D-10-3 Advanced Technology Intern Visa Korea — Eligibility, QS Top-200 Universities & Pathway to E-7
D-10-3 is a new subtype of the D-10 job seeker visa added in October 2025, specifically designed for foreign job seekers who want to intern at an advanced technology company in Korea as part of their job search. It is only available to D-10-1 holders without prior E-1 through E-7 Korean work history — it is a 'first Korean work experience' pathway, not an upgrade for experienced foreign workers.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Who qualifies for D-10-3?
D-10-3 is strictly defined — both the intern and the internship company must meet specific criteria:
For the applicant: • Must currently hold D-10-1 (general job seeker) status in Korea • Must NOT have prior Korean work experience on an E-1 through E-7 visa — this is a 'first Korean work experience' pathway only • Ideally graduated from a university ranked in the QS World University Rankings top 200 (or equivalent THE / US News ranking) in a relevant STEM field — though the top-200 criterion is a positive factor rather than a hard cutoff in some MOJ interpretations
For the internship company: • Must be an employer in a designated advanced technology sector: semiconductors, AI, biotech/pharmaceutical, aerospace, clean energy, quantum computing, advanced display, next-generation communications (6G+), advanced robotics • Must be a qualified employer registered with the relevant ministry (MOTIE, Ministry of Science and ICT, etc.) for the advanced tech sector • Must provide a formal internship agreement (인턴십 계약서) — not just a volunteer or shadowing arrangement
D-10-3 terms and conditions
Duration: D-10-3 is a sub-status within D-10-1 — the intern remains on D-10 status but with the internship as their authorized activity. The internship lasts for the duration of the D-10-1 remaining stay period (up to 6 months, or up to 12 months if extended).
Work scope: The D-10-3 intern can work at the internship company as part of their job-seeking activity. The key distinction from a regular E-7 employee: • D-10-3 is still legally a 'job seeker' status — the internship is the job-seeking activity • The company cannot treat the D-10-3 intern identically to a full employee under labor law • Paid internship stipends are permitted within limits — the exact parameters are set by the internship agreement
Conversion to E-7: The primary purpose of D-10-3 is to lead to E-7 employment at the same advanced tech company. If the company wishes to hire the intern permanently after the internship:
- Submit an E-7 application during or at the end of the internship period
- The D-10-3 internship experience at the same company counts toward E-7 eligibility — it is treated as Korea-based relevant experience
- The E-7 application from a D-10-3 intern at the same sponsoring company is given priority processing
D-10-3 vs D-10-1 vs D-10-2: choosing correctly
| D-10-1 General | D-10-2 Startup Prep | D-10-3 Tech Intern | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | General job seekers | Startup founders | First-time tech interns |
| Prior Korean work | Allowed | Allowed | Must NOT have prior E-series |
| Activity | Job seeking (interviews, networking) | Startup program prep | Internship at advanced tech company |
| Company required? | No | No (OASIS enrollment) | Yes (advanced tech sector) |
| Duration | 6 months (max 1 year) | 1 year | Within D-10-1 stay period |
| Conversion path | E-series / F-2-7 | D-8-4 startup | E-7 at same company (expedited) |
If you are a recent graduate from a top-200 university with no Korean work history and have secured an internship offer from a Samsung semiconductor R&D division, D-10-3 is the correct category.
Tips from 행정사s
Confirm the internship company qualifies as an advanced tech sector employer before applying for D-10-3 — not every tech company is on the qualifying list.
D-10-3 is only for those without prior E-series work history in Korea. If you have already worked on E-7 or E-2, you do not qualify for D-10-3.
Start the E-7 conversion process early — 2–3 months before the D-10-3 internship ends — to ensure continuous authorized stay.
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Alien Registration Card (ARC)
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official ID card issued to foreigners staying in South Korea for 91 days or longer. It is required to open a bank account, sign a phone contract, and access most public services.
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HiKorea
How to use HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) — Korea's official immigration portal for visa extensions, status changes, and ARC renewal. Processing time: 3-10 business days.
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Status of Sojourn Change (체류자격 변경)
A status of sojourn change allows a foreigner already in South Korea to switch from one visa category to another without leaving the country — for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa upon graduation and employment.
Frequently asked questions
I studied at a top-300 university, not top-200. Can I still get D-10-3?
The top-200 university criterion is described as a strong positive factor in the MOJ's D-10-3 guidelines. In practice, the advanced technology sector employer's sponsorship and the strategic nature of the internship role may outweigh the ranking criterion for applicants from strong institutions outside the strict top-200. Consult an 행정사 or the immigration office directly for your specific situation.
Can I do a D-10-3 internship at multiple companies?
No — D-10-3 is tied to a specific advanced tech employer. You can only intern at one company on D-10-3. If the internship ends early or you change companies, you revert to standard D-10-1 job seeker status.