Can I work part-time on a D-2 visa, and how many hours?

Question

Accepted Answer

You may work up to **30 hours per week** as an undergraduate D‑2 student and up to **35 hours per week** as a graduate D‑2 student, with no hour limit on weekends, public holidays, or vacation periods; you must obtain prior part‑time work permission from the immigration office. Full details below.

**Details**

**Undergraduate D‑2 students** 
- **Year 1‑2:** With TOPIK Level 2 (or KIIP Level 2, Sejong Level 1) you may work **10 hours on weekdays** and **10 hours on weekends/holidays**【1†L28-L33】. 
- **Year 3‑4:** With TOPIK Level 3 (or KIIP Level 3, Sejong Level 1) you may work **10 hours on weekdays** plus **25 hours on weekends/holidays**, or **30 hours total** with unlimited weekend time if you meet higher language criteria【1†L44-L50】.

**Graduate D‑2 students (master’s/doctoral)** 
- With TOPIK Level 4 (or KIIP Level 4, Sejong Level 2) you may work **15 hours on weekdays** and **10 hours on weekends**, totaling **35 hours per week** with unlimited weekend/holiday time【1†L64-L71】.

**General rule** 
- The basic weekly cap is **30 hours** for undergraduates and **35 hours** for graduates; weekends, public holidays and vacation periods are exempt from the cap【6†L1-L3】. 
- Must hold a D‑2 (or D‑4) visa and obtain prior part‑time work permission from the local immigration office or university International Office【1†L4-L9】【2†L1-L4】.

**Application steps** 
1. Prepare documents: employment contract, business registration copy, Part‑Time Work Confirmation Form (signed by employer and university), transcript, GPA ≥ C, and official TOPIK score if required【2†L9-L20】. 
2. Submit documents via university portal (e.g., KUPID) and then to the immigration office【2†L21-L28】. 
3. Receive permission sticker or online approval before starting work【4†L13-L18】.

**Important notes** 
- Working without permission is illegal and can lead to penalties, including possible deportation for certain sectors【3†L44-L48】. 
- You may work for up to **two employers** simultaneously, but must report any workplace change within **15 days**【5†L34-L38】.

**Hotlines for help** 
- Immigration inquiries: **1345** 
- Legal aid for foreign students: **132** 
- Labor office (work‑hour disputes, illegal employment): **1350**