[May 2025 Latest] Everything About the Korean Job Seeker (D-10) Visa! [For Foreigners Residing in Korea]

1. Eligible Applicants and Scope of Activities

• (General Job Seeking, D-10-1) This includes not only job-seeking activities at domestic companies and organizations but also short-term internship programs with training fees before formal employment.
• (Technical Startup Preparation, D-10-2) You can engage in all preparatory activities related to starting a business, such as participating in startup immigration education programs, preparing and filing patent applications for intellectual property rights, and preparing for the establishment of a startup corporation. (Internship activities are restricted.)
• (Advanced Technology Intern, D-10-3) You can engage in internship activities in advanced technology fields based on an internship employment contract with a company (institution) that meets the requirements set by the Minister of Justice.
• Individuals seeking to engage in training or job-seeking activities to find employment in fields corresponding to Professor (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Research (E-3), Skilled Profession (E-4), Specialized Profession (E-5), Arts and Entertainment (E-6), or Specific Activities (E-7) visas.

However, among the Arts and Entertainment (E-6) visas, only pure arts and sports activities are permitted, excluding entertainment activities in entertainment establishments (E-6-2). For E-7 visas, semi-professional and skilled worker categories are not eligible for overseas applications.

• Individuals seeking to prepare for technical startup activities corresponding to the 'Various' category of the Business Investment (D-8) visa.

This refers to individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher who possess intellectual property rights or equivalent technical skills, recognized by the Minister of Justice as founders of corporations.

• Students enrolled in advanced technology programs at overseas universities ranked among the top 200 by Time magazine or top 500 by QS World University Rankings, or graduates within three years of their graduation date, who are under 30 years of age (under 35 for Master's or higher degrees), and wish to undertake internship activities in advanced technology fields with companies (institutions) meeting the requirements set by the Minister of Justice.

Overseas universities ranked among the top 200 by Time magazine, or top 500 by QS World University Rankings (main campus only).

---

2. Maximum Duration of Stay Granted at Once

• 6 months
• For Advanced Technology Interns (D-10-3): A maximum of 1 year per period (however, this cannot exceed the internship duration specified in the contract).

---

3. Activities Other Than Those Permitted by Visa Status

1. Special Provisions for Part-time Employment Permit

• (Eligible Applicants) Individuals who have obtained permission to change their visa status from Student (D-2-1 to D-2-7) to Job Seeking (D-10) and meet all of the following requirements (excluding those in Technical Startup Preparation (D-10-2) and Advanced Technology Intern (D-10-3)).

Individuals who have obtained an associate's degree or higher from a regular domestic university* and whose degree acquisition date is within the last 3 years.

* Universities corresponding to Article 2, Clauses 1 to 4 of the Higher Education Act.

Possession of a valid TOPIK level 4 or higher score report, or a certificate of passing the intermediate evaluation of the Social Integration Program, or a preliminary evaluation score report (81 points or higher).

Individuals who have not previously resided in Korea under a visa status for professional occupations (E-1 to E-7).

Individuals who have no record of violating the Immigration Act or other laws (excluding administrative fines).

• (Scope of Activities) Fields where foreign students are permitted to engage in part-time employment.

* Restrictions apply to manufacturing, construction, English kids' cafes, etc.

• (Permitted Hours) 20 hours per week (weekends unlimited) during the period of stay.

However, an exception is made for individuals with a TOPIK level 5 or higher score report, those who have completed the Social Integration Program, or those with particularly excellent Korean language skills who have achieved 60 points or higher in the comprehensive evaluation, allowing up to 30 hours per week (weekends unlimited).

• (Required Documents) Application form and common documents, degree certificate, employment contract, business registration certificate, and Korean language proficiency proof documents such as TOPIK score report.

---

4. Change/Addition of Place of Employment

Not applicable.

---

5. Granting of Visa Status

No information specified in the provided file.

