KIIP at a Glance: From Application to Permanent Residence and Naturalization

KIIP stands for 'Korea Immigration & Integration Program'. In Korean it is called 사회통합프로그램, the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP). It is an educational program run by the Ministry of Justice for immigrants staying in Korea. It is designed to teach Korean Language and Korean Culture and help you understand the systems, laws, and daily life of Korean society. This document organizes in one place the courses from Stage 0 to Stage 5, the 4 evaluations from the pre-assessment test (사전평가) to the comprehensive evaluation for naturalization (KINAT), tuition fees (교육수수료), and how to use them for stay, permanent residence, and naturalization.

1. Before You Start

The Most Important Things to Know First

KIIP is not an entry exam that you must take to enter Korea from abroad. Usually, it is a program where you legally stay in Korea, sign up for the Social Integration Information Net (사회통합정보망, Socinet), and join classes at an operating institution (운영기관) in Korea. Completing KIIP or passing an evaluation can be used to prove Korean language proficiency and basic knowledge of Korea (기본소양), or to get extra points and exemption benefits in screenings for some Status of Stay (체류자격), permanent residence, and naturalization. However, it does not automatically grant you a visa, permanent residence, or nationality on its own.

In particular, you must understand the following differences.

EPS-TOPIK is required for people who want to come to Korea under the E-9 Employment Permit System (EPS). KIIP cannot replace it.
KIIP does not always replace the TOPIK score needed for university admission.
When you apply for an E-series work visa, KIIP does not replace requirements for employment contracts, education, work experience, job category, or wages.
Passing the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence (KIPRAT) and completing the full KIIP course are different from each other.
For a naturalization applicant, whether you are exempt from the interview may differ depending on whether you only passed the comprehensive evaluation (종합평가) or passed it after completing Stage 5 Advanced.

1-Minute Summary

KIIP is the Ministry of Justice's educational program for immigrant settlement and social integration.
You do all applications to participate, stage placement, course applications, evaluation applications, and score checks on the Social Integration Information Net.
The current program consists of Korean Language and Korean Culture Stages 0 to 4, and Understanding Korean Society Stage 5 Basic and Advanced.
If you take all courses from Stage 0 to Stage 5 Advanced, it takes up to 515 hours.
You set your starting stage through the pre-assessment test, linkage with a valid TOPIK level, marriage migration visa (결혼이민사증) linkage, or starting Stage 0 directly.
You can be placed in Stage 2 with TOPIK Level 1, Stage 3 with Level 2, Stage 4 with Level 3, and Stage 5 with Levels 4 to 6 through linked placement.
There is a stage evaluation (단계평가) after Stages 1 to 3, and a midterm evaluation (중간평가, KIIP-KLCT) after Stage 4.
You take the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence (KIPRAT) after Stage 5 Basic, and the comprehensive evaluation for naturalization (KINAT) after Basic and Advanced.
If you score 85 points or higher on the pre-assessment test, you may apply for the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence without taking courses first. However, passing it does not automatically give you KIIP completion.
Starting in 2025, tuition fees are charged for Stages 1 to 5. Based on current notices, Stages 1 to 4 cost 100,000 KRW each, Stage 5 Basic costs 70,000 KRW, and Advanced costs 30,000 KRW.
Stage 0 and people eligible for exemption are free, and you may pay only 50% if you meet reduction conditions such as 100% attendance.
Completion benefits vary depending on your Status of Stay and completed stage. You must check the requirements for stay, permanent residence, or naturalization separately at the time of your application.

What Do You Learn in KIIP?

According to the Purpose of Introduction on the Social Integration Information Net, KIIP is a program designed to help immigrants systematically learn the Korean language and basic knowledge of Korea, including the economy, society, and laws of Korean society.

The education is largely divided into two parts.

Korean Language and Korean Culture: Korean language and culture needed for daily life, using public institutions, workplace life, and community life
Understanding Korean Society: Korean history, politics, economy, society, law, daily living systems, and basic knowledge you should know as a citizen

It is different from regular private language academy courses. It is managed as an official record connected to the Ministry of Justice's stay policies, and your education and evaluation results for each stage are recorded on the Social Integration Information Net.

