Korea's Social Integration Program (KIIP): The 2026 Guide to F-5 PR and Naturalization

If your goal is F-5 permanent residency or Korean naturalization, the Social Integration Program (사회통합프로그램, commonly known as KIIP) is not optional. The older path of satisfying the F-5 language requirement with a TOPIK Level 4 certificate was phased out for new applicants. Today, KIIP Stage 5 completion, or passing the Comprehensive Evaluation (종합평가), is the accepted path.

This guide covers the KIIP structure, how each stage works, the evaluation system, how KIIP compares to TOPIK, registration and tuition, and realistic timelines for reaching Stage 5.

What is the Social Integration Program?

The Ministry of Justice launched KIIP in 2009 as a structured education program for foreign residents in Korea. It covers two things together: Korean language ability and Korean society knowledge, including history, law, public administration, and daily life.

This combination is what separates KIIP from a Korean language course. A language course tests what you can say. KIIP tests whether you understand how Korean society works. That is why it carries weight for permanent residency and naturalization applications: it signals integration, not just language competency.

Classes run at partner institutions across the country. These include university language centers, multicultural family support centers (다문화가족지원센터), and social welfare organizations. All registration goes through the official portal, Socinet (socinet.go.kr). Evaluations are handled separately by the Korea Immigration Foundation at kiiptest.org.

Why does KIIP matter?

There are three direct reasons to complete KIIP.

F-5 permanent residency

The Korean government phased out TOPIK as the accepted language proof for F-5 permanent residency. The older TOPIK Level 4 path was closed to new applicants, and now only KIIP Stage 5 completion or passing the Permanent Residency Comprehensive Evaluation (영주용 종합평가) satisfies the requirement. Many older online guides still describe TOPIK as valid for F-5. That information is out of date. For the exact cutoff date and current rules, see the F-5 guide linked below.

KIIP completion can also work as a formal incentive that lowers the income threshold required for some F-5 applications, alongside 1365 volunteer service. The rules and effective dates here change, so check the current income rules in the F-5 guide linked below.

Naturalization

Naturalization applicants also need Stage 5 completion, specifically including Stage 5 Advanced. Completing Stage 5 (both Basic and Advanced) and passing the Naturalization Track Comprehensive Evaluation replaces the separate naturalization written test, and depending on your category may also exempt you from the interview. Without KIIP completion, you must sit both separately.

F-2-7 points-based visa

The F-2-7 points-based residency visa awards language points using the same scale for both TOPIK and KIIP, so each KIIP stage earns the same points as its matching TOPIK level, and higher stages earn more. Stage 5 completion may also qualify for additional point categories. Because the exact point values are set by the immigration points table and change over time, check the current figures at hikorea.go.kr.

One practical advantage KIIP has over TOPIK for the F-2-7 path: a KIIP completion record does not carry the 2-year score expiry that TOPIK reports do. TOPIK score reports are valid for 2 years, so if you earned a high TOPIK score years ago, you may need to retest. One time limit to keep in mind on the KIIP side: after you finish Stage 5 Basic, there is a limited window to take the Comprehensive Evaluation, so confirm the current rule at socinet.go.kr.

How are the stages structured?

KIIP has 6 stages, numbered 0 through 5. Stage 5 is internally divided into two sub-courses with different purposes.

A few things worth noting about this structure.

Stage 0 is the short foundation course for people who cannot yet read Korean. The four elementary and intermediate stages (1 through 4) are the longest courses, each running roughly the same length. Stage 5 Basic is shorter than those, and Stage 5 Advanced is shorter still. If you already have basic reading ability, your Pre-Evaluation score will place you at a higher stage.

Stage 5 splits into two sub-courses based on your visa goal. If you are pursuing F-5 permanent residency, you need Stage 5 Basic. If you are pursuing naturalization, you need both Stage 5 Basic and Stage 5 Advanced, which adds the shorter Advanced course on top.

Starting from Stage 0 and completing Stage 5 Basic adds up to several hundred classroom hours, and continuing through Stage 5 Advanced for naturalization adds a little more. Starting from a higher stage reduces the total. For the current hour count of each stage, check the stage breakdown at socinet.go.kr.

How does the evaluation system work?

KIIP has three types of evaluations. Each serves a different purpose.

Pre-Evaluation (사전평가)

The Pre-Evaluation is taken when you first register for KIIP. Its only job is to determine which stage you start at. Based on your score, you are assigned to a stage between 0 and 4.

A valid TOPIK certificate can place you at a higher stage based on your level instead of taking the Pre-Evaluation, with higher TOPIK levels generally mapping to higher stages. See the TOPIK placement section below, and confirm the current level-to-stage mapping at socinet.go.kr.