---

6. Permission to Change Visa Status

A. Permission to Change to Point-Based Job Seeking Visa (D-10-1)

i. Individuals with Excellent Korean Proficiency Graduating from Domestic Universities

• (Eligible Applicants) Individuals who have obtained an associate's degree or higher from a regular domestic university* and whose degree acquisition date is within the last 3 years, and possess either ① a valid TOPIK level 4 or higher score report, ② a certificate of passing the intermediate evaluation of the Social Integration Program level 4, or ③ have been assigned to the preliminary evaluation for level 5.

* Universities corresponding to Article 2, Clauses 1 to 4 of the Higher Education Act.

* Individuals whose degree acquisition date is more than 3 years ago will be subject to the general point-based system.

• (Required Documents)

Common documents such as application form.

Job-seeking activity plan (including a record of job-seeking activities over the past 6 months and future plans).

Valid TOPIK level 4 or higher score report, certificate of passing the intermediate evaluation of the Social Integration Program, or preliminary evaluation score report (81 points or higher).

Documents proving place of residence.

ii. Individuals with Work Experience in Professional Occupations (E-1 to E-7)

• (Eligible Applicants) Individuals who hold a visa status of E-1 to E-7 and whose employment contract has expired, or whose employment activities have terminated for other justifiable reasons.
• (Required Documents)

Common documents such as application form.

Job-seeking activity plan (including a record of job-seeking activities over the past 6 months and future plans).

Documents proving subsistence funds*.

* Such as a bank balance certificate showing that an amount not less than the annual housing benefit standard for a single-person household multiplied by the number of months of stay is deposited.

Documents proving place of residence.

B. Permission to Change to Technical Startup Preparation Visa (D-10-2)

• (Eligible Applicants) Individuals who hold an associate's degree or higher from a domestic university (or a bachelor's degree from an overseas university) and meet any of the following criteria.

Completion or current participation in at least one program within the Integrated Support System for Startup Immigration (OASIS).

Holder or applicant of intellectual property rights such as patents.

Participants of the K-Startup Grand Challenge who have received a recommendation for a change of visa status from the President of the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology.

Holders of intellectual property rights from overseas (OECD) countries.

Individuals meeting at least one of the mandatory items for the Startup Immigration Point System.

Individuals with a score of 35 or higher in the Startup Immigration Point System evaluation.

• (Required Documents)

Common documents such as application form.

Technical startup activity plan (including a record of activities over the past 6 months and future plans).

Documents proving place of residence.

C. Permission to Change to Advanced Technology Intern Visa (D-10-3)

• (Required Documents)

Intern employee certificate of employment.

Business registration certificate, data on research facilities and personnel, and list of employment insurance subscribers.

Documents proving that the inviting company for the advanced technology internship maintains eligibility.

Documents proving subsistence funds*.

* Such as a bank balance certificate showing that an amount not less than the annual housing benefit standard for a single-person household multiplied by the number of months of stay is deposited.

* If salary is paid for internship activities, it can be replaced with salary payment records.

Documents proving place of residence.

D. Maximum Duration of Stay

---

7. Permission to Extend Stay

A. Extension of Point-Based Job Seeking Visa (D-10-1) Permission

i. Individuals with Excellent Korean Proficiency Graduating from Domestic Universities

• Common documents such as application form.
• Job-seeking activity plan (including a record of job-seeking activities over the past 6 months and future plans).
• Valid TOPIK level 4 or higher score report, certificate of passing the intermediate evaluation of the Social Integration Program, or preliminary evaluation score report (81 points or higher).
• Documents proving place of residence.

ii. Individuals with Work Experience in Professional Occupations (E-1 to E-7)

• Common documents such as application form.
• Job-seeking activity plan (including a record of job-seeking activities over the past 6 months and future plans).
• Documents proving subsistence funds*.

* Such as a bank balance certificate showing that an amount not less than the annual housing benefit standard for a single-person household multiplied by the number of months of stay is deposited.

• Documents proving place of residence.

B. Extension of Technical Startup Preparation (D-10-2) Permission

• Common documents such as application form.
• Technical startup activity plan (including a record of activities over the past 6 months and future plans).
• Documents proving place of residence.