Who Can Participate?

The Ministry of Justice English Policy Guide explains that there are two main target groups. They are foreigners staying in Korea who are preparing for a residence status such as nationality or permanent residence, and people who acquired nationality within the last 3 years. The Current Application Procedures Page explains that all immigrants and Korean citizens who wish to participate can apply voluntarily.

In practice, you must check the following points.

Whether you are staying legally in Korea
Whether your Status of Stay, foreigner registration number (외국인등록번호), and address in your Social Integration Information Net member information are correct
Whether the course at the stage and time slot you want is open at the operating institution in charge of your area of residence
Whether your course application is restricted due to a short-term stay or registration information issues
For people who acquired Korean nationality, whether your eligible participation period and member type are correct

KIIP is not the first step for people living outside Korea who plan to apply for a visa in the future. Usually, you should first check the visa and entry requirements that fit your situation, enter Korea and stay, and then participate in KIIP as needed.

2. Course Structure and Stage Placement

Full Courses and Course Hours

The courses and hours are based on the Current Official Course Table.

Category	Stage	Course Name	Course Hours	Next Evaluation
Korean Language and Korean Culture	0	Basic	15 hours	None
Korean Language and Korean Culture	1	Beginner 1	100 hours	Stage 1 evaluation
Korean Language and Korean Culture	2	Beginner 2	100 hours	Stage 2 evaluation
Korean Language and Korean Culture	3	Intermediate 1	100 hours	Stage 3 evaluation
Korean Language and Korean Culture	4	Intermediate 2	100 hours	midterm evaluation (KIIP-KLCT)
Understanding Korean Society	5 Basic	Basic Course for Permanent Residence	70 hours	comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence (KIPRAT)
Understanding Korean Society	5 Advanced	Advanced Course for Naturalization	30 hours	comprehensive evaluation for naturalization (KINAT)

Counting from Stage 0, Korean Language and Korean Culture takes 415 hours, up to Stage 5 Basic takes 485 hours, and completing all the way through Advanced takes 515 hours. If you are placed in an intermediate stage through the pre-assessment test or TOPIK linkage, the course hours for previous stages are reduced.

Watch Out for the Outdated '50-Hour and 70-Hour' Tables

In some Ministry of Justice English summaries and past guides for permanent residence and naturalization, Understanding Korean Society still appears in the old format, such as '50 hours for permanent residence and 70 hours for naturalization'. As of August 29, 2026, the actual course hours shown on the current course table of the Social Integration Information Net are 70 hours for Basic and 30 hours for Advanced. Make sure to check the hours for your specific session shown on the course registration screen.

Which Stage Do You Start From?

There are four main ways to determine your starting stage.

Take the pre-assessment test and receive placement based on your score
Start at Stage 0 without a pre-assessment test if you are learning Korean for the first time
Submit a valid TOPIK level to receive linked placement
Receive linked placement if you already proved your Korean proficiency during the marriage migration visa issuance process

You cannot simply choose any stage you want based only on your pre-assessment test score. You must apply for courses starting from the stage officially assigned to you on the Social Integration Information Net. Placement results are usually valid for 2 years. If you only receive your result and do not take courses for a long time, you may need to go through the placement process again.

Pre-assessment Test

The pre-assessment test is an evaluation that checks a participant's Korean language ability and basic knowledge of Korea to assign a starting stage. Based on the Official Basic Knowledge Evaluation Guide, it consists of two parts: written and oral.

Section	Questions	Time	Format
Written	50 questions	60 minutes	48 multiple choice questions + 2 short answer questions, OMR
Oral	5 questions	10 minutes	Reading, comprehension, conversation, listening and speaking
Total	55 questions	about 70 minutes	Separately designated test center

The pre-assessment test is not an entry exam that determines pass or fail, but an evaluation for stage placement. However, anyone who scores 85 points or higher can apply for the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence without taking courses first, within the 2-year validity period of the result.

Here are important points to keep in mind.

