Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP): Levels, Costs, and Benefits

Who is this for?

• People who want to change to E-7-4 (skilled worker): you can get your Korean language points by completing KIIP.
• People thinking about F-2 (residence), F-5 (permanent residence), or naturalization: KIIP is used for the basic knowledge requirement and to skip tests.
• People who simply want to learn Korean properly can also join.

Levels and class hours

Level	Course name	Class hours	Test at the end
Level 0	Basic	15 hours	None
Level 1	Beginner 1	100 hours	Level 1 test
Level 2	Beginner 2	100 hours	Level 2 test
Level 3	Intermediate 1	100 hours	Level 3 test
Level 4	Intermediate 2	100 hours	Mid-term test
Level 5	Understanding Korean Society (Basic)	70 hours	Final test for permanent residence
Level 5	Understanding Korean Society (Advanced)	30 hours	Final test for naturalization

In Levels 0 to 4, you learn Korean language and Korean culture. In Level 5, you learn about Korean society and its systems. You can take the Advanced course only after you finish the Basic course.

Getting your level from the pre-assessment test

The pre-assessment test checks your current Korean skill. Your score decides which level you start at.

• Parts: written test of 50 questions (60 minutes, 75 points) + speaking test of 5 questions (10 minutes, 25 points) = 100 points total
• Format: paper test (PBT) or computer test (CBT)
• Test fee: 38,000원 (apply at kiiptest.org)
• Your score is valid for 2 years from the day results are announced.

Score	Level you are placed in
0–2 points, or less than 3 points in speaking	Level 0
3–20 points	Level 1
21–40 points	Level 2
41–60 points	Level 3
61–80 points	Level 4
81–100 points	Level 5

You can also skip the pre-assessment test and start from Level 0. If you are new to Korean, this is the easier way.

Steps

1. Sign up on the 사회통합정보망 (socinet.go.kr). You need your foreigner registration number.
2. In the "단계배정" (Level Placement) menu, choose a method. (Start from Level 0 / Take the pre-assessment test / Use another qualification)
3. If you take the pre-assessment test, apply at kiiptest.org and pay 38,000원.
4. After you get your level, apply for a training center (class) during the application period. Seats fill up fast, so apply on the first day.
5. Attend classes. You must attend the required number of hours to complete the level.
6. When a level ends, pay the course fee and take the level test.
7. If you pass, you move up to the next level. At the end, you get a certificate of completion (이수증).

Costs

Since January 1, 2025, you pay part of the course fee.

Level	Course fee
Level 0	Free
Levels 1–4	100,000원 each
Level 5 Basic	70,000원
Level 5 Advanced	30,000원

• Pay online on the 사회통합정보망 after each level ends, before you apply for the test.
• If you do not pay on time, you cannot take the test.
• Some people may not have to pay, such as socially vulnerable people (people who need special support). Some people may pay 50% less, such as people with good attendance. Check the notices on socinet.go.kr or ask your training center to see if you can pay nothing or pay less.
• The fees for the pre-assessment test and level tests are separate from the course fee.

Benefits of completing KIIP

• E-7-4 skilled worker: completing Level 2 or higher can count as your basic Korean language points.
• Changing to F-2 (residence) or other statuses: you get extra points in the points system.
• Permanent residence (F-5): if you complete the Level 5 Basic course and pass the final test for permanent residence, you meet the basic knowledge requirement.
• Naturalization: if you complete the Level 5 Advanced course (100 hours) and pass the final test for naturalization, you do not need to take the naturalization interview.
• Visa applications: sometimes you do not need to prove your Korean skill.

Benefits are different for each status you apply for. To check exactly what applies to you, go to 하이코리아 (HiKorea, the immigration website, hikorea.go.kr) or call 1345.

How to take classes while working

• Weekend classes: held on Saturday or Sunday, 4–8 hours a day. Shift workers use this the most.
• Evening classes: held on weekday evenings. Some training centers may not have them.
• Online / video classes: join from home on a computer or mobile phone. Attendance checks are strict, so log in on time.
• Class types are different in each area and at each training center. Search by your area on socinet.go.kr to see which classes are available.

Things to be careful about

• If you do not attend enough hours, you will not complete the level. If you miss classes often, you may have to take the course again even after paying the fee.
• Applications open several times a year. In some areas, seats are gone in a few minutes. Check the application schedule in advance.
• If you move house or change workplaces, it may be hard to keep going to your class. Look for a training center in your new area first.
• You get your certificate of completion from the 사회통합정보망. You will submit it when you apply for a visa, so keep it safe.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can I join with an E-9 visa? A. Anyone who has done foreigner registration can join. Check socinet.go.kr for details on who can join.

Q. If I have a TOPIK level, can I skip levels? A. Yes, you can get your level placement from your TOPIK score. Check the 단계배정 (Level Placement) menu.

Q. I don't want to spend money on the course fee. Do I have to pay? A. You must pay to take the test. But if you qualify for no fee or a lower fee, you pay less.

Q. What happens if I stop in the middle? A. The levels you already completed stay on your record. Later, you can apply again starting from the next level.

Where to get help

• 사회통합정보망 socinet.go.kr / Test applications kiiptest.org
• Immigration Contact Center 1345 (help in many languages)
• 하이코리아 hikorea.go.kr (check visa requirements)