KIIP hub

Social Integration Program (KIIP, 사회통합프로그램)

The Ministry of Justice program that teaches Korean language and Korean society knowledge to foreign residents. Since 2018, KIIP Stage 5 completion or the Comprehensive Evaluation is the only accepted language path to F-5 permanent residency and Korean naturalization.

Guides

Plain-language explanations of how KIIP works, what each evaluation tests, and how to move from Stage 0 to Stage 5.

Start here

KIIP: The 2026 Guide to F-5 PR and Naturalization

Start here. What KIIP is, the 6-stage structure, how it unlocks F-5 permanent residency, fees, registration steps, and realistic timelines.

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Step 1

KIIP Pre-Evaluation (사전평가): Score-to-Level Placement

The placement test you take before starting classes. Test format, score-to-level bands, what it tests, and how a TOPIK score changes your placement.

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Mid-program

KIIP Mid-term Evaluation (중간평가): Stage 4 to Stage 5

After Stage 4, the Mid-term Evaluation is the gate to Stage 5 and the path to F-5. What the test includes, how to prepare, and retake rules.

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Final step

KIIP Comprehensive Evaluation (종합평가): PR and Naturalization Tracks

The final test that unlocks F-5 permanent residency and Korean naturalization. Both tracks, full scoring breakdown, and how to pass.

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Related tools

Free, no signup. Built from primary Ministry of Justice and KIS sources.

F-5 readiness checker

Check whether you qualify for F-5 permanent residency. Walks through income, residence years, KIIP Stage 5 or Comprehensive Evaluation status, and the other requirements.

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What KIIP actually unlocks

F-5 permanent residency

Stage 5 Basic completion (70 hours) or passing the Permanent Residency Comprehensive Evaluation. Since 2018, this is the only accepted language path. TOPIK no longer qualifies.

Korean naturalization

Stage 5 Advanced completion (30 hours) plus the Naturalization Track Comprehensive Evaluation. Replaces the separate naturalization written test and the interview.

F-2-7 visa points

Same scale as TOPIK. Stage 1 = 3 pts, Stage 2 = 5 pts, Stage 3 = 10 pts, Stage 4 = 15 pts, Stage 5 or higher = 20 pts. Stage 5 completion may qualify for additional categories.

Never expires

KIIP completion records are permanent. TOPIK score reports are valid for only 2 years. If F-5 is the long-term goal, KIIP holds its value while TOPIK lapses.

For the full F-5 picture (income, residence years, KIIP status, criminal record), use the F-5 readiness checker.