South Korea Study Visa for Pakistan in 2024: The South Korean government has announced new student visa requirements for 2024. This blog post will provide a detailed overview of the visa requirements for Pakistani students planning to study in South Korea. The post will also discuss the South Korean embassy in Pakistan, the cost of South Korean visas for Pakistani students, and the requirements for obtaining a work visa for South Korea from Pakistan. The South Korean Student Visa, also known as the D-2 visa, is designed for international students who want to study at a Korean university or college. This visa is issued for the duration of the academic program and can be extended based on academic progress.
South Korea Visa for Pakistani in 2024-25
Pakistani students must meet certain requirements to qualify for a South Korean student visa. The requirements include a valid passport, an acceptance letter from a recognized South Korean institution, proof of financial support, and a health certificate. The visa application process can take several weeks, and applicants must attend an interview at the embassy.
South Korea Visa Price in Pakistan 2024
The fee for applying for a South Korean visa for a stay period of less than 90 days is Rs12,000, while the fee for a stay period of more than 91 days is Rs18,000. It’s important to note that the visa application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. This means that applicants should ensure they have all the necessary documents and information before submitting their application to avoid any unnecessary expenses.
Additionally, it’s recommended that applicants carefully consider the length of their intended stay in South Korea before applying for a visa, as the application fee will depend on the duration of their stay.
South Korea to issue work visas to thousands of Pakistani skilled workers
South Korea Work Visa for Pakistani
The South Korean Work Visa for Pakistani citizens is an opportunity for Pakistani individuals to legally work in South Korea. This visa is issued to individuals who have been offered a job by a South Korean employer and have met the requirements. The South Korean Work Visa for Pakistani citizens allows individuals to work for a specific employer and a specific period. It is important to note that the visa application process can be complex and may require various documents and interviews. Once the visa is granted, individuals are required to comply with the terms and conditions of their visa and must not engage in any unauthorized employment.
Work Visa for South Korea from Pakistan
Types of Work Visas in South Korea
There are several types of work visas available in South Korea for expats to secure long-term employment. The types of visas include:
- E-1 Professor Visa: Expats who want to teach or conduct research in their field at a college-level education facility can apply for this visa. It is a multiple-entry option valid for one year, with an option to renew in one-year intervals.
- E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa: This visa is for expats who want to teach a foreign language at a company, broadcast station-owned school, elementary school, middle school, or high school. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for two years, renewable every two years.
- E-3 Research Visa: Expats who research natural science or advanced technology through an invitation by a public or private institution can apply for this visa. The E-3 is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, renewable every year.
- E-4 Technological Guidance Visa: Expats with unmatched experience in science or technology who are invited by a public or private organization can apply for this visa. There are two options: a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, renewable each year, and a single-entry visa valid for three months, also renewable every year.
- E-5 Special Profession Visa: Expats who are internationally licensed architects, lawyers, physicians, accountants, and others who have permission from the South Korean government to practice in their chosen field can apply for this visa. They can choose a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, renewable in one-year intervals, or a single-entry visa valid for three months.
- E-6 Culture and Art Visa: Expats with musical, artistic, or literary backgrounds can apply for this visa, which is valid for one year and renewable every year.
- E-7 Specially Designed Activities Visa: Expats who participate in activities designed by the Korean Ministry of Justice through a public or private organization can apply for this visa. Multiple-entry options are available for one to three years, renewable in one to three-year intervals. There is also a single-entry visa option valid for three months, renewable every year.
- D-5 Long-Term News Coverage Visa: This visa is specifically for reporters working in foreign media such as broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, and more. It is valid for three months and renewable yearly.
South Korea Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a South Korean work visa can vary depending on various factors, including the verification of your documents. On average, the permit is issued within 5 to 10 working days.
Eligibility Criteria for EPS-TOPIK:
- Applicants must be male or female
- Age must be between 18 to 39 years at the time of pre-registration
- Must have no criminal record in Pakistan and not on the Exit Control List (ECL)
- Must not have more than 5 years of sojourn in Korea
- Must not have a record of illegal stay in Korea
- Must not be restricted from re-entering Korea
- Must have a machine-readable passport
- Applicants with color blindness or color weakness are not eligible to apply
EPS-TOPIK Questions and Score
| CBT | category | Number of questions | Total points manufacture | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 20 | 100pts | 25 mins | |
| Listening | 20 | 25 mins |
Announcement of Test Passers
The results of the EPS-TOPIK will be announced on designated web pages on the specified day after the test. The following websites can be used to check the results:
- OEC Home page: https://jobs.oec.gov.pk/
- HRD Home page: http://eps.hrdkorea.or.kr, http://epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr
Passing Criteria
To pass the EPS-TOPIK, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1st round: Among the candidates who scored over 50 points out of 100, a designated number of candidates will pass in order of highest score.