C. Extension of Advanced Technology Intern (D-10-3) Permission

• Intern employee certificate of employment.
• Business registration certificate, data on research facilities and personnel, and list of employment insurance subscribers.
• Documents proving that the inviting company for the advanced technology internship maintains eligibility.
• Documents proving subsistence funds*.

* Such as a bank balance certificate showing that an amount not less than the annual housing benefit standard for a single-person household multiplied by the number of months of stay is deposited.

* If salary is paid for internship activities, it can be replaced with salary payment records.

• Documents proving place of residence.

---

8. Re-entry Permit

• Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption System

Foreign nationals who have completed registration and wish to re-enter within one year from the date of departure are exempt from the re-entry permit.

If the remaining period of stay is less than one year, re-entry is permitted within the remaining period of stay without a re-entry permit.

* However, individuals subject to entry or visa issuance restrictions must visit the competent immigration office (branch office or sub-office) with jurisdiction over their place of residence to obtain a re-entry permit, and a fee will be charged.

• Multiple Re-entry Permit (Re-entry is restricted for nationals of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya. However, exceptions apply to nationals of these countries who are in Korea for marriage migration (F-6), study (D-2), or general training (D-4).)

Individuals wishing to re-enter within two years, exceeding one year from their departure, within the scope of their remaining period of stay.

Required documents: Application form (Form No. 34), original passport, alien registration card, fee.

---

9. Alien Registration

• Required Documents for Alien Registration

Application form, one passport-style color photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm), documents proving place of residence, copy of passport.

For Advanced Technology Interns (D-10-3), a copy of the business registration certificate (or certificate of unique number) and a certificate of employment from the prospective internship company will also be required.

• Notification of Change in Alien Registration Details

A. Reportable Details: Name, gender, date of birth and nationality, passport number, issue date, and expiry date.

B. Applicants to Report: Changes (including name changes) or additions to their affiliated institution or organization (as of November 1, 2010).

C. Reporting Deadline: Within 15 days from the date of change.

D. Required Documents: ① Application form (Form No. 34), passport and alien registration card, no fee ② Documents proving the change.

---

10. Other Information

Notification of Training Commencement and Change of Training Institution, etc.

A. General Training Activities

• (Legal Basis) Immigration Control Act Article 35 (Notification of Change in Alien Registration Details), Presidential Decree Article 44, Ministerial Decree Article 49-2 (Notification of Change in Alien Registration Details) Clause 3.

* For individuals with the Job Seeking (D-10) visa status as listed in Attachment 1 of the Presidential Decree, this includes notification of training commencement or change of training institution (including name change).

• (Eligible Applicants) Individuals with the General Job Seeking (D-10-1) visa status who have completed alien registration and wish to commence internship activities or change their affiliated institution within the job-seeking period in fields corresponding to Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7) visas.

* Even if alien registration has not been completed, if a reporting cause arises within the period of obligation for alien registration (within 90 days of entry), reporting is required (taking into account legislative intent, etc.).

* Individuals with the Technical Startup Preparation (D-10-2) visa status and those who changed to the Job Seeking (D-10-1) visa status based on work experience in professional occupations (E-1 to E-7) are not permitted to undertake internship activities.

B. Review Standards for Training Commencement (Change) Notification, etc.

• (Training Commencement Notification) Notification to the head of the competent immigration office, etc., within 15 days from the date the cause arises.
• (Training Period) Permitted within a maximum of 1 year during the period of job-seeking visa status. However, activities at the same company/organization are limited to a maximum of 6 months, and the applicant must meet the qualification requirements for the relevant field.
• (Training Allowance) The allowance must be paid appropriately according to the employment contract, based on an hourly wage at or above the minimum wage.
• (Training Field) Occupations corresponding to E-1 to E-7. Simple part-time work activities are excluded.

* However, entertainment activities in entertainment establishments (E-6-2) and activities for skilled workers (E-7-4), which are not professional occupations, are excluded.

• (Training Institution) Permitted only for companies and institutions that meet the requirements for employing individuals with E-1 to E-7 visas.

Notification of Change of Internship Institution for Advanced Technology Interns, etc.

