Live in Korea › Visa & ARC

Visa & the Alien Registration Card (ARC)

The ARC is the single most important card you'll get. Without it you can't fully open a bank account, get a long-term phone plan, or legally work part-time. Here's how it works.

The student visa

D-2 — degree students · D-4 — language students

You apply for this at a Korean embassy/consulate in your home country before you fly, using the admission documents your university sends. You enter Korea on this visa.

The ARC (외국인등록증) — after you arrive

Within 90 days of arrival you must register and get your ARC. The process:

  1. Book an appointment online at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) before going. Walk-ins can wait many hours, and slots near big universities fill up.
  2. Gather documents: passport, a passport photo, the application form, the fee (~₩30,000), proof of address (dorm/housing contract), and a certificate of enrollment from your university.
  3. Go to your local immigration office (출입국·외국인청) at your appointment time, submit, and pay.
  4. The card arrives by mail or pickup in 2–4 weeks.
💡 Your university often does this for you

Many international offices run a group ARC day during orientation week — they book the appointments and bring everyone together. Ask your office first; it's far easier than going alone.

⚠️ Don't miss the 90-day window

Registering late risks a fine and visa problems. Also: you generally cannot start a part-time job until you have your ARC and a separate work permit — see the part-time work rules.

Immigration paperwork, alone, in a new country.

This is the #1 thing students say they wish they hadn't done alone. A verified student who's been through it can prep your documents and go with you.

Request a student guide →