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. Following the 2018 amendment to the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Decree, TOPIK no longer satisfies the language requirement for F-5 applications. KIIP Stage 5 completion, or passing the Comprehensive Evaluation (종합평가), is the only 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

Following the 2018 amendment to the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Decree, the Korean government replaced TOPIK as the accepted language proof for F-5 permanent residency. From that point forward, 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 That information is out of date.

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 exempts 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: Stage 1 earns 3 points, Stage 2 earns 5, Stage 3 earns 10, Stage 4 earns 15, and Stage 5 or above earns 20. Stage 5 completion may also qualify for additional point categories. Check the current points table at hikorea.go.kr.

One practical advantage KIIP has over TOPIK for the F-2-7 path: KIIP completion certificates do not expire. TOPIK score reports are valid for 2 years. If you earned a high TOPIK score years ago, you may need to retest. A KIIP completion certificate stays on your record permanently.

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 for people who cannot yet read Korean. 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 (70 hours). If you are pursuing naturalization, you need both Stage 5 Basic and Stage 5 Advanced (an additional 30 hours).

The total classroom hours, if you start from Stage 0 and complete Stage 5 Basic, come to approximately 485 hours (15 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70). If you continue through Stage 5 Advanced for naturalization, the total is approximately 515 hours. Starting from a higher stage reduces the total.

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.

If you hold a valid TOPIK Level 2 certificate, you are exempt from the Pre-Evaluation and placed directly into Stage 3. TOPIK Level 1 does not qualify for this exemption. See the TOPIK placement section below for the full level-to-stage mapping.

Mid-term Evaluation (중간평가)

The Mid-term Evaluation is taken after completing Stage 4 classes. Passing it (60 out of 100) allows you to progress to Stage 5. You must complete Stage 4 before sitting this evaluation.

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.

Both evaluation formats run in two modes: PBT (paper-based, OMR answer sheet) and CBT (computer-based). The evaluation fee, effective January 1, 2025, is 38,000 KRW per attempt (as of 2025, verify current fees at kiiptest.org).

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 important.

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 expire.

TOPIK and KIIP also connect directly: if you earn TOPIK Level 2, you skip the KIIP Pre-Evaluation and enter Stage 3. The Socinet TOPIK placement guide confirms the full mapping:

• TOPIK Level 1: placed into Stage 2
• TOPIK Level 2: placed into Stage 3
• TOPIK Level 3: placed into Stage 4
• TOPIK Level 4 through 6: placed into Stage 5

If you are currently preparing for TOPIK and have F-5 as a long-term goal, reaching Level 2 before registering for KIIP will save you time by skipping Stages 0 through 2.

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

You register for KIIP at socinet.go.kr (사회통합정보망). Create an account, apply for the Pre-Evaluation (or request Stage 3 direct placement if you hold TOPIK Level 2 or higher), and then choose a partner institution and class schedule after your stage placement is confirmed.

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.

Step-by-step registration process

1. Create an account at socinet.go.kr
2. Apply for the Pre-Evaluation, or submit a TOPIK Level 2 exemption request 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

From January 1, 2025, a standardized national rate applies at all partner institutions. Rates no longer vary by institution.

Low-income households and other eligible categories qualify for a 50% discount on tuition. Each evaluation is a separate fee of 38,000 KRW (as of January 1, 2025, verify at kiiptest.org).

Before January 1, 2025, most KIIP classes were free. The 2025 standardized rate structure ended that and set uniform fees across all institutions.

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, 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 Stage 3 (TOPIK Level 2 holders)

If you enter at Stage 3 through a TOPIK Level 2 placement, completing through Stage 5 Basic typically takes 6 months to 1 year.

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 securing the Stage 3 placement directly. 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, you need to 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 fee is the same: 38,000 KRW per attempt. KIIP partner institutions recommend attending that stage's classes again before retaking. Check kiiptest.org for 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?

No. A KIIP completion certificate does not expire. This is a key difference from TOPIK, where score reports are valid for only 2 years. Once you complete KIIP Stage 5, that record stands permanently.

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

If you hold TOPIK Level 2 or higher, you skip the Pre-Evaluation entirely and are placed directly into Stage 3. TOPIK Level 1 does not qualify for this exemption. Your TOPIK score must still be within its 2-year validity window when you apply for Stage 3 placement.

How much does KIIP cost?

From January 1, 2025, a national standardized rate applies at all partner institutions. Stage 0 is free. Stages 1 through 4 are 100,000 KRW each. Stage 5 Basic (for F-5 PR) is 70,000 KRW. Stage 5 Advanced (for naturalization) is 30,000 KRW. Low-income households qualify for a 50% discount. Each evaluation is a separate fee of 38,000 KRW.

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

KIIP uses the same point scale as TOPIK: Stage 1 earns 3 points, Stage 2 earns 5, Stage 3 earns 10, Stage 4 earns 15, and Stage 5 or above earns 20. Stage 5 completion may also qualify for additional point categories. 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 Stage 3 saves time. 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 May 24, 2026}
}