You must participate in a course or evaluation within 2 years after receiving your placement from the pre-assessment test.
Even if you pass the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence directly with a score of 85 points or higher, it may be processed as 'KIIP not completed' if you did not complete the Stage 5 basic course.
People who want to start from Stage 0 or those eligible for valid TOPIK linkage can skip the pre-assessment test.
The test center, required items, and entry deadline (the time by which you must be inside the exam room) are based on the registration receipt (접수증) for each round.

Getting Stage Placement with TOPIK Scores

According to the Current Linked Course Guide, foreigners with a valid TOPIK level can submit a linkage application form and a score certificate instead of taking the pre-assessment test to receive placement. The assigned stages by level are as follows.

TOPIK Level Held	Assigned KIIP Stage	Recognized Meaning
Level 1	Stage 2	Considered to have completed up to Stage 1 and enters Stage 2
Level 2	Stage 3	Enters Stage 3
Level 3	Stage 4	Enters Stage 4
Levels 4 to 6	Stage 5	Enters the Understanding Korean Society stage instead of Korean language courses

The procedure is: 'Sign up for the Social Integration Information Net → Submit the linkage application form and valid TOPIK score → Confirmation by the immigration office in charge → Stage placement → Course application'. You cannot simply show your report card to an operating institution and attend an advanced class as you wish.

You must not convert TOPIK levels into KIIP evaluation scores, or convert KIIP completed stages backward into TOPIK levels. The two systems only provide linked placement, and they are not the same test.

Linkage with Marriage Migration (F-6) Visas

Marriage migrants who entered Korea after already proving basic Korean communication skills during the marriage migration visa issuance process can receive linked placement into KIIP Stage 2 without a pre-assessment test. Recognized proof includes TOPIK Level 1 or a certificate of completion (이수증) from an overseas Korean language educational institution recognized by the Ministry of Justice, such as the King Sejong Institute (세종학당).

The fact that you entered on a marriage visa is not enough on its own. You must also have documentation showing how you proved your Korean proficiency at the time of visa issuance. You must submit a linkage application form to the immigration office in charge, along with your score report or certificate of completion, to receive official placement. After placement, you must apply for Stage 2 courses within 2 years.

Linkage with External Korean Language Courses

Universities, corporations, Multicultural Family Support Centers, and other organizations can register with the Ministry of Justice as an 'intermediate Korean language linkage institution' (한국어교육 중급 연계기관). If you completed an intermediate linked course at such an institution, you can take the midterm evaluation directly without taking KIIP Stage 4 again.

Not all university Korean language courses or private language academy courses are automatically recognized. First check whether the course is officially registered as a linked course with the immigration office in charge, and whether it can issue the official 'KIIP Linked Course Completion Confirmation (사회통합프로그램 연계 이수확인서)'.

3. Evaluations by Stage

Stage 1 to 3 Evaluations

After completing Stage 1, 2, or 3 courses, you take a stage evaluation at the operating institution.

Section	Questions	Time
Written	20 questions	30 minutes
Oral	5 questions	10 minutes
Total	25 questions	about 40 minutes

Passing standard: 60 points or higher out of 100 points
Passing: You advance to the next stage.
Failing: You can take the evaluation again after retaking the same stage.
Administered by: The respective operating institution

The stage evaluation schedule is sometimes different from nationwide test dates. Make sure to check the notices from the operating institution where you are taking classes.

Midterm Evaluation: KIIP-KLCT

This is the official Korean language evaluation for people who completed the Stage 4 Intermediate 2 course or a registered intermediate linked course. The official name is 'Social Integration Program Korean Language and Korean Culture Test', and the English abbreviation is KIIP-KLCT.

Section	Questions	Time	Content
Written	30 questions	50 minutes	28 multiple choice questions + 2 writing questions combined into one writing task
Oral	5 questions	10 minutes	Speaking evaluation
Total	35 questions	About 60 minutes	Designated location by jurisdiction

Passing standard: 60 points or higher
Passing benefits: KIIP-KLCT certificate of passing (합격증), entry into Stage 5 basic course
Failing: You can retake the test and pass, or retake Stage 4 and enter based on your score under official standards.
Checking results: My Page (마이페이지) on the Social Integration Information Net

Comprehensive Evaluation for Permanent Residence: KIPRAT

The official English name is 'Korea Immigration and Permanent Residence Aptitude Test', and the abbreviation is KIPRAT.

