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

As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities

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.

The rule this rests on

[9]출입국관리법 시행령Article 3

Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Status of Sojourn) | (1) | A status of sojourn specified in a visa, a certificate of visa issuance, or a written notice of permission for foreigner’s entry issued as provided in the previous provisions at the time of enforcement of this Decree shall be deemed as having been provided in this Decree until corrected, but the status of sojourn provided in the previous provisions shall be corrected by the head of the office or branch office when various per

[10]고용보험법 시행령Article 75

Article 75 with respect to the procedure for the payment of job-seeking benefits to a claimant for benefits payable. In such cases, the "competent employment security office having jurisdiction over the place of application" shall be construed as "competent employment security office having jurisdiction over the application of application of the deceased eligible recipient", and "eligible recipient" as "claimant for benefits payable". | Article 78 Deleted. <Jun. 30, 2015> | | Article 79 (Proce

  • 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)

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Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.

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