There is also a shortcut for strong Korean speakers. If you score 85 or higher on the Pre-Evaluation, you can sit the Comprehensive Evaluation directly within 2 years, without first enrolling in Stage 5 classes.

Mid-term Evaluation (중간평가)

The Mid-term Evaluation is taken at the end of Stage 4 and is the gate to Stage 5 enrollment. Passing it (60 out of 100) allows you to progress to Stage 5. You must complete Stage 4 before sitting this evaluation. The Mid-term also doubles as a Stage 4 completion certificate, which can satisfy certain visa requirements on its own.

Comprehensive Evaluation (종합평가)

The Comprehensive Evaluation is the final test, taken after completing Stage 5. It comes in two versions: the Permanent Residency Comprehensive Evaluation (영주용 종합평가) for F-5 applicants, and the Naturalization Comprehensive Evaluation (귀화용 종합평가) for citizenship applicants. Both require a minimum score of 60 out of 100 to pass.

The two versions are not offered in the same test modes. The Permanent Residency Comprehensive Evaluation (영주용 종합평가) runs as PBT only (paper-based, marked on an OMR answer sheet). The Naturalization Comprehensive Evaluation (귀화용 종합평가) can be taken as either PBT or CBT (computer-based). Each attempt carries an evaluation fee; confirm the current fee at kiiptest.org before you register.

Detailed coverage of what each evaluation tests, how to prepare, and what to expect on the day is covered in the individual evaluation guides for the Pre-Evaluation, Mid-term Evaluation, and Comprehensive Evaluation.

How does KIIP compare to TOPIK?

If you are already studying for TOPIK, or have a TOPIK score, understanding how the two programs relate is useful.

The single most important distinction: TOPIK cannot be used for F-5 permanent residency applications. Many foreign residents make significant TOPIK study investments assuming it will cover this requirement. It will not.

For the F-2-7 points path, both tests award the same language points. If you already have a valid TOPIK score, it works. But if your certificate expires before you apply, you have to retest. A KIIP completion record does not carry that 2-year score expiry.

TOPIK and KIIP also connect directly: a valid TOPIK certificate can place you into a higher KIIP stage based on your level instead of taking the Pre-Evaluation, with higher TOPIK levels generally mapping to higher stages. The Socinet TOPIK placement guide carries the current level-to-stage mapping; confirm it at socinet.go.kr for the placement that applies to your level.

If you are currently preparing for TOPIK and have F-5 as a long-term goal, reaching a TOPIK level before registering for KIIP can save you time by placing you at a higher starting stage; confirm the current level-to-stage mapping at socinet.go.kr.

For more on how TOPIK scores translate into visa points, see the TOPIK for Visa Points guide and the TOPIK guide.

How do you register and attend classes?

Registration

Register for KIIP at socinet.go.kr (사회통합정보망). Create an account, apply for the Pre-Evaluation (or, if you hold TOPIK, request placement by your TOPIK level instead), and then choose a partner institution and class schedule after your stage placement is confirmed. Confirm the current level-to-stage mapping at socinet.go.kr.

Evaluations are scheduled and managed separately at kiiptest.org, operated by the Korea Immigration Foundation.

Partner institutions

KIIP classes run at partner institutions across the country, including university language centers, multicultural family support centers, and social welfare organizations. Each institution sets its own class schedule, days of the week, and format (in-person, online, or hybrid). Use the institution search on socinet.go.kr to filter by region and class format.

If you also want to study Korean outside the KIIP curriculum, browse Seoulstart's language school directory for university institutes and private academies by city.

Step-by-step registration process

1. Create an account at socinet.go.kr
2. Apply for the Pre-Evaluation, or request placement by your TOPIK level if you hold a valid score
3. Take the Pre-Evaluation and check your stage assignment result
4. Search for a partner institution on socinet.go.kr and register for your assigned stage

Tuition

KIIP tuition is standardized nationally, so rates no longer vary by institution. Stage 0 is free. Stages 1 through 4 are charged at the same rate as each other. The two Stage 5 sub-courses (Basic for the F-5 PR track, Advanced for the naturalization track) are charged separately, with Advanced being the cheaper of the two. KIIP classes were free in earlier years before the standardized paid structure was introduced.

Basic livelihood recipients, national merit awardees, and certain children of foreign residents qualify for full exemption from tuition. Diligent participants with strong attendance, recommended by their instructor, can qualify for a 50% discount. Each evaluation carries its own separate fee on top of tuition. For the current tuition rates and the evaluation fee, check socinet.go.kr and kiiptest.org before you register.

How long does it actually take?

There is no fixed answer, since it depends on your starting stage, how frequently classes meet at your chosen institution, and evaluation scheduling. These are realistic ranges based on typical class frequencies.

