The Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) is a very important system for foreigners preparing for long-term stay and stable employment in Korea.
In particular, for foreigners who are planning to apply for F-5 (permanent residence), E-7-4 (skilled worker), F-2-7 (point-based residence visa), or F-2-R (regional specialization) visas, the KIIP level is almost essential, and foreign nationals who wish to obtain an H-2 visa also need a TOPIK certificate or a KIIP pre-evaluation score, so it can be seen as a really important test.
Many point-based visas often use both KIIP and TOPIK scores, but TOPIK has a two-year validity period, so you must continue to retake the test.
Also, if you have a KIIP level, it is recognized as an equivalent TOPIK level, so even if it is a little difficult, if you prepare for KIIP, it will be of great help in your future life in Korea.
Completing the KIIP directly contributes to increasing visa scores, changing permanent residency or residence status, and improving your ability to adapt to Korean society. Therefore, having a clear understanding of your 2026 operational plan will allow you to develop a much more efficient visa strategy.
Below, we've summarized the key details for the 2026 KIIP evaluation schedule and semester operation plan at a glance.
Please secure a schedule in advance that suits your learning pace and target visa type.
KIIP Point of View Overview
KIIP is divided into pre-evaluation, mid-term evaluation, and comprehensive evaluation.
After conducting a pre-evaluation, the training level is determined based on the pre-evaluation score, and finally, KIIP can be obtained through a comprehensive evaluation.
If you score high on the pre-assessment here, you can take the comprehensive assessment right away without any additional training, so study hard to get a good score on the pre-assessment!
1. Pre-evaluation (Level Test)
Purpose : To measure the Korean language and cultural level of social integration program participants and assign them to appropriate educational levels (Levels 1-5).
Period : Before participating in the program.
Content : Written (Korean, Korean culture) and oral evaluation.
2. Mid-term Evaluation
Purpose : To comprehensively measure the level of understanding of Korean language and culture during the educational stage and confirm the linkage to the next stage.
Timing : After completion of a specific training stage (usually Stage 4).
Content : Assessment of understanding of Korean language and culture (including multiple choice and written/oral elements).
3. Final Evaluation
Purpose : A gateway to final qualification for permanent residency or naturalization after completing the entire social integration program.
Timing : After the program ends.
Content : It is divided into permanent residency and naturalization, and in-depth evaluation of Korean language proficiency and understanding of Korean society (history, culture, law, etc.) (including multiple choice, long text, and oral examination).
KIIP pre-evaluation exemption based on TOPIK score
If you have an unexpired TOPIK level, you can be assigned directly to the Social Integration Program training stage without taking the KIIP pre-evaluation.
The allocation stages according to grade are as follows:
| TOPIK level | Education stage |
| 1st class | Step 2 |
| 2nd class | Step 3 |
| 3rd class | Step 4 |
| Level 4-6 | Step 5 |
2026 Social Integration Program Evaluation Schedule (20 rounds total)
Pre-evaluation (10th)
| Application period (26 years) | Evaluation (26 years) |
| December 23 - December 27, 2025 | January 10th |
| February 24th - February 28th | March 27th |
| March 24th - March 28th | April 11th |
| April 21st - April 25th | May 9th |
| July 7th - July 11th | July 25th |
| September 1st - September 5th | September 19th |
| October 13th - October 17th | October 31st |
| November 3rd - November 7th | November 21st |
Midterm evaluation (4th)
| Application period (26 years) | Evaluation (26 years) |
| May 12th - May 16th | May 30th |
| June 23rd - June 27th | July 11th |
| August 18th - August 22nd | September 5th |
| December 7th - December 9th | December 19th |
Comprehensive Evaluation (8th)
| Application period (26 years) | Evaluation (26 years) |
| January 13th - January 17th | January 31st |
| February 10th - February 14th | February 28th |
| March 10th - March 14th | March 28th |
| April 7th - April 11th | April 25th |
| June 2nd - June 6th | June 20th |
| August 4th - August 8th | August 22nd |
| September 29th - October 3rd | October 17th |
| November 17th - November 21st | December 5th |
How to apply
KIIP applications are processed online.
Please visit the website below and apply on time.
KIIP goes beyond simple Korean language education; it's the most important basic preparation course for living and growing stably in Korea.
Knowing the 2026 evaluation schedule and semester operation plan in advance will be of great help in preparing for visa changes, employment, and long-term stays.
Don't be too impatient, prepare step by step at a pace that suits you.
JobPloy will continue to provide you with information on learning, visas, and employment to help you create better opportunities in Korea.
Prepare for your future with JobPloy in 2026.