There are two main pathways to take the test.

People who completed the Stage 5 basic course
People who scored 85 points or higher on the pre-assessment test and apply directly within 2 years

Section	Questions	Time
Written	40 questions	60 minutes
Oral	5 questions	10 minutes
Total	45 questions	About 70 minutes

The written section consists of 36 multiple choice questions and 4 writing questions combined into one writing task, and the passing standard is 60 points or higher.

The Difference Between 'Passing' and 'KIIP Completion'

When a person who completed the Stage 5 basic course passes: It can be processed as passing the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence and completing the Korea Permanent Residence Eligibility Course (한국영주적격과정).
When passing with 85 points or higher on the pre-assessment test without taking the basic course: You pass the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence, but 'not completed' may appear on your certificate.
When a person who passed with 'not completed' completes the basic course later: The official record can change to 'completed'.

In other words, you must not describe yourself as a person who completed the full program just by looking at a 'certificate of passing for the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence'.

Comprehensive Evaluation for Naturalization: KINAT

The official English name is 'Korea Immigration and Naturalization Aptitude Test', and the abbreviation is KINAT.

There are two main target groups for the test.

People who completed the Stage 5 basic course and advanced course
People who applied for naturalization permission and take the evaluation as a naturalization applicant

Like the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence, the test structure consists of 40 written questions for 60 minutes and 5 oral questions for 10 minutes, and the passing standard is 60 points or higher.

Naturalization applicants can take the test up to 3 times within 1 year from their application date. If you fail all three times, it can cause an unfavorable result in your naturalization application review. Check your own test opportunities and deadlines on My Page.

Who Is Eligible for the Naturalization Interview Exemption

'Passing the comprehensive evaluation for naturalization = automatic naturalization interview exemption for everyone' is not the case.

People who completed the entire Stage 5 basic + advanced courses and passed the comprehensive evaluation for naturalization can become eligible for an interview screening exemption.
If a naturalization applicant who did not complete the educational courses passes only the comprehensive evaluation, it is processed as 'not completed' and the interview exemption may not apply.
Actual naturalization permission undergoes a separate review of good conduct, ability to support yourself, and requirements under the Nationality Act.

Comparison of the Four Evaluations

Evaluation	Purpose	Typical Test-Takers	Passing and Placement Criteria
Pre-assessment test	Placement into starting Stage	New participants	Stage placement according to score; 85 points or higher allows direct KIPRAT pathway
Stage evaluation	Checking learning achievements in Stages 1 to 3	People who completed each Stage	60 points or higher
Midterm evaluation	Evaluation of Korean Language and Korean Culture courses	People who completed Stage 4 or intermediate linked courses	60 points or higher, entry into Stage 5
Comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence	Evaluation of basic knowledge of Korea for permanent residence	People who completed Stage 5 Basic and others	60 points or higher
Comprehensive evaluation for naturalization	Evaluation of basic knowledge of Korea for naturalization	People who completed all of Stage 5 and naturalization applicants	60 points or higher

Remaining Official Evaluation Schedule for 2026

As of August 29, 2026, these are the upcoming rounds published on the Social Integration Information Net Main Page.

Evaluation	Round	Application Period	Test Date	Entry Deadline
Pre-assessment test	Round 6	2026-09-01~09-05	2026-09-19	12:30
Comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence	Round 7	2026-09-29~10-03	2026-10-17	12:30
Comprehensive evaluation for naturalization	Round 7	2026-09-29~10-03	2026-10-17	12:30
Midterm evaluation	Round 4	2026-12-07~12-09	2026-12-19	12:30

This table shows the 'remaining published schedule' as of the reference date. For locations, seats, additional rounds, schedule changes, and detailed items to bring, follow the evaluation application screen after logging in and your registration receipt. Because the application period is short and seats may close early, it is safest to check your member information and placement eligibility before the start date.