2nd round: First-round passers must take the Skills Test. There is no need to reapply for this test as it is automatic. The total score is 100 points, but applicants who wish to take the Competency Test for an additional 5 points must submit the required documents during the application period. Candidates who do not take the Skills Test cannot pass.
Visa Information for Pakistani Nationals
- Pakistani nationals with ordinary passports must obtain a visa to enter South Korea.
- Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempted from visa for stays less than 90 days.
- Applicants must submit their application in person.
- All invitation and guarantee letters must be notarized in South Korea by the inviter and submitted in original.
South Korea Visa Requirements for Pakistani
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- Filled out application form (by the applicant)
- Passport-size colored photograph
- Documents according to the category of the visa status (see below)
- Authority Letter (if the applicant is visiting South Korea for the second time and does not need to appear physically)
- Medical certificate and TB test report (for stays longer than 91 days) – check official medical centers on the website (Visa Announcement)
South Korean Student Visa Application Process:
Admission:
- Be accepted into a South Korean university or college for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
- Apply for your chosen course and receive an admission letter.
Application Submission:
- Submit your visa application at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Fill out the application form and submit it along with all the necessary documents.
Interview:
- Depending on the embassy or consulate, you may be asked to attend an interview.
- The interview is a normal part of the process where you’ll be asked about your study plans in South Korea.
Visa Issuance:
- Once your visa is approved, the embassy or consulate will affix a visa sticker in your passport.
- This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Who Can Apply for the Korean Language Test?
Eligibility criteria for the Korean Language Test include:
- Selection through the OEC selection process after pre-registration online
- Age between 18 and 39 years (male or female)
- Hold a Pakistani computerized passport
- Pass the EPS-TOPIC (Test of Proficiency in Korean) course
- Have no more than 5 years of sojourn in Korea
- Have no criminal record in Pakistan
- Have not been deported from South Korea
- Not color blind
South Korea Embassy in Pakistan
There is only one South Korean embassy in Pakistan, which is located in Islamabad. The embassy is responsible for providing consular services such as issuing visas, notarizing documents, and assisting South Korean citizens in Pakistan. Additionally, there are also South Korean consulates located in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar that you can visit for consular services.
How Long Does it Take to Process a South Korean D-2 Visa?
Processing time for a South Korean D-2 Visa can vary and usually takes around 4-6 weeks from the date of application. Factors such as the volume of applications, the time of year, and specific requirements of the Korean embassy or consulate processing the application can affect the processing time.
What to Do If Your Course of Study Extends Beyond the Validity of Your D-2 Visa?
If your studies in South Korea extend beyond the initial validity of your D-2 visa, you can apply for an extension. You will need to submit documentation such as proof of continued enrollment, academic progress, and financial support. Ensure you apply for the extension well before your current visa expires to avoid any legal issues or interruptions in your studies.
Can You Bring Dependents to South Korea on a D-2 Visa?
Dependents of D-2 visa holders, such as spouses and children, can apply for an F-3 dependent visa to accompany the visa holder to South Korea. Dependents must apply for their visas separately, providing necessary documents such as proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates) and evidence of financial capability to support their stay in South Korea. Note that dependents on an F-3 visa are not allowed to work in South Korea.
Common Visa Application Mistakes to Avoid
When applying for your South Korean student visa, avoid common mistakes such as incomplete applications, not providing all required documents, and providing incorrect information. Double-check all the information you provide and ensure that your documents are up-to-date and properly authenticated, if necessary.
Accommodation Options in South Korea
There are several accommodation options for international students in South Korea, including:
On-campus housing: South Korean universities often offer on-campus housing facilities such as dormitories. They come with a range of amenities and are conveniently located near academic buildings, libraries, and other campus resources. Remember, they are in high demand, so apply as early as possible.
Off-campus “Officetel”: If you prefer a more independent living setup, consider the “officetel”. These are typically one-room apartments with a bathroom, kitchenette, and sometimes a small balcony. They are conveniently located near commercial areas and public transportation links.
Shared Houses “Goshiwon”: Another budget-friendly option is “goshiwon” or shared houses. Goshiwons provide a small private room with basic furniture and shared facilities like a kitchen and bathroom.
