Korea has dozens of visa categories, each with its own rules about how long you can stay, whether you can work, and what you must do to keep your status valid. Understanding exactly what your visa allows protects you from accidentally breaking the rules — which can carry fines or even deportation — and helps you plan your future here. This guide covers the categories Nigerians in Korea hold most often.
How to read your status
Your visa category (called your status of sojourn) is printed on your ARC and in your passport. It is a letter and number, such as D-2 or E-7. The letter is the broad category; the number is the specific sub-type.
Student and training visas
- D-2 — Degree study. For students enrolled in a university degree (associate, bachelor, master, or PhD). You may work part-time with permission from immigration, usually up to a set number of hours during term.
- D-4 — General training. For language students at a university language institute, or other non-degree training. Part-time work is more restricted and needs explicit permission.
Work visas
- E-2 — Foreign language instruction. For teaching your native language, typically at schools and academies. Tied to a sponsoring employer.
- E-7 — Designated activities (skilled worker). For professionals filling specific skilled roles. This is one of the most common routes to long-term work. It is employer-sponsored, meaning your visa is linked to your job; changing employers requires permission.
- E-9 — Non-professional employment. For workers under the Employment Permit System in manufacturing, agriculture and similar sectors.
- D-8 / D-9 — Investment and trade. For those running or investing in a business in Korea.
Residence and family visas
- F-2 — Long-term resident. A points-based residence visa offering more freedom, including broader work rights.
- F-5 — Permanent residence. The most secure status short of citizenship, with almost full work freedom and no need for regular renewals (though the card itself is reissued periodically).
- F-6 — Marriage migrant. For spouses of Korean nationals. Offers wide work rights.
- F-4 — Overseas Korean. For those of Korean heritage (less commonly relevant here).
The golden rules
- Only do what your visa allows. Working outside your visa conditions — even informally — is illegal and risks your entire stay.
- Get permission before changing activity. Switching from study to work, or changing employer, usually requires a visa change or approval.
- Keep your status valid. Renew before expiry, and tell immigration if your circumstances change (new job, new address, graduation).
Changing or upgrading your visa
Many people move through several visas over time — for example, from D-2 (study) to E-7 (work) to F-2 and eventually F-5. Each change is a fresh application with its own requirements, usually involving proof of income, qualifications, and a clean record.
Visa rules change regularly. Always confirm the latest requirements on hikorea.go.kr or by calling the immigration contact centre on 1345 (press for English). When in doubt, ask before you act — a quick question can save you serious trouble.