Korean naturalization interview (귀화 면접 심사) is a crucial part of the process for foreigners who wish to obtain Korean citizenship. This interview assesses your knowledge of the Korean language, culture, laws, and basic social customs. It is designed to ensure that applicants are well-integrated into Korean society and capable of contributing positively as Korean citizens.
Today, we’ll walk you through the Korean naturalization interview process, which all applicants must undergo unless they are exempt.
{getToc} $title={Table of Contents}
Who is Exempt from the Naturalization Interview?
Some individuals may be exempt from the naturalization interview, such as:
- Spouses of individuals who have restored their Korean nationality and are over 60 years old.
- Applicants under the age of 15 at the time of application.
- Those who have completed KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program) Level 5 and passed the Comprehensive Evaluation.
- Descendants of independence patriots.
- Direct descendants of national patriots or those over 60 married to them.
- Spouses over 60 of Sakhalin Koreans (except if the marriage occurred after nationality determination).
- Sakhalin Korean children aged 60 or older who apply for simplified or special naturalization.
Naturalization Application Process
Before attending the naturalization interview, you must complete the application process, which involves submitting the necessary documents to the immigration office or the Korean consulate. Once your application is accepted, you will be notified about the date and time of your naturalization interview.
Naturalization Interview Procedure
The interview is conducted by a panel of two officers, giving applicants two chances to pass. Failing both attempts will result in the rejection of the naturalization application. The interview typically lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on the applicant’s language proficiency and how smoothly the interview progresses.
The interview assesses:
- Korean Proficiency: Applicants will be asked to read aloud passages on Korean education, traditions, or societal issues and answer questions to demonstrate comprehension.
- Korean Citizenship Responsibilities: Five questions focus on understanding the responsibilities, pride, and duties of being a Korean citizen. Topics include life plans post-naturalization.
- Commitment to Democratic Values: Five questions will test the applicant’s understanding of Korea's free democratic order and concepts of sovereignty.
- Basic Knowledge as a Citizen: Five questions assess knowledge of Korean history, culture, customs, and general societal norms essential for integration.
- Singing the National Anthem (애국가): Applicants are required to sing the first verse of the national anthem in front of the interviewers. Pitch, rhythm, and lyrics are all evaluated.
- Etiquette and Attitude: Applicants' appearance (dress code), demeanor, and maturity will also be evaluated. Disrespect or inappropriate behavior towards the interviewers may result in immediate disqualification.
Interview Evaluation Criteria
- Korean Proficiency: Answering at least one question correctly qualifies the applicant in this section.
- Question Evaluation: Each section includes five questions. Scoring 40 points or more in each section and averaging 60 points overall qualifies the applicant.
- National Anthem Performance: Singing the first verse of the national anthem is a must. Both interviewers must agree on the suitability of the performance for it to be accepted.
- Attitude and Conduct: The applicant's demeanor and politeness are checked throughout the interview. Inappropriate conduct or insulting behavior towards interviewers will result in failure.
- Final Evaluation: If the applicant fails in one section, the overall interview will be marked as "inadequate."
Complete the KIIP Program to Waive the Interview
One way to waive the naturalization interview is by completing the KIIP Level 5 (Korean Immigration and Integration Program) and passing the final evaluation. This can significantly simplify the process of gaining Korean citizenship.
Keywords:
- Korean citizenship interview
- Naturalization interview in Korea
- Korean citizenship test
- Korean naturalization interview procedure
- How to get Korean citizenship
- Korean language for naturalization
- KIIP Level 5
- How to waive Korean naturalization interview
- Korean national anthem in citizenship test
- Naturalization interview questions Korea