International Admissions
Understanding the Two Tracks for International Students based on country requirements.
Risk-based screening and document authentication differences by country dictate whether an internal pre-approval (CCVI) is required within Korea before the visa is issued at the local embassy.
Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance
Issues Certificate of Admission after academic/financial screening.
University applies for CCVI online on behalf of the student.
Immigration issues a 12-digit CCVI number to the university/student.
Student applies at local Korean Embassy using the CCVI number.
Embassy finalizes visa (Visa Grant Notice) for student entry.
General Countries
Issues and sends the COA and school documents to the student.
Student applies directly for a D-2/D-4 visa at the Korean Embassy.
Embassy conducts its own document review without pre-approval in Korea.
Student receives the visa (Visa Grant Notice) and enters Korea.
| Criteria | Track A — CCVI Procedure | Track B — Direct Embassy |
|---|---|---|
| Target Countries | 21 Designated High-Risk Countries (e.g., China) | General Low-Risk Countries (e.g., Japan, USA) |
| Initiator | University (Applies on behalf of student in Korea) | Student (Applies directly at the local embassy) |
| Key System | HiKorea (Application) & Korea Visa Portal | Local Embassy / Consulate System |
| Processing Time | ~2 to 4 weeks (Korea) + 3 to 7 days (Embassy) | ~3 to 10 days (Embassy review only) |
| Required Pre-approval | Yes (Immigration issues CCVI Number) | No (Direct assessment by the embassy) |
| Authentication | Apostille / Consular Legalization / CHSI (China) | Apostille (Hague Convention) or Consular |
| Visa Format | Visa Grant Notice (Electronic / Printout) | Visa Grant Notice (Electronic / Printout) |
| Risk Profile | Higher risk of illegal stay (Strict screening) | Lower risk of illegal stay (Simplified screening) |
Recent Trend: Physical visa stickers attached to passports are no longer issued. Students must print the 'Visa Grant Notice' from the Korea Visa Portal before entry.