A. Reasons and Period for Change Notification

• (Reason for Notification) When wishing to continue internship activities in advanced technology fields by changing the affiliated company (institution).
• (Notification Period) Within 15 days from the date of changing the affiliated company (institution).

B. Required Documents

• Passport, alien registration card, alien registration details change notification form.
• All documents required for change of visa status application (excluding enrollment certificate and academic transcript).

C. Rejection of Change Notification

• When the inviting company (institution) is restricted from hiring interns under the General Job Seeking (D-10-1) visa or employing foreign nationals in professional occupations (E-category) visas.
• When an internship employment contract is concluded with a company (institution) that does not meet the requirements for inviting advanced technology interns.
• When the number of invited advanced technology interns exceeds 20% of the number of domestic employees* of the prospective internship company (institution).

* Refers to individuals who meet the minimum wage and have been listed on the employment insurance subscriber roster for 3 months or more. For venture companies, the restrictions related to domestic employment will be waived for 3 years from the date of establishment.

Special Support for Advanced Technology Interns

• Individuals currently participating in Advanced Technology Intern (D-10-3) activities

(Support for Economic Activities) During the period of stay, it is possible to receive a designated salary or living expenses through an internship employment contract with the inviting company, or to receive honoraria for separate research activities.

* However, the permission for part-time employment activities allowed under the current General Job Seeking (D-10-1) visa status is restricted.

(Support for Study Abroad) Regardless of nationality, if you wish to study abroad at a domestic university, permission to change to a Student (D-2) visa status can be granted with only the standard admission letter.

• Individuals who have participated in Advanced Technology Intern (D-10-3) activities within the last 3 years.

(Support for Employment) For individuals who have completed at least one year of internship activities with domestic companies etc. under the Advanced Technology Intern (D-10-3) visa status, if they are formally employed in the field of their internship activities and their salary is equal to or higher than the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) of the previous year, the educational background and work experience requirements are waived when changing to a Specific Activities (E-7) visa status.

(Support for Startup) For individuals who have completed at least one year of internship activities with domestic companies under the Advanced Technology Intern (D-10-3) visa status, if they wish to start a business in the field of their internship activities, they will receive bonus points (15 points for research experience) in the point-based system for Technical Startup (D-8-4) visas.

---

[Point System for Job Seeking Visa (D-10-1) Scoring Table]

□ Applicants who score 20 points or more in the basic items and a total of 60 points or more out of a total of 190 points.

- Based on the sum of amounts from offenses within 5 years from the application date (excluding administrative fines) @ and @ items are applied (double counting allowed).

- 【Caution】 Individuals who have received an administrative fine within 3 years from the application date and are subject to restrictions on visa issuance according to the "Integrated Standards for Visa Issuance Restrictions," or who have received a fine of KRW 3 million or more within 3 years, are subject to disqualification.

---

[Technical Startup (D-8-4) Items and Scoring Table]

□ (Permit Criteria) Meet at least one of the mandatory items and score 60 points or more out of a total of 300 points (maximum obtainable score).

Mandatory Items and Scores (Maximum Obtainable Score 180 points): Multiple entries allowed

* In case of multiple intellectual property rights held (registered), invented, or applied for, multiple entries are allowed within the maximum of 60 points (however, patent applications are recognized up to a maximum of 10 points regardless of the number of applications). If intellectual property rights are jointly held (registered), invented, or applied for (by nationals, foreigners, organizations, corporations, etc.), or if participating in OASIS-6, 9 programs or government startup support programs, or if receiving investments of KRW 100 million or more, the corresponding score will be divided by the number of joint participants.

Optional Items and Scores (Maximum Obtainable Score 120 points): Multiple entries allowed

＜Legend＞

¹⁾ Individuals who received direct project funding of KRW 30 million or more from a central administrative agency but do not meet the requirements for recommendation by the Minister of SMEs and Startups and the recognition period (2 years) for exemption from the point system.

²⁾ Past residency history is also recognized regardless of current visa status. However, if an individual changed from Research (E-3) to Professor (E-1) status, the periods of stay in each status are combined, and if the total period of stay in Korea is 2 years or more, points are awarded.