4. Application and Classes

Actual Procedure from Application to Completion

Seen from the point of view of someone doing this for the first time, the flow of the Official Application Procedure has ten steps.

Sign up for membership on the Social Integration Information Net.
Apply to participate in KIIP.
Receive your Stage placement through one of three options: the pre-assessment test, TOPIK linkage, or starting at Stage 0.
Search for courses in the jurisdiction where you live.
Apply for a course at your desired operating institution and time slot.
Participate in classes and manage your attendance.
Apply for and take stage evaluations, the midterm evaluation, and comprehensive evaluations.
Check results and your study record on My Page.
Receive your certificate of completion and certificate of passing.
Submit required certificates when applying for stay, permanent residence, or naturalization.

Course registration and evaluation registration are separate. Registering for classes does not automatically register you for exams. You must apply again during the evaluation registration period.

Finding Operating Institutions and Classes

Regional hub operating institutions and regular operating institutions by region are listed in the Current Status of Operating Institutions Nationwide. To see the courses that are actually open for registration, log in and check the Stage, region, operating institution, course dates, and times in the course application menu.

Here are the items to check when choosing a course:

Whether it is the Stage officially assigned to you
Class start and end dates and total recognized hours
Weekday, weekend, daytime, and nighttime schedules
Class formats such as in-person and online
Classroom address and whether you can commute there
Costs announced separately by operating institutions, such as textbook costs
Course application approval status and waiting list handling
The gap between evaluation schedules and course completion dates

In principle, you apply to an operating institution within the jurisdiction where you live. If you need to take classes in another jurisdiction for unavoidable reasons, approval from the immigration office in charge may be required.

2026 Tuition Fees

According to the 2026-08-13 Ministry of Justice Tuition Fee Notice, tuition fees are charged to participants in Stages 1 to 5 starting from 2025.

Course	Course Hours	Standard Tuition Fee
Stage 0 Basic	15 hours	Free
Stage 1	100 hours	100,000 KRW
Stage 2	100 hours	100,000 KRW
Stage 3	100 hours	100,000 KRW
Stage 4	100 hours	100,000 KRW
Stage 5 Basic	70 hours	70,000 KRW
Stage 5 Advanced	30 hours	30,000 KRW

The key rules of the notice are summarized in six lines.

Who must pay: Participants in Stages 1 to 5
Free: Stage 0 and people eligible for exemption under the notice
50% reduction: People eligible for a reduction under the notice, such as those with 100% attendance in the relevant Stage and those recommended by instructors for their study attitude and diligence
Payment period: From the end of each Stage until applying for the evaluation
Payment method: Online payment through the Social Integration Information Net
Non-payment: If you do not pay by the evaluation application period, you cannot take the evaluation.

You must not assume that a reduction is automatically applied to everyone with high attendance. Check your reduction or exemption status on My Page, and if there is any issue, contact your operating institution or 1345.

Do Not Confuse This with the Evaluation Fee (평가수수료)

Tuition fees are for classes and are separate from evaluation fees. Article 48 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act provides the legal basis to collect tuition fees and entrusted evaluation fees separately. Because there is no single up-to-date fee table on the public website that covers all evaluations, check the actual payment amount on the evaluation application screen for the relevant round.

5. Attending Classes and Taking Evaluations

Important Points on Attendance, Suspension, and Removal from the Register

If you only apply for classes and are absent for a long time, your study record may not be maintained.

If it is difficult to participate continuously for 30 days or more due to childbirth, medical treatment, or family matters, apply for suspension of participation (이수정지) within 15 days of the reason occurring.
When you return after an approved suspension of participation, you can continue using your previously recognized course hours.
If you do not apply for a course again within 2 years after suspension of participation, you may become subject to removal from the register (제적).
If you are absent for 30 days or more without legitimate procedures, you will be removed from the register and course hours for that Stage may become invalid.
If your address has changed, submit a report of change of residence (체류지 변경신고) and update your Social Integration Information Net information first before applying for courses in your new jurisdiction.

When you get sick, move, give birth, or change work shifts, do not just tell your instructor and leave it at that. You must confirm that it has been officially processed by the operating institution and on the Social Integration Information Net.

