Complete Guide to Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) for Foreigners – 사회통합프로그램

1. What is Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP)

The Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) (사회통합프로그램) is a government-supported educational program designed to help immigrants and foreign residents effectively integrate into Korean society. Managed by the Ministry of Justice, the program offers courses on the Korean language, culture, and society, aimed at supporting long-term settlement, employment, and naturalization. While the courses were previously offered free of charge, participants are now required to pay a small registration fee.

Course Structure: KIIP is divided into two main components:

1/ Korean Language and Culture (Levels 0–4)
– Level 0: Basic (15 hours)
– Level 1–4: Beginner to Intermediate (Each level: 100 hours)
* Includes evaluations after each stage to determine progress and eligibility to move forward.

2/ Understanding Korean Society (Level 5)
– Basic Course (70 hours): For those applying for permanent residency. (60h understanding Korean society basic course  + 10h activities)
– Advanced Course (30 hours): For those applying for naturalization. (20h understanding Korean society advance course  + 10h activities)
*Final comprehensive tests are conducted by the Ministry of Justice.

Selection of Activities:
– Civic Education (6 hours)
Includes: Legal Education for Daily Life (2h) + Consumer Education (2h) + Fire Safety Education (2h)
– Immigration Mentor Education (4 hours)
– Field Education (4 hours)
– Voluntary Activities (2 hours)

2. Eligible Participants

Foreign residents and naturalized Koreans who hold an alien registration card or domestic residence card

• Note: naturalized Koreans who have acquired Korean nationality over 3 years ago can take the level test and audit classes after gaining approval from the head of immigration office
• Foreign national Koreans applying for permanent residency (F57) must complete the ‘KIIP level 5 basic course 

3. Benefits

Participating in the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) offers not only educational benefits but also significant legal and immigration advantages for foreign residents planning to live, work, or settle permanently in Korea.

3.1 For Naturalization Applicants

• Exemption from Naturalization Written Test and Interview: Those who complete the advanced course (KIIP Level 5 – Intensive) are exempt from the formal written test and interview process required for Korean citizenship.
• Faster Naturalization Processing: Completion of the intensive Level 5 course can significantly reduce the waiting time for naturalization evaluation.

3.2 For Visa Applicants (F-2 & F-5)

• Extra Points Toward F-2-7 Visa: Participants can receive up to 28 additional points when applying for the points-based residence visa (F-2-7) — a major advantage for reaching the minimum point requirement.
• Exemption from Korean Language Proficiency Proof: Completion of KIIP can waive the requirement to submit separate proof of Korean language ability for the following applicants:
  • Long-term foreign residents applying for permanent residency (F-5-1)
  • Spouses of Korean citizens applying for permanent residency (F-5-2)
  • Underage foreign children of Korean citizens applying for permanent residency (F-5-3)
  • Working visit (H-2) visa holders applying for permanent residency (F-5-14)
  • Long-term foreign residents applying for residence status (F-2-99)
  • Holders of non-professional employment visas (E-9), vessel crew visas (E-10), or working visit visas (H-2) applying for residence status (F-2-6) or special activity visas (E-7-1)

3.3 General Integration and Social Benefits

• Smooth Social Integration: The program helps participants adapt to Korean culture, legal systems, and social norms, enabling smoother communication and more meaningful participation in Korean society.
• Improved Job and Educational Opportunities: Higher Korean language skills and cultural understanding improve employability and access to Korean institutions.

4. KIIP Tuition Fee Structure (Effective January 1, 2025)

Starting January 1, 2025, the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) will implement a new tuition fee system for Levels 1 through 5. This change aims to enhance participant commitment and address funding limitations.

Tuition Fees by Level:

• Level 0 (Introductory, 15 hours): Free

• Levels 1–4 (100 hours each): 100,000 KRW per level

• Level 5 Basic Course (70 hours): 70,000 KRW

• Level 5 Advanced Course (30 hours): 30,000 KRW

Exemptions and Discounts:

• Full Tuition Exemptions:
  – Individuals with severe disabilities
  – Minors under specific visa categories (e.g., F-1, F-2, G-1)
• 50% Tuition Discounts:
  – Participants with 100% class attendance
  – Students recommended by instructors for exceptional learning attitudes.

Payment Process

• When to Pay: After completing each class level and before applying for the corresponding assessment.

• How to Pay: Log in to www.socinet.go.kr, navigate to My Page → Status → Payment, and choose either credit card or bank transfer. (마이페이지 → ‘상태’ 내 ‘결제’ 클릭 → 결제창 내 신용카드/계좌이체 중 선택하여 결제 진행)

* Please note that failure to pay the tuition fee on time may result in your level not being marked as complete.

5.  How to join KIIP program:

① Visit www.socinet.go.kr. => Sign up account.
(How to Sign Up for an KIIP Account? -> [Click here for details])
② Apply to participate in KIIP program [Click here for details]
③ Apply for the level test on the ‘Pre – Evaluation’(If you select “NO” for the level test, you will automatically be assigned level 0) [Click here for details]
④ Check test location on ‘My Page’ at www.socinet.go.kr 3 days before the level test
⑤ Take the level test at the designated date and location
⑦ Level is assigned according to test result
⑧ Register for classes (enroll in classes) at www.socinet.go.kr at assigned level (first come, first served basis) during the registration period
Click here for details 

6. How to Submit Your TOPIK Certificate to KIIP

If you have a valid TOPIK certificate, you can start the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) at the level that corresponds to your TOPIK score without taking the placement test. There are two main methods to submit your certificate:

Option 1: Visit Your Local Immigration Office:

Bring your valid TOPIK certificate and visit the immigration office nearest to your registered address. Submit the certificate in person to be assigned a KIIP level based on your TOPIK result.

Option 2: Submit via Email through Immigration Support Center (1345)

1. Call 1345, the Immigration Contact Center (available in multiple languages during business hours).

2. Inform them that you would like to submit your TOPIK certificate for KIIP level assignment. They will ask which region you are currently living in, and based on that, they will provide you with the correct regional email address to submit your documents. They will also let you know which documents are required.

Required Documents:

1. KIIP TOPIK Certificate Submission Form (사회통합프로그램 TOPIK 신청서)

2. TOPIK Test Result Certificate

3. Copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Once submitted, your level will typically be updated within 3–5 business days (though it may take up to a week). Be sure to submit during working hours for timely processing.

7. KIIP BOOKS: CLICK HERE