Starting from Stage 0

At one to two classes per week, and based on typical institution schedules, most people complete through Stage 5 Basic in 1.5 to 2 years. Class frequency, institution schedules, and the time between evaluations can push this shorter or longer.

Starting from a higher stage (TOPIK holders)

If a TOPIK placement puts you in around Stage 3, completing through Stage 5 Basic typically takes 6 months to 1 year. Confirm the stage your TOPIK level maps to at socinet.go.kr.

No TOPIK, but some Korean ability

Your Pre-Evaluation score may place you at Stage 2 or Stage 3 without needing TOPIK. If your Korean is close to TOPIK Level 2, sitting the TOPIK before registering for KIIP may save you time by placing you at a higher stage directly; confirm the current mapping at socinet.go.kr. If your Korean is still developing, starting at Stage 1 or 2 and building through the curriculum is the more realistic path.

Planning backward from your F-5 eligibility date

Most F-5 general routes require 5 years of continuous residence. If you are in year 3 and have not started KIIP yet, register now. The time required to reach Stage 5 Basic from scratch is frequently underestimated. Starting in your third year of residence is a reasonable rule of thumb for people on the standard 5-year F-5 track.

For a full breakdown of F-5 eligibility requirements, including residence duration and income thresholds, see the F-5 Permanent Residency guide.

FAQ

What happens if I fail a KIIP evaluation?

You can retake it. The retake carries the same per-attempt evaluation fee as the original sitting. KIIP partner institutions recommend attending that stage's classes again before retaking. Check kiiptest.org for the current fee and any limits on retake attempts.

Can I switch to a different KIIP partner institution?

Yes. If you move or your schedule changes, you can request a transfer to another institution through socinet.go.kr. Your stage placement record carries over.

Can I start KIIP before arriving in Korea?

No. The Social Integration Program requires you to be living in Korea and to hold an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증). Apply at socinet.go.kr after you arrive.

Are online classes available?

Some partner institutions offer video-based classes. Some are fully online; others use a hybrid format. When you search for institutions on socinet.go.kr, look for the class format filter to find what suits your schedule.

Does a KIIP completion certificate expire?

There is one important time limit to keep in mind. After you finish Stage 5 Basic, there is a limited window to take the Comprehensive Evaluation, so confirm the current rule at socinet.go.kr. If you miss that window, you may need to re-take the course or sit a fresh evaluation. Once you have passed the Comprehensive Evaluation, that result does not carry the same 2-year score expiry that TOPIK score reports do. So a passed KIIP result is more durable than a TOPIK score report, but the Comprehensive Evaluation itself has to be taken within that window after Stage 5 Basic.

If I have TOPIK, do I still have to take the Pre-Evaluation?

Often not. A valid TOPIK certificate can place you at a higher stage based on your level instead of taking the Pre-Evaluation, with higher TOPIK levels generally mapping to higher stages (see the TOPIK placement section above). Confirm the current level-to-stage mapping at socinet.go.kr. Your TOPIK score should still be within its validity window when you apply for placement.

How much does KIIP cost?

Tuition is standardized nationally across all partner institutions, so rates no longer vary by institution. Stage 0 is free, Stages 1 through 4 are the same rate as each other, and the two Stage 5 sub-courses are charged separately with Advanced being the cheaper one. Basic livelihood recipients, national merit awardees, and certain children of foreign residents qualify for full exemption from tuition. Diligent participants with strong attendance, recommended by their instructor, can qualify for a 50% discount on tuition. Each evaluation carries its own separate fee. Confirm the current tuition and evaluation fees at socinet.go.kr and kiiptest.org.

How many KIIP points do I get toward the F-2-7 points-based visa?

KIIP uses the same language point scale as TOPIK, so a given KIIP stage earns the same points as the matching TOPIK level, and higher stages earn more points. Stage 5 completion may also qualify for additional point categories. The exact point values change from time to time, so check the current points table at hikorea.go.kr for the figures in effect when you apply.

Should I do TOPIK or KIIP first?

If F-5 permanent residency is your goal, you will eventually need KIIP Stage 5 completion regardless of your TOPIK score. If your Korean is close to TOPIK Level 2, sitting TOPIK first and using that score to enter KIIP at a higher stage can save time; confirm the current mapping at socinet.go.kr. If your Korean is still at an early stage, starting KIIP from Stage 0 or 1 is more practical. For strategy on combining TOPIK and KIIP for visa points, see the TOPIK for Visa Points guide.

@misc{seoulstart-kiip-guide,
  author = {{Seoulstart Editorial Team}},
  title = {{Korea's Social Integration Program (KIIP): The 2026 Guide to F-5 PR and Naturalization}},
  year = {2026},
  publisher = {Seoulstart},
  url = {https://seoulstart.com/guides/kiip-guide},
  note = {Last updated June 4, 2026}
}