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KIIP Korea: How to Apply & Get Visa Points in 2026

Get a complete guide to the KIIP in Korea for 2026. Learn how to apply, pass the level test, and earn up to 28 points for your F-2-7 visa. For all foreign residents.

Evan Han

CEO & Founder of FOHO, a housing platform for foreigners in Korea. Experienced in rental market trends, proptech innovation, and foreign tenant support.

Oct 5, 2025

TIPRegion

Table of contents

01The 2026 KIIP Guide: Your Complete Roadmap to the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (사회통합프로그램)
021. What is KIIP? (사회통합프로그램)
032. The Core Benefits: Why KIIP is Essential
043. Who is Eligible for KIIP?
054. The KIIP Application: A Step-by-Step Guide
065. The KIIP Levels: A Deep Dive (Level 0–5)
076. Conquering the Exams: Mid-term and Comprehensive
087. Insider Tips for Success
09Glossary of Terms
10Conclusion
11Find Your Home in Korea with Confidence
12Source

The 2026 KIIP Guide: Your Complete Roadmap to the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (사회통합프로그램)

Last Updated: October 5, 2025

If you are planning a long-term future in South Korea, you have likely heard of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program, or KIIP. This is more than just a free Korean language class. It is a government-run program designed to help foreigners settle in Korea.

For many, completing KIIP is the most strategic step toward securing a long-term visa, permanent residency, or even citizenship.

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to the KIIP system in 2026. We will cover the significant benefits, the application process, and what to expect at each level.

1. What is KIIP? (사회통합프로그램)

The Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) is an educational course offered by the Ministry of Justice. Its goal is to help immigrants learn the Korean language and understand Korean culture and society.

Unlike private language academies (hagwons) that can be expensive, KIIP is completely free for eligible foreign residents. More importantly, it offers official benefits that are directly tied to Korea's immigration system.

2. The Core Benefits: Why KIIP is Essential

Completing the KIIP offers some of the most valuable incentives available to foreign residents. Vague online posts from years ago often understate these advantages. For example, some older sources mention earning "a little over 10 points" for a visa. As of 2025, the benefits are far more significant.

The primary advantages include:

Major Points for Visas: It provides a substantial number of points toward the F-2-7 points-based residency visa.

Exemptions for Permanent Residency: Completing Level 5 can exempt you from the Korean proficiency test required for the F-5 permanent resident visa.

Exemptions for Citizenship: It can also exempt you from the written test and interview for Korean citizenship (naturalization).

The table below details the points awarded for the F-2-7 visa upon completing different stages of the KIIP.

Table 1: KIIP Completion Points for F-2-7 Visa (2025)

KIIP Completion Status	Points Awarded
Completed Level 2	10 Points
Completed Level 3	15 Points
Completed Level 4	20 Points
Completed Level 5 (Main Program)	25 Points
Completed Level 5 + Comprehensive Test Score of 60+	28 Points

Sources: HiKorea Immigration Portal for Foreigners, F-2-7 Points System Guidelines (2025).

3. Who is Eligible for KIIP?

KIIP is open to most registered foreigners with a valid visa for long-term stay. This typically includes holders of:

Student visas (D-2, D-4)

Work visas (e.g., E-2, E-7)

Spouse visas (F-6)

Residency visas (F-2)

Overseas Korean visas (F-4)

Individuals on short-term tourist visas (like B-1, B-2, or C-3) are generally not eligible to apply. You must have a valid Alien Registration Card (ARC) to create an account.

4. The KIIP Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the application process can be confusing. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Create an Account on Socinet

All KIIP processes are managed through the official Social Integration Network (Socinet) website.

Go to www.socinet.go.kr.

Complete the membership registration (회원가입). You will need your Alien Registration Number.

Ensure all personal information matches your official ARC records exactly.

Step 2: Apply for the Level Test (사전평가)

Unless you are a complete beginner, you must take a placement test, called the Sajeon Pyeongga (사전평가). This test determines your starting level (from Level 1 to Level 4).

How it works: The test consists of a multiple-choice written exam and a short oral interview.

How to apply: Application dates are announced on the Socinet website. Log in to the site, go to the "Level Test Application" menu, and select a test date and location.

Important: Test slots are limited and fill up extremely quickly. Applications often open at midnight, and you must be ready to register at that exact time.

