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.
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.
Read guideKIIP vs TOPIK: Which Path Actually Gets You to F-5 or Citizenship
TOPIK can place you straight into KIIP Stage 5 and skip 400 hours of class, but it doesn't satisfy every requirement KIIP does. What each path covers, what it costs, and which fits a full-time job.
Read guideKIIP Course Ladder: Every Stage, Cost, and Class Format
Seven course blocks across six stages, each with its own textbook, instructor credential, and fee. What each stage teaches and how the schedule works with a day job.
Read guideKIIP 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.
Read guideMiss 30 Days of KIIP Class? Suspension and Expulsion Rules
Miss 30 days without filing the right form and Korea's Ministry of Justice voids everything you completed in that stage. How to file the suspension (이수정지) in time.
Read guideKIIP 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.
Read guideKIIP 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.
Read guideKIIP and Naturalization: The Exam and Interview Exemptions Aren't the Same
Completing KIIP exempts you from the naturalization exam. It doesn't automatically exempt you from the interview. The exact rule, straight from the ordinance.
Read guideRelated tools
Free, no signup. Built from primary Ministry of Justice and KIS sources.
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.