How does the D-10 job-seeker visa work for graduating students?

Graduating students can change from a D‑2 study visa to a D‑10‑1 job‑seeker visa for up to 2 years, initially staying up to 6 months and extending in 6‑month increments; the visa allows internships for up to 1 year (max 6 months per company) and requires proof of ₩900,000 monthly living expenses for 6 months if it’s not the first change, while manual or unskilled work is prohibited. Full details below.

Details

• Eligibility

• Must have completed or be about to complete an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program in Korea and hold a valid D‑2 visa [1].

• First‑time change to D‑10‑1 is exempt from proving financial stability; later applicants must show ₩900,000 per month for 6 months [1].

• Duration & Extensions

• Initial stay up to 6 months; can be extended in 6‑month increments, up to a total of 2 years [1].

• Internship work allowed for a maximum of 1 year, with a 6‑month limit per company [1].

• Allowed Activities

• Internships and job‑seeking activities in professional fields that correspond to E‑1 to E‑7 visa types (e.g., professor, researcher, technical, professional, artistic) [1].

• Manual labour or unskilled work is not permitted [1].

• Required Documents

• Immigration‑prescribed application form, recent photo, passport copy, alien registration card, and fee [1].

• Job‑seeking activity plan detailing past 6‑month activities and future plans [1].

• Proof of education (degree certificate or transcript; exemption if verified electronically) [1].

• Proof of Korean language proficiency (TOPIK or KIIP) if required [1]. If not a first‑time changer: proof of ₩900,000 monthly living expenses for 6 months (≈ ₩5,400,000) [1].

• Procedure

1. Gather all required documents listed above.
2. Submit the application at your local immigration office (or via the online portal if available) [1].
3. Wait for approval before starting any internship or job‑seeking activity [1].
4. After securing a full‑time job, change to the appropriate employment visa (E‑type) [1].

• Risks of Non‑Compliance

• Engaging in manual or unskilled labour can lead to penalties or deportation [1].

• Helpful Hotlines

• 1350 Labor Office (work‑related issues)

• 132 Legal Aid Corporation (legal advice)

• 1577‑0071 Foreign Worker Counseling (visa & immigration queries)