Note: You may be exempt from the Level Test if you have a valid TOPIK score. For example, a TOPIK Level 2 certificate may place you directly into KIIP Level 3. Check the latest exemption rules on the Socinet website.

Step 3: Check Your Level and Register for a Class

After taking the Level Test, your result will be posted on your Socinet account. You will be assigned a level from 0 to 4. Once levels are assigned, the class registration period will be announced.

Like the test application, class registration is highly competitive. Choose a class schedule and location (운영기관) that fits your life. Classes are offered on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

5. The KIIP Levels: A Deep Dive (Level 0–5)

The program is structured into six main levels. Each level requires passing a mid-term exam to advance, with a final comprehensive exam after Level 5.

Table 2: KIIP Program Structure

Level	Course Name (Korean)	Total Hours	Main Focus & Content	Approx. TOPIK Equivalent
Level 0	입문 과정 (Introductory)	15	Basic Hangeul, greetings, simple sentence structure.	N/A
Level 1	초급 1 (Beginner 1)	100	Essential vocabulary, basic grammar, daily life topics.	Level 1
Level 2	초급 2 (Beginner 2)	100	Public facilities, hobbies, making requests.	Level 2
Level 3	중급 1 (Intermediate 1)	100	Korean culture, social life, more complex grammar.	Level 3
Level 4	중급 2 (Intermediate 2)	100	Korean society, laws, employment, and economy.	Level 4
Level 5	심화 과정 (Advanced)	70	Deep understanding of Korean society and politics.	Level 5+

Sources: Socinet Program Introduction, KIIP Curriculum Guide (2025).

6. Conquering the Exams: Mid-term and Comprehensive

Mid-term Evaluation (중간평가): At the end of Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, you must pass a mid-term test to proceed. It usually consists of written and listening questions. You must score 60 points or higher to pass.

Comprehensive Test (종합평가): After completing the Level 5 course, you must take the final comprehensive test. This is the most important exam. It includes a multiple-choice written test and an oral interview. A passing score on this test officially certifies your completion of the entire program.

7. Insider Tips for Success

Based on the experiences of past participants, here are some practical tips:

Maintain 80% Attendance: You must attend at least 80% of your classes to be eligible to take the final exam for each level. Keep track of your hours carefully.

Choose Your Location Wisely: Some operating centers have better reviews than others. A location closer to your home or work will make it easier to maintain attendance.

Supplement Your Speaking Practice: The classes can be fast-paced and may not offer enough time for speaking. Use language exchange apps or find a study partner to practice conversation skills.

Prepare for Registration Day: Set an alarm for the class registration opening time. Have your preferred class choices ready, as popular slots (like Saturday classes) are gone in seconds.

Glossary of Terms

KIIP: Korea Immigration and Integration Program. The official government program for foreign residents.

Socinet (사회통합정보망): The official website used to manage all KIIP applications, tests, and classes.

Sajeon Pyeongga (사전평가): The initial Level Test or placement exam.

Unyeong Gigwan (운영기관): An "Operating Institution," such as a university or community center, that hosts KIIP classes.

Jonghap Pyeongga (종합평가): The final Comprehensive Test required to complete the entire program.

Conclusion

The KIIP is a challenging but incredibly rewarding program. It demands a serious time commitment. However, the benefits—from free, structured learning to powerful advantages for your visa and long-term residency—are unmatched. By understanding the process and preparing for each step, you can use KIIP as a firm foundation for a stable and successful life in Korea.

Find Your Home in Korea with Confidence

You’re investing hundreds of hours in KIIP to build a stable life in Korea. Finding the right home is the next crucial step, but the process often comes with its own challenges: high fees, language barriers, and stressful negotiations.

FOHO was built to solve this. We provide a smarter, more affordable way to rent, so you can focus on your future.

Lowest Service Fees: Spend less on the rental process and more on your new life.

Clear Communication: Our team supports you in communicating with landlords—from the first inquiry to after you move in.

Nationwide Listings: Access affordable homes in Seoul and across the country.

Dedicated Support: Never feel lost or alone in your housing search again.

Build your future in a home you love. Explore listings on FOHO today.

Source

[1]: HiKorea - Points-based System (F-2-7)

(Note: Official link may change; navigate to Visa Information > F-2 for the latest details). [2]: Social Integration Network (Socinet)

(Official program details and schedules are posted here).

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