2023 KIIP Guideline (Eligibility, Benefits, Curriculum, Book, Schedule, Certificates)

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

A FREE education program was developed to help immigrants acquire basic knowledge and information about life in Korea (Korean Language and Culture, Understanding Korean Society, etc.) so that they can adapt to and become self-reliant members of Korean society.

2. Eligible KIIP Participants

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

- Naturalized Koreans who have acquired Korean nationality with no more than 3 years can take the level test and classes.

※ Foreign national Koreans applying for permanent residency (F5-7) must complete the 'KIIP level 5 basic course'

3. Benefits of KIIP program

A. When applying for naturalization : exemption from naturalization written test and interview, reduced waiting time for naturalization evaluation (only applied to those who completed the intensive course)

B. When applying for VISA F2 & F5:
❍ Additional points
- Those applying for points system based residential status (F2-7) (maximum 28 points)
❍ Exemption from proving Korean fluency
- Long-term foreign residents applying for permanent residency (F5-1)
- Spouse of Korean citizen (F6) applying for permanent residency (F5-2)
- Underage children (foreigner) of Korean citizens (F2-2) applying for permanent residency (F5-3)
- Working visit (H-2) visa holders applying for permanent residency (F5-14)
- Long-term foreign residents (D1, D5~D9, F1, F3, E1~E5, E7, etc.) applying for residential status (F2-99)
- Non-professional employment (E9), vessel crew (E10), working visit (H-2) visa holders applying for residential status (F2-6) or specially designated activities (E7-1)

4. KIIP Curriculum (starting from 2021.08.16)

> Level 0: 15 h introductory course

> Level 1: 100 h language beginner 1 course

> Level 2: 100 h language beginner 2 course

> Level 3: 80h language intermediate 1 course + 20h language/culture course 

> Level 4: 80h language intermediate 2 course + 20h language/culture course 

> Level 5: 60h understanding Korean society basic course  + 10h activities

> Level 5: 20h understanding Korean society advance course  + 10h activities

Activities = selection of civil education (6h), immigration mentor education (4h), field education (4h), voluntary activities (2h) etc.

*Your class attendance has to be equal to 80 % or higher to be able to apply for the corresponding test.

For example, in KIIP level 5 basic course, your class attendance has to be at least 48 h coursebook + 8 h activities (56 h in total) to be able to apply for the KIIP level 5 comprehensive test.

5. How to submit your TOPIK certificate to KIIP?

Applicants can start at the assigned level based on their pre-test score or 'valid' TOPIK certificate. There are 2 ways to submit your TOPIK certificate as below:

(1) Submit your valid TOPIK certificate at your nearest immigration office to get your assigned level without taking the pre-test 

(2) Call the immigration support center 1345 and inform them of your intentions. They'll ask which region you're staying in and provide you with the right email (It's region specific) to send your documents to. They'll also let you know what kind of documents you need to send. 

These are the documents: 

1. 사회통합프로그램 TOPIK 신청서: DOC or HWP 

2. TOPIK Results 

3. ARC copy.

They said you will have to wait a week but within 3-5 days. Note that the immigration contact number receives calls during working hours only.

- See the TOPIK to KIIP conversion table below.

◦ Applicants who did not take the level test or TOPIK can start from level 0

◦ Applicants must first take the level 5 basic course (70 hours) in order to apply for the level 5 intensive course (30 hours).

6. KIIP textbooks (starting from 2021)

The Old KIIP curriculum requires only 7 books for the whole course. However, in the new KIIP curriculum, the number of books has increased to 15 books.  

To have a look at the online book or get the book pdf, email me, 

New KIIP Textbook Level 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 +Audio

7. KIIP Test Schedule

In 2023, there are 23 KIIP tests (paper-based tests) in total: 6 pre-tests, 5 mid-term tests, and 8 comprehensive tests.

Visit: 2023 KIIP Test Schedule & completion policy

Updates starting from 2022:

❍ Starting from March 2022, the computer-based test (CBT)* will be operated for the all pre-tests (named as CBT 사전평가). The CBT 사전평가 is held ~12 times/month. Literally, you can take the test at any time. However, the CBT test has only 1 test location at present.

❍ Starting from July 2022, the computer-based test (CBT)* will be operated for the 귀화용  comprehensive test (named as CBT 귀화용 종합평가). CBT 귀화용 종합평가 is held ~2 times/month. Literally, you can take the test at any time. However, CBT 영주용 종합평가 test is still not available yet.

8. Guide to Apply for a KIIP Level Test

Visit: How to Apply for a KIIP Test or Start from level 0 (사회통합프로그램 사전평가 신청)

※ From Mar 2019, the pre-test is no longer free. You must pay 30,000 won the registration fee to take the pre-test, midterm test, and comprehensive test.

※ From Mar 2021, the test fee was increased from 30,000 won to 38,000 won.  

9. Guide to Class Registration

 Visit: How to register for a KIIP class with proper time and location on socinet.go.kr

There are 3 semesters each year. New KIIP Level 0 to 5 classes are about to open at the starting of each semester. You should check available classes 1 week in advance before the semester starts. Below is 2023 KIIP class semester schedule:

KIIP 1st semester: 02 Jan - 07 May  || 2nd semester: 08 May - 13 Aug || 3rd semester: 14 Aug - 10 Dec.

10. KIIP Qualifications & Certificates

> The KIIP pass certificates (학격증) can be downloaded from both socinet.go.kr and kiiptest.org. However, KIIP completion certificate can only be downloaded from socinet.go.kr

> When you complete Korean Language and Culture class (level 4 class) and pass the mid-term test, you will receive the "Korean Language and Culture Test (KLCT)" certificate for getting plus points when applying for VISA.

> When you complete the basic course for Understanding Korean Society (Level 5 - 70 hours course) and pass the comprehensive test for permanent residency, you will receive the "Permanent Residence Test (KIPRAT) pass certificate"(영주용 합격증) and the "KIIP completion certificate for permanent residence" (영주용 이수증) for applying VISA F2 and F5.

> When you complete the intensive course for Understanding Korean Society (Level 5 - 70+30 hours course) and pass the comprehensive test for naturalization, you will receive the "Naturalization Test (KINAT) pass certificate" (귀회용 합격증) and the "KIIP completion certificate for naturalization" (귀화용 이수증) for applying Korean citizenship.

> In recent policy changes, for naturalization, KIIP certificate is only valid for 3 years after getting the certificate. If more than 3 years gave passed, you need to take exam one more time to improve your knowledge. (reference)

11. Frequently Asked Questions about KIIP

Foreign Language Service Center: Call 1345 anywhere in Korea. 

Note that the support center receives calls during working hours only.

source koreantopik.com