Evaluation Application and Test Day

Apply directly on the Social Integration Information Net during the application period for each evaluation.
Test centers are designated by the immigration office in charge and may sometimes be different from course operating institutions.
Check your exam room and specific location on My Page and your registration receipt.
Bring required items for each round, such as an official ID and your registration receipt.
The entry deadline in the 2026 published schedule is 12:30. Do not confuse it with the exam start time.
If you apply and do not show up for the test, it may be processed as a failure regardless of the reason.
Process unavoidable cancellations within the application period using designated methods.
Cheating, taking a test for someone else, and forging identification cards can lead to evaluation invalidation, testing restrictions, and problems with your stay screening.

Test Accommodations for Disabilities and Other Conditions

If it is difficult to take the test in the usual way due to a disability or illness, you can apply for accommodations before the evaluation. You must submit supporting documents such as a disability registration card (장애인등록증) or a medical certificate from a hospital and get approval from the Immigration Integration Support Center (이민통합지원센터). Adjustments to test time, answer writing methods, or separate supervision may be provided as needed.

If you make a request for the first time at the test center on the test day, support may be difficult, so contact 1345 and the institution in charge right after registration.

Checking Results and Certificates

You check pre-assessment test placement results, midterm evaluation and comprehensive evaluation scores, and study records on My Page on the Social Integration Information Net. If needed, get the following documents issued separately.

Stage completion or study record
KIIP-KLCT certificate of passing
Certificate of passing for the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence: check the 'completed' or 'not completed' mark
Korea Permanent Residence Eligibility Course certificate of completion
Certificate of passing for the comprehensive evaluation for naturalization: check the 'completed' or 'not completed' mark
Korea Naturalization Eligibility Course (한국귀화적격과정) certificate of completion

Check whether the document name requested by the submitting institution matches the document name you have. If you submit a simple score inquiry screen as an official certificate of completion, you may receive a request for supplemental documents.

6. Use for Visas, Permanent Residence, and Naturalization

Benefits Available for Status of Stay and Visas

The regular guidance from the Ministry of Justice explains that the following types of benefits may be available depending on the completed Stage and the type of stay procedure.

Task	Possible Benefit Types	Points You Must Check
Visa issuance	Exemption from proving Korean language ability and other requirements	Which KIIP Stage the relevant visa guidelines recognize
Change and extension of Status of Stay	Exemption from proving Korean language or points	Stages and allocated points in the latest official notice and manual for each Status of Stay
Permanent residence	Benefits related to proving Korean language ability and field investigations	Separate requirements such as income, good conduct, and Period of Stay (체류기간) by permanent residence type
Naturalization	Recognition of comprehensive evaluation, interview exemption under certain conditions	Whether you completed the full program and other requirements under the Nationality Act

There is no single common table stating 'completing a certain KIIP Stage grants a certain visa'. The recognized Stage, valid certificates, and extra points or exemption methods differ by Status of Stay, and policies can also change.

What Work Visa Holders and Foreign Workers Need to Know

E-9 Workers

If you are entering Korea for the first time through EPS, the Korean language test in that process is EPS-TOPIK. KIIP can help with everyday Korean, understanding Korean society, and preparing for long-term stay after entering the country, but it does not replace EPS-TOPIK.

Professional and Skilled Workers Such as E-7

In some points-based systems or changes of Status of Stay, a KIIP Stage may be recognized as points for Korean language ability or social integration. However, you must check the official notice for the relevant Status of Stay at the time of application for the exact recognized Stage and points. KIIP does not replace criteria for degrees, work experience, occupational category, employment contracts, or wages.

People Changing from International Student to Employment

When changing from D-2 or D-4 to a job-seeking or employment Status of Stay, it is possible to use KIIP as one piece of evidence of Korean language ability. However, separate requirements remain, such as school graduation, major and job field relevance, and employment contracts. Graduation TOPIK requirements set by schools are also not automatically replaced by KIIP.

Conclusion

If employment is your goal, first satisfy the "visa requirements needed for entry and employment," and plan KIIP as a separate path for adapting to life in Korea and preparing for future stay, permanent residence, and naturalization.

