The Ultimate Guide to the D-10 Job-Seeking Visa for International Students in South Korea (As of 2025)
If you’re an international student who’s graduated from a university in South Korea and are preparing to dive into the job market, the D-10 job-seeking visa is your essential ticket to stay legally in the country. This visa not only allows you to remain in South Korea but also opens doors for job applications and internship opportunities. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about applying for the D-10 visa, including eligibility requirements, steps in the application process, necessary documents, extension conditions, and important points to keep in mind.
Overview of the D-10 Job-Seeking Visa
- Application Deadline: You must apply within 30 days of graduation (this has changed from the previous 14-day requirement).
- Duration and Extensions: The initial stay is for 6 months, and you can extend it up to 3 times (maximum total of 2 years).
- Potential for Longer Stays: If specific conditions are met, the maximum stay could extend to 3 years (pending review by the Ministry of Justice as of October 16, 2024).
- Work and Internship Activities: Once reported, you can engage in internships and short-term employment (unauthorized work is not permitted).
Eligibility and Conditions for the D-10 Visa
- Point-Based Assessment: You need a minimum of 60 points, with at least 20 points from the core criteria.
- Education (up to 30 points)
- Work Experience (up to 20 points)
- Korean Language Proficiency (up to 20 points)
- Additional Merit Factors (up to 30 points)
- Exemption Criteria:
- First-time D-10 visa applicants after graduation.
- Graduates of South Korean universities holding TOPIK Level 4 or higher.
- Exceptional talents in specific academic and research fields.
- Recommendations from domestic companies or governmental bodies.
Steps to Apply for the D-10 Visa
- Pre-booking: Schedule an appointment to visit the immigration office via HiKorea.
- Visa Application: On your appointment day, bring all necessary documents to the immigration counter and submit your application.
- Review and Approval: You will receive an SMS notification regarding the approval status after review.
- Receive Your Visa: You can choose to collect your visa in person or have it sent by mail.
Documents Required for D-10 Visa Application
- Original and copies of your passport
- Original and copies of your alien registration card
- Original and copies of your degree certificate or graduation certificate
- Original and copies of your academic transcript
- TOPIK score report (if applicable)
- Proof of residence (lease agreement or accommodation certificate + provider’s ID copy)
- Job-seeking plan (downloadable from HiKorea)
- Financial proof (TOPIK Level 4 holders are exempt, others need a bank balance of at least 5 million KRW).
Requirements for D-10 Visa Extension
- Evidence of job-seeking activities (such as interview schedules and records of company applications).
- Financial proof (optional for TOPIK Level 4 holders).
- Proof of residence (lease agreement or accommodation certificate).
- Extensions can be granted for a maximum of 3 years.
Important Reminders
- Graduation is a must before filing your visa application.
- Do not leave the country before your visa is approved.
- Engaging in unauthorized work is prohibited (violating this may result in visa cancellation).
The D-10 visa is an invaluable resource for international students preparing to enter the job market in South Korea. It’s crucial to apply promptly after graduation and be thoroughly prepared with the required job-seeking proof for extensions.
If you need personalized assistance regarding your D-10 visa application or extension, feel free to reach out through our 1:1 Consultation Board.
This information is based on data as of February 2025 and may vary by individual circumstances.