Student Visa Overview
Student Visa
International students (non-Korean) who wish to stay in Korea for more than 90 days to attend classes must obtain a student visa (D-2). In order to apply for a student visa (D-2), students must first receive an endorsement document called the "Certificate of Admission" from Mason Korea. After receiving the certificate, students can proceed and apply for a visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate.
International students must obtain student visa status before the first day of class. Taking classes without a proper student visa status can be considered illegal by the Korean immigration authority.
The whole process usually takes about 6 - 8 weeks to be fully completed.
Alternative Sojourn Statuses
Students who possess sojourn statuses which allow its holders to studyin Korea may maintain their current visa statuses. The statuses includes but not limited to F-4 and A-3.
Korean Nationals
International students who possess Korean citizenship must enter Korea using Korean passports. Please note prospective Mason Korea male students who hold Korean citizenship may be subject to Military service conscription requirements. The university highly recommends students contact the Korean embassy or consulate in their country of residence to fully understand military implications before entering Korea.
Students of Korean Heritage
Students with Korean heritage (parent or grandparent who have or had Korean citizenship), should contact the Korean Consulate as early as possible to determine their process for applying for a visa as the process may require different or additional steps, such as, but not limited to, entering Korea with a Korean passport or renouncing their Korean citizenship. These students may still be considered Korean citizens, in which case the consulate will refuse to issue a student visa.
As these cases are specific to a student’s individual circumstances, students of Korean heritage should discuss with their families and the Korean Embassy/consulate prior to committing to the program.
The university currently supports the following student visas for international students.
| Subcategory | For | Initial Sojourn Period | Max. Sojourn Period |
| D-2-2 | Undergraduate students directly admitted to Mason Korea |
1 year | 4 years |
| D-2-3 | Master’s degree students directly admitted to Mason Korea | 1 year | 2 years |
| D-2-8 |
Students visiting Mason Korea Undergraduate Non-Degree Students |
6 months |
1 year |
Sojourn
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.
Generally, the Korean embassy issues single-entry visas, which expire after the first entry. Therefore, after entering Korea with a visa, foreigners are required to apply for a sojourn permit through the Alien Registration process. Once the alien registration is completed, students will receive a "sojourn period" detailed in the provided table. This allows them to stay in Korea for more than 90 days and enter the country multiple times as long as the sojourn period remains valid.
It is the responsibility of students to monitor their sojourn expiry date and extend it before it expires. Extension of the sojourn period can be done by going through the Extension of Stay process. It is highly recommended that students consult with the international student advisor at least 2 months before their visa expiration dates.
Visa Application Process
Students Entering from Overseas
Students entering Korea from Overseas can apply for new D-2 visas to the Korean Embassy/Consulate. Apply for your Certificate of Admission to start the process.
Students Already in Korea
Students already in Korea with active immigration status other than D-2 can apply for a change of status to D-2 at the Korea Immigration Office in Incheon. Apply for your Certificate of Admission to start the process.
- When your visa change request is approved, you will automatically receive a new alien registration card.
Move to the webpage linked below to start your D-2 visa application process.
Apply Now!
or visit other offices to learn more.
