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Graduated from a Korean university and want to stay and find a job? The (구직) visa is your bridge between your student visa () and a work visa (). For first-time applicants switching directly from D-2, you get a 1-year grace period without any points test. This guide explains everything from the moment you graduate to the moment you land a job offer.
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
April 22, 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.
There are four D-10 sub-types: D-10-1 (general job seeker) for Korean university graduates (associate degree or higher) and former E-1–E-7 visa holders; D-10-2 (tech startup preparation) for those preparing to launch a tech startup with Korean IP or startup program participation; D-10-3 (advanced tech intern) for students from top global universities interning at qualifying Korean tech companies; D-10-T (top talent) for master's/PhD holders from world top-500 universities seeking employment.
Most D-10-1 renewals require passing the points test (점수제). The total scorecard is 190 points, with a minimum of 20 points from basic items and a total of 60 points required. High scorers (80+ points) get a 3-year total stay (granted 1 year at a time); low scorers (60–79 points) get a 1-year total stay (6 months at a time). Points are awarded for age (younger = more points), education level, Korean language (TOPIK/KIIP), income history, and Korean work experience. First-time D-2 graduates are exempt from the points test for their initial 1-year grant.
Apply for the D-10 status change at least 1 month before your D-2 expires. You must still be in legal status when you apply — do not wait until the last week. Bring your graduation certificate or diploma. If you have not graduated yet but will graduate within 3 months, bring an expected graduation certificate.
Immigration requires a 구직활동 계획서 (job-seeking activity plan) showing how you intend to find employment. This does not need to be a guarantee — it can include job portals you will use, types of companies you are targeting, and any industry connections you have.
Provide bank statements showing sufficient funds to support yourself during the job search period. The threshold is based on the annual single-person housing benefit standard (연도별 1인 가구 주거급여 기준액) multiplied by the number of months you are requesting.
Use official job portals (Work Together 외국인 고용지원센터, LinkedIn, Saramin, Jobkorea), attend job fairs, and network actively. Document your job search activities — you will need to show evidence at renewal.
When a Korean employer makes you an offer, ask them to initiate the process immediately. Your employer applies for the 사증발급인정서, then you apply for the E-7 status change. You do not need to leave Korea to do this.
Keep records of every job application, interview confirmation, and company contact throughout your D-10 period. Immigration asks for these at renewal.
If you score well on TOPIK (Level 4+) or complete KIIP Stage 4, you significantly increase your points and your maximum stay. Consider doing this while still on D-2.
You cannot do the advanced tech intern (D-10-3) activities if you previously held an E-series work visa — that track is for fresh university graduates only.
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Visa Process
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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Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
A visa extension — officially called a 'stay period extension' (체류기간 연장) in Korean immigration law — allows a foreigner to legally remain in Korea beyond the expiry date on their current visa or ARC without leaving the country.
Visa Process
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.
Can I work part-time while on a D-10?
Limited part-time work is allowed only for D-10-1 holders who have a Korean associate degree or higher (less than 1 year old) and meet KIIP Stage 3+ or TOPIK 3+ requirements. Permitted sectors: manufacturing (requires KIIP Stage 4+ only — TOPIK alone is not sufficient for manufacturing) and agriculture (no language requirement). Weekday hours are capped; weekends and public holidays are unlimited. A separate part-time work authorization (체류자격외활동허가) is required.
What if I don't find a job within 1 year?
You can renew if you meet the points requirements (minimum 60/190). Renewals are not guaranteed — you need to show active job-seeking efforts. The maximum total stay on D-10-1 is 3 years (for high scorers) or 1 year (for lower scorers). After the maximum, you must leave unless you have secured employment.
Can I get a D-10 after my E-7 ends?
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026