³⁾ Individuals confirmed by the Global Startup Immigration Center to have received investments of KRW 100 million or more for the purpose of startup from AC-VCs, etc., and recommended.

⁴⁾ For those holding (registered) intellectual property rights from OECD countries, the OASIS-2 training waiver and points are recognized.

---

※ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What are the types of D-10 visas, and what activities can be performed under each?

There are three types of D-10 visas:

• D-10-1 (General Job Seeking): You can engage in job-seeking activities or short-term internships in fields corresponding to visa statuses from Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7).
• D-10-2 (Technical Startup Preparation): You can engage in startup-related activities such as preparing patent applications or establishing a startup corporation. Internship activities are restricted.
• D-10-3 (Advanced Technology Intern): You can work as an intern in advanced technology fields with companies or institutions that meet the requirements set by the Minister of Justice.

What is the maximum period of stay allowed for a D-10 visa?

Generally, you can stay for a maximum of 6 months at a time. However, for Advanced Technology Interns (D-10-3), the stay can be extended up to 1 year within the internship contract period. The maximum duration of stay can vary from 6 months to a maximum of 2 years depending on individual conditions (e.g., graduation from a domestic university, professional work experience).

Is part-time work (part-time employment) possible with a D-10 visa?

Yes, it is possible if you meet specific requirements. Holders of a D-10-1 visa who have obtained an associate's degree or higher from a regular domestic university and graduated within the last 3 years can receive permission for part-time employment. Those with a TOPIK level 4 or higher can work up to 20 hours per week (weekends unlimited), and those with a TOPIK level 5 or higher or who have completed the Social Integration Program can work up to 30 hours per week (weekends unlimited). However, certain industries such as manufacturing and construction are restricted.

What are the requirements to obtain a D-10-1 (General Job Seeking) visa?

The application is evaluated based on a point system. Applicants must score 60 points or more in total, including at least 20 points in the basic items, out of a total of 190 points. Points are awarded based on age, highest education level, domestic/overseas work experience, domestic study abroad experience, and Korean language proficiency. Bonus points can be awarded for recommendations from relevant agencies or specific work experience. Violations of laws will result in point deductions.

What qualifications are required to apply for a Technical Startup (D-10-2) visa?

You must hold an associate's degree or higher from a domestic university (or a bachelor's degree from an overseas university) and demonstrate concrete preparatory activities related to technical startup, such as holding intellectual property rights or completing programs in the Integrated Support System for Startup Immigration (OASIS).

What documents are required to change visa status to Advanced Technology Intern (D-10-3)?

In addition to common documents, you need to submit an intern employee certificate of employment, the internship company's business registration certificate, data on research facilities and personnel, a list of employment insurance subscribers, documents proving the company's eligibility, and documents proving subsistence funds (or salary payment records).

If I do an internship while on a D-10 visa, do I need to report it?

Yes, if you start internship activities or change your internship institution under the D-10-1 (General Job Seeking) status, you must report it to the competent immigration office within 15 days from the date the cause arises. The internship allowance must be at or above the minimum wage, and activities at the same company are limited to a maximum of 6 months.

What benefits are available for those with an Advanced Technology Intern (D-10-3) visa status?

You can receive a salary and easily change your visa status to Student (D-2) with just a standard admission letter if you wish to study abroad at a domestic university. Furthermore, if you work as an intern for at least one year and are then formally employed in your internship field, the educational background and work experience requirements may be waived when changing to an E-7 visa. Additionally, if you wish to start a business in the field of your internship after working for at least one year, you will receive bonus points for the Technical Startup (D-8-4) visa (15 points for research experience).

What documents are required for D-10-1 visa extension?

This depends on whether you graduated from a domestic university and your professional work experience. Commonly required documents include the application form, job-seeking activity plan, and documents proving place of residence. In some cases, Korean language proficiency score reports or proof of subsistence funds may need to be submitted additionally.

What is the maximum period of stay for a D-10-2 Technical Startup Preparation visa?

If you have graduated from a domestic university and possess excellent Korean language skills, or if you meet the mandatory items for the Startup Immigration Point System, you can stay for up to 2 years. In other cases, the maximum stay is 1 year.