Alien Registration & Rules
International students who entered Korea with a new D-2 visa must visit the local immigration office in person and apply for Alien Registration. The visit must be made within 90 days of arrival to the country. The failure to apply for the Alien Registration may result in legal penalties. Upon completing the alien registration, you will receive your alien registration and period of sojourn.
The Alien Residence Card (ARC) in Korea is an identification card issued to foreign residents. It serves as an official proof of identity and immigration status in the country. The card contains personal information such as the individual's name, photo, date of birth, nationality, visa type, and residential address. Foreign residents are required to carry their ARC at all times as it may be requested by authorities for various purposes, including employment, opening bank accounts, or accessing certain services.
In the context of Korean immigration, "sojourn" refers to a temporary stay in the country by foreign nationals. It typically refers to the period of time during which a person resides in South Korea with a specific visa or immigration status, such as a student visa, work visa, or tourist visa. The duration of the sojourn is determined by the visa type and the conditions set by the Korean immigration authorities. During the sojourn, individuals are expected to comply with the regulations and requirements associated with their visa status, including reporting changes of address, renewing visas if necessary, and adhering to the terms of their authorized stay in the country.
Application for Alien Registration
To apply for Alien Registration, students must check in to International Student Services and meet their international student advisor within a week from their arrival. For Alien Registration, students can visit the office on a walk-in basis.
Please visit the International Student Services office with the following items.
- Application Form(Click Here)
- Passport - original and copy
- Korean Passport-size photo (color; 3.5cm x 4.5cm; taken within the past six months)
- D-2 visa document issued by the Korean embassy
- Application fee (KRW 35,000; cash only)
- Certificate of off-campus residency (rental contract) **
** applicable only to off-campus students. - Proof of Negative Tuberculosis (TB) Test Result ***
*** applicable only to citizens in one of the following countries.
Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cambodia, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
The university will handle the collection and submission of student applications to the Incheon Immigration Office. Once your application gets approved, you will need to register your fingerprints at the Incheon Immigration Office. When the Alien Residence Cards are ready, students will be notified to pick up their ARCs from Office G404. The entire process may take around 6 - 8 weeks, subject to the caseload of the Incheon Immigration Office.
Important Rules & Regulations
As registered foreigner, it is important to understand and comply with the laws and regulations of Korea including ones set by university but also by the Korean Immigration Office, and other relevant authorities. Adhering to these rules not only ensures your safety and well-being but also helps you have a positive and fruitful academic experience in South Korea.
Rule 1: Keep your Alien Residence Card valid.
Having a valid Alien Residence Card (ARC) is crucial for maintaining your legal status as an international student in Korea. If your ARC expires, you risk being considered an illegal immigrant, which can lead to penalties such as administrative holds, immigration interviews, fines, and even deportation. To avoid these consequences, D-2 students should apply for an Extension of Sojourn at least two months before their ARC expires.
Rule 2: Report any changes to your passport promptly to Office of University Life, International Student Services.
A valid passport is essential for international travel and may be necessary for obtaining and maintaining valid immigration status in Korea. If your passport is nearing its expiration date, make sure to renew it as soon as possible at the embassy or consulate of your home country. Keep in mind that some countries may require additional documents or fees for passport renewal, so it's important to research the requirements beforehand. Submit a copy of the new passport to the Office of University Life, International Student Services at mkintl@gmu.edu as soon as you receive it from the embassy or consulate. A report to the Korean Immigration Office must be made within 15 days from the passport issuance date. Otherwise, you may be subjected to administrative penalties and fines.
Rule 3: Report any changes in your address promptly to the Office of University Life, International Student Services.
D-2 students are responsible for reporting to the immigration authority with the most up-to-date address. When there is a change in your address, submit a Proof of Residency (IGC housing residency certificate, rental contract, etc.) to the Office of University Life, International Student Services at mkintl@gmu.edu. A report to the Korean Immigration Office must be made within 15 days from the date you moved in to your new residence. Otherwise, you may be subjected to administrative penalties and fines.
Rule 4: Obtain a re-entry permit if you plan to leave Korea for more than a year.
If you intend to leave Korea for more than a year, make sure to obtain a Re-Entry Permit from the Korean Immigration Office. However, if your leave is shorter than a year, a re-entry permit is not required, and you can re-enter Korea as long as your ARC remains valid.
Rule 5: Obtain a work permit for any off-campus employment positions.
Consult with the Office of University Life, International Student Services before signing any employment contract. For any off-campus employment positions, make sure to obtain a Work Permit from the Korean Immigration Office.