How to Use KIIP When Preparing for Permanent Residence

KIIP is a primary path to prepare the Korean language and basic knowledge of Korea requirements for a permanent residence application, but it is not the entire requirement for permanent residence.

Get placed into a Stage that matches your Korean language ability.
Complete the necessary education course.
Pass the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residence.
Prepare your certificate of completion and certificate of passing.
Check the Period of Stay, income, good conduct, ability to support yourself, and documents required for your permanent residence type.
Apply for permanent residence at the immigration office in charge.

If you scored 85 points or higher on the pre-assessment test and passed only KIPRAT, your status may be 'not completed'. Check the exact wording to see whether the permanent residence type you are applying for recognizes 'passing the comprehensive evaluation' or requires 'KIIP completion'.

How to Use KIIP When Preparing for Naturalization

If your goal is naturalization, it is common not to stop at Stage 5 Basic, but to plan all the way through the 30 hours of the advanced course and the comprehensive evaluation for naturalization.

Take the KIIP Korean language course or receive linked placement.
Complete 70 hours of Stage 5 Basic.
Complete 30 hours of Stage 5 Advanced.
Pass the comprehensive evaluation for naturalization.
Check your overall completed and passing status.
Check separate naturalization requirements under the Nationality Act, such as period of residence, good conduct, ability to support yourself, and basic knowledge of Korea.
Proceed with the naturalization screening.

Direct test takers who take the evaluation after applying for naturalization must pay special attention to the limit of 1 year and a maximum of 3 attempts. If you are not a person who completed the full program, you may not receive an interview exemption even if you pass.

Which Path Should You Choose?

Current Situation	Recommended Starting Point
Barely know Hangeul	Consider starting at Stage 0 without a pre-assessment test
Learned a little Korean, no official test score	Stage placement through the pre-assessment test
Hold valid TOPIK Levels 1 to 6	Consider applying for TOPIK linkage
Proved Korean in the designated manner when F-6 was issued	Consider Stage 2 placement through marriage migration visa linkage
Completed a registered external intermediate linked course	Consider taking the midterm evaluation directly
Highly fluent in Korean and preparing for permanent residence	Compare the direct KIPRAT path with a pre-assessment score of 85 or higher against the course completion path
Goal includes naturalization interview exemption	Plan to complete both Stage 5 Basic and Advanced and pass KINAT

The fast track is not always advantageous. Securing a 'completed' status by completing the course can be clearer for later applications than taking a path that only passes the evaluation and results in a 'not completed' status.

7. Study Preparation

What You Learn and How to Prepare

Korean Language and Korean Culture Stages 0 to 4

Reading and writing Hangeul, and pronunciation
Daily conversation, shopping, transportation, hospitals, banks, and housing
Speaking and listening needed at workplaces and public institutions
Reading announcements, text messages, official notices, and other texts
Writing paragraphs and expressing opinions as you move up Stages

Understanding Korean Society Stage 5

Korean history and culture
Basic constitutional values, rights, and duties
Fundamentals of politics, public administration, and elections
Economic life, labor, taxes, and welfare
Family, education, and local communities
Legal order, crime prevention, and everyday law

Check designated textbooks for each Stage on the Official Instructor and Textbook Page and follow the latest edition used in your course. If you only memorize private prep questions, you may struggle with the oral and writing tasks and real-life understanding.

8. Misunderstandings and Safety

Common Misunderstandings and Accurate Answers

"Completing KIIP Gives You a Visa"

No. For each Status of Stay, immigration screens all of the different legal requirements that apply.

"KIIP Is Free"

Currently, tuition fees apply except for Stage 0 and people eligible for exemption. People eligible for a reduction can pay 50%.

"If You Have TOPIK Level 4, KIIP Is Also Finished"

No. You can only be placed into Stage 5, and the Understanding Korean Society courses and the comprehensive evaluation remain separate.

"Scoring 85 Points on the Pre-assessment Test Means You Completed KIIP"

No. You may qualify to take KIPRAT directly, but that is different from course completion.

