessment. But in this case, it is not counted as completion. For people who are exempt or have eased requirements, check the Ministry of Justice notice.

First, sign up at socinet.go.kr and check your level with the pre-assessment. For detailed standards, check once more with the Social Integration Information Network or the Foreigner Comprehensive Information Center (1345).