"Passing the Comprehensive Evaluation Exempts Everyone from the Naturalization Interview"

No. It depends on your full program completion status and test-taking type.

"You Can Apply for Classes in Any Region"

In principle, you apply for courses under the jurisdiction of where you live. Other jurisdictions may require approval.

"Applying for a Course Automatically Registers You for the Test"

No. You must apply for courses and evaluations separately.

Preventing Fraud and Misinformation

Refuse offers claiming "if you pay money, we will make you a KIIP certificate of completion."
Proxy attendance, taking tests for someone else, and forged TOPIK scores carry the risk of evaluation cancellation and immigration disadvantages.
Do not blindly trust outdated blog information such as "the entire KIIP program is free" or "Stage 5 is 50 hours."
Do not delete or modify the 'completed' or 'not completed' mark on certificates of passing.
Check directly on the Social Integration Information Net whether an organization is an operating institution.
Do not hand over your personal account password and foreigner registration information to academies or brokers.
Beware of advertisements guaranteeing a 100% chance of getting a visa, permanent residence, or naturalization.

9. Wrapping Up

Checklist Before Applying

Are your current Status of Stay and Period of Stay valid?
Do your foreigner registration number, name, date of birth, and address match your actual information?
Have you decided whether your goal is adapting to daily life, changing your stay, permanent residence, or naturalization?
Have you chosen the most advantageous placement method among the pre-assessment test, starting at Stage 0, or TOPIK linkage?
Have you checked the validity period of your TOPIK score and whether you can submit the original document?
Have you checked the operating institution in charge, commute, and class times?
Have you checked the tuition fee and whether you are eligible for a reduction or exemption?
Have you saved the evaluation application period after the course ends in your calendar?
Have you checked the separate payment amount and test center during the evaluation application process?
If applying for permanent residence or naturalization, have you checked whether you need 'passing' or 'KIIP completion'?
Have you rechecked details that may change on the Social Integration Information Net or at 1345?

In Closing

KIIP is not an all-powerful test for entering Korea. It is a Ministry of Justice program created so immigrants living in Korea can learn the Korean language and Korean society, and officially prove the basic knowledge of Korea required for long-term stay, permanent residence, and naturalization.

If you are participating for the first time, you only need to decide on three things first.

Goal: Whether it is adapting to daily life or preparing for a change of stay, permanent residence, or naturalization
Starting Stage: Which among the pre-assessment test, Stage 0, and TOPIK linkage is right for you
Final status: Whether you only need to pass the evaluation, or whether you need 'KIIP completion'

Next, check the courses and evaluation schedule in your jurisdiction on the Social Integration Information Net, and make final checks on stay, permanent residence, and naturalization requirements that may change by contacting 1345 or the immigration office in charge. For information that changes frequently, such as fees and schedules, the official notices on the day of application always take precedence over this document.

Official Sources

This document was written based on the following official materials:

Social Integration Information Net (Current Evaluation Schedule and Latest Notices) · Ministry of Justice
Notice of Tuition Fees for Korea Immigration and Integration Program Participants (2026-08-13) · Ministry of Justice, Immigration Integration Division
Article 48 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act (Korea Immigration and Integration Program) · Korean Law Information Center
Purpose and Benefits of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program · Ministry of Justice, Social Integration Information Net
Current Courses and Course Hours · Ministry of Justice, Social Integration Information Net
Guide to Application Procedures, Suspension of Participation, and Removal from the Register · Ministry of Justice, Social Integration Information Net
Guide to Basic Knowledge Evaluations (Pre-assessment, Stage, Midterm, and Comprehensive Evaluations) · Ministry of Justice, Social Integration Information Net
Guide to TOPIK, Intermediate Course, and Marriage Migration Visa Linkages · Ministry of Justice, Social Integration Information Net
Evaluation Procedures for Permanent Residence and Naturalization Applicants · Ministry of Justice, Social Integration Information Net
Current Status of KIIP Operating Institutions Nationwide · Ministry of Justice, Social Integration Information Net
KIIP English Policy Introduction · Ministry of Justice, Korea Immigration Service

Policies and schedules can change. Always confirm with the official